Portofino holidays

Best time to go to Portofino

The most popular months to visit Portofino are, without a doubt, June through to September. Temperatures go from 25 degrees upwards, the sea is balmy, and there is a next-to-no chance of rain – plus, the days are long and endlessly sunny. On the other hand, this peak season for Portofino has some downsides, like increased accommodation prices and a huge influx of people, and it becomes trickier to find space at restaurants without advance booking.

It’s only a small town so that it can feel busy quite quickly. To capitalise on the weather, get in some great walking, and skip the biggest crowds, try the shoulder months of October and May. Both can see high temperatures of around 20 degrees, and lows of 15, with plenty of sunshine and daylight. April also promises great conditions for walking – not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy and with many flowers coming into bloom.

You could, alternatively, visit completely in the off-season – late November through to early March. It’s a little chillier, but you’ll still likely catch more sunshine than in northern Europe. There will be effectively no crowds and accommodation, which means open drops in price. However, beware of off-season closures; many restaurants, shops and hotels use these months to recuperate from the summer rush and take a break.

How to get to Portofino

The nearest airport to Portofino is Genoa, just 31 km away from the pretty coastal resort. You can get direct flights to Genoa from both Manchester and London (Stansted, Heathrow and City) or opt for one-stop flights from a variety of UK airports. For example, Glasgow to Genoa is possible with a stop in Amsterdam (taking between four and six hours total) or you could opt for Birmingham to Genoa via Munich or Amsterdam (usually around five hours). Alternatively, you could fly into Milan, which is a little further away but has a swift train connection to Genoa.

Getting around Portofino

Your first move will be to get from the airport in Genoa to Portofino. You can take a very reasonably priced train (less than €5 usually) from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure station, which is just 5 km outside of Portofino. It only takes 45 minutes. Once there, regular buses and boats are available to take you to Portofino, or keen walkers can jump right on the coastal path and hike to their destination. You could also skip the train and take the direct ferry from Genoa to Portofino, running once per day, or take the scenic ferry with various stops in between that runs multiple times a day. Of course, you may also rent a car or boat – the latter being the more glamorous option, if you can sail. Car rental comes with a warning that parking in town is tricky and expensive. If you do plan to hire a car, it’s a good idea to check that your Portofino hotel has parking included in the price.

Getting around Portofino itself is simply a case of walking since the town only consists of a few pretty streets. If you want to head further along the coast on day trips, there are coaches, regular buses and plenty of boat excursions to choose from.

Things to do in Portofino

• Walk the coastline – From this perfect promontory you can access over 80 km of hiking trails, fanning out across the peninsula and down the coast. We’re talking hazel, olive and pine-clad hills offering breathtaking views of the aquamarine coast below. The Lungomare Raffaele Rossetti is a wonderful walk, even for those who aren’t usually hiking enthusiasts. Follow the flat board-walk-like path running below the road as it hugs the coast – offering secret access points to the water that you wouldn’t have from a car.

• **Promenade – **Portofino is nothing if not fancy and plenty of people come here just to see and be seen. The town is an absolute delight, a picture-perfect collection of pastel-coloured buildings, tiny squares and elegant bars. Wander the streets, drop into the odd boutique or designer store, and soak in the sunshine while yacht-spotting in the marina. It’s a delightful place to people-watch (and architecture-gaze) during the day and in the evening.

• **Sample the cuisine – **You’ve come to Italy, so you know the food is going to be fabulous. There are some truly stunning places to eat pasta, pizza, seafood and gelato here, as well as sip on a classy aperitif. It can be more expensive for food than many other parts of/towns in Italy though.

• **Take to the water – **Much of life in Portofino, and all along this coast, revolves around the sea so it would be remiss not to book at least one boat tour while here. In fact, many people choose to arrive by boat since parking in the tiny town can be tricky. You could also book a kayak trip around the coast and hunt for secret coves and secluded swimming spots.

• **Cervara Abbey and gardens – **Just along the coast from Portofino, sit the 13th Century Cervara Abbey and its immaculate formal gardens. You can book tours but be prepared to never put your camera down; it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the area.

• **The abbey and beach at San Fruttuoso – **Another abbey, this time in the opposite direction along the coast, San Fruttuoso comes complete with its own beach. This gorgeous building shelters over 1000 years of history, so the museum is a must. Afterwards, find a spot on the shingle shore and slip into the bath-like waters before grabbing a bite to eat from one of the seafood places close by.

