Clustered around a small harbour overlooking the Tigullio Gulf, Portofino is a colourful fishing village on the Italian Riviera. In the late 19th century, it began attracting aristocratic tourists and remains a jet-set destination, with centuries-old churches juxtaposed against its high-end boutiques.
Stroll through Portofino to admire its colourful buildings and relax in the waterfront square of Piazzetta where you can dine on fresh seafood at one of the alfresco restaurants. Elevated views across the village are on offer from Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortification where an impressive collection of artwork and antiquities are exhibited.
International designer boutiques and local artisan stores line the streets of Portofino, together with historic churches that include the Chiesa del Divo Martino. Designed in a Romanesque Lombard style, this 16th-century house of worship is renowned for its striped facade and boasts a richly adorned interior that includes religious paintings and sculptural works.
Getting there
Portofino is around 20 minutes’ drive from Rapallo and 45 minutes from Genoa and Christopher Columbus Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses are the main means of getting to Portofino and the village is compact enough to explore on foot.