The spectacular crescent shaped town of Portofino stretches along a scenic sheltered bay of Liguria and is one of the trendiest holiday destinations in Italy! Less than 25 kilometres from Genova and under forty kilometres from the famous UNESCO awarded Cinque Terre, Portofino has held its own in terms of drawing in large crowds of tourists and has just as much to offer by way of attractions.
Stay in a stunning villa in Liguria close to the coast and spend a few days visiting Portofino and other gems hugging the sea line here.
The buildings lining the port of the town are a melody of bright colours, all adding to the quaint charm of this fishing port. Restaurants close to the water’s edge offer a superb selection of freshly caught seafood transformed into incredible dishes that must be tasted to be believed!
Stay in a stunning villa in Liguria close to the coast and spend a few days visiting Portofino and other gems hugging the sea line here.
The buildings lining the port of the town are a melody of bright colours, all adding to the quaint charm of this fishing port. Restaurants close to the water’s edge offer a superb selection of freshly caught seafood transformed into incredible dishes that must be tasted to be believed!
The inhabitants of Portofino were so skilled at fishing and sea navigation throughout the centuries that the ancient Greeks and Romans nicknamed them ‘Delfini’ meaning dolphins! Probably the best way to explore Portofino is by foot so why not begin your pleasant journey in the town’s piazzetta, the central meeting point and social hub.
From there go for a stroll around the church of San Giorgio, Portofino’s patron saint. It dates back to the 12th century and it houses the relics of this endeared saint. Superb sea views can be admired from the courtyard of this ancient church.
Be sure to see the pretty Castello Brown which overlooks Portofino and is surrounded by picturesque hanging gardens. Visitors can sail out to the lighthouse situated on Punta del Capo and learn all about its role in protecting ships sailing along this section of the Ligurian coast.
From there go for a stroll around the church of San Giorgio, Portofino’s patron saint. It dates back to the 12th century and it houses the relics of this endeared saint. Superb sea views can be admired from the courtyard of this ancient church.
Be sure to see the pretty Castello Brown which overlooks Portofino and is surrounded by picturesque hanging gardens. Visitors can sail out to the lighthouse situated on Punta del Capo and learn all about its role in protecting ships sailing along this section of the Ligurian coast.
Lots of charming artisan shops exist in Portofino selling crafts carved from seashells, wood, and a delicate bobbin lace made by many skilled local women. Sail out along the magnificent Gulf of Tigullio or climb up the Monte di Portofino to experience some breath-taking views of land and sea.
Lots of fantastic festivals are hosted here throughout the year, especially in the summer months. Experience the glorious festival of St. George on April 23rd which involves colourful processions and a spectacular bonfire in the Piazzetta. Portofino is truly a magical place to be when it is lit up at night and the buildings’ lights glitter over the calm sea bay.
There are many exciting water sports to engage in here such as scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. There’s so much to do and see in this mesmerising part of Liguria that you may never want to leave!
Lots of fantastic festivals are hosted here throughout the year, especially in the summer months. Experience the glorious festival of St. George on April 23rd which involves colourful processions and a spectacular bonfire in the Piazzetta. Portofino is truly a magical place to be when it is lit up at night and the buildings’ lights glitter over the calm sea bay.
There are many exciting water sports to engage in here such as scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. There’s so much to do and see in this mesmerising part of Liguria that you may never want to leave!
Photo credits
picture 1: Blackfalcon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Dapa19 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Anna & Michal / CC BY 2.0
picture 1: Blackfalcon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Dapa19 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Anna & Michal / CC BY 2.0