• , right out on the peninsula’s tip. There’s a handy bar here too for a celebratory sip while you admire the panorama.

• **Chiesa del Divo Martino – **Back in town, the Church of Divo Martino is a Medieval church with a yellow-and-white striped facade and an ornate, yet intimate, interior. With marble floors, intricately decorated columns and vaulted ceilings, and centuries of history, it’s well worth a half-an-hour peruse.

• **Museo del Parco – **This is more of a quirky choice for an afternoon in Portofino, but the town is tiny so it’s worth checking out every corner. Museo del Parco is an outdoor sculpture museum, arranged on the hillside in a sort of terraced garden. The art is unique and the view is great, plus it’s delightfully shaded from the midday sun.

Most popular beaches in Portofino

It’s safe to say that not many beaches in this pretty – and exceptionally popular – corner of Italy are a secret. If they are, they’re poorly kept secrets. It’s also not a coast with wide swathes of sandy shore to spread out on. Italians like to sunbathe, often on rocks, jetties or platforms and usually away from pesky sand, before slipping directly into the perfect water below.

• **Portofino Marina – **Most of the marino is taken up with beautiful boats at anchor (logically), but some locals like to walk all the way to the end of the Lungomare, just below the entrance to Parco del Castello Brown, and dip into the Marina off the sun-drenched jetty here. It’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly a lovely spot to dangle your feet in the water.

• **Baia Cannone – **Baia Cannone is the next inlet along from Portofino and it promises a secluded and dreamy swimming spot. The small, rocky beach is just below Hotel Piccolo Portofino and boasts exceptionally still, clear and sheltered water for swimming.

• **Baia di Niasca – **Once a more-hidden gem of the coastline, Baia di Niasca can now get rather competitive for spots, since the shore is barely existent. Why do people jostle for access? Because of the perfect sea of course. People perch on rocks, in the shady crooks of trees, or on the coveted postage stamp of shore to get access to the crystal-clear, blissfully warm water here. You’ll find it by the Outdoor Portofino store.

• **Baia di Paraggi – **The next bay along, in front of Hotel Argentina, is Baia di Paraggi and this one is much more set-up to serve significant numbers of tourists. Here, you’ll find everything you need for a full day of beach-ing, with the shore sectioned into lidos where you can rent shade and loungers for the moments between swimming.

• Punta Pedale – Punta Pedale is another well-set-up shingle beach with lido features such as sunbeds and shade and a space for people to pitch their own towels. It’s one of the biggest beaches in the area with an expanse of sea that’s totally roped off for boats. It’s a great choice for families. Access is best by bus or on foot since parking nearby is few and far between (although better if you’re on a moped/bike).

• **Spiaggia dell'Olivetta – **This is one of the more-secret beach options in the Portofino area, but it’s far from undiscovered. Spiaggia dell'Olivetta is a tiny, stony cove accessed via steep stone steps from the hillside near Castello Brown. It has the perfect combination of shady shore and sun-soaked sea, and the shallow water is tempting enough to spend all afternoon in.

• **San Fruttuoso – **As mentioned above, San Fruttuoso Abbey also has a lovely, shingle beach spread in front of it, making it the perfect spot for a day trip.

What to eat in Portofino

You’ve chosen Italy as your destination, so you know the drill. Look for fantastic, stone-baked pizzas with traditional toppings, wholesome pasta dishes with local ingredients and, of course, stop off for a gelato or six. Don’t forget seafood, since Portofino clings to the coast. As for tipples, Italian wine is always a delight but it would be remiss not to start the evening with a spritz (probably a chilled glass of orange Aperol spritz) as your aperitif. Reputedly, some of the best ice creams can be sampled at Gelateria Gepi Portofino, a pretty shop shaded by an orange tree, near to the Divo Martino church. Il Faretto, by the lighthouse, wins the prize for drinks with a view – it’s ideal for aperitifs, nibbles or a piadina at lunchtime. Here are some other top-rated restaurants to try in Portofino:

• DaV Mare: Romantic setting on the square, exquisite presentation, great seafood

• I Gemelli: Harbourside setting, beautiful presentation, excellent seafood, good portions

• Trattoria Concordia: Up the hill in town, mostly indoor seating, quieter and reasonably packed, highly rated homemade pesto

• Pizzeria El Portico: One of the best-rated pizza places in town, quaint on-street seating

• Ristorante Lo Stella: Picturesque harbourside spot, wonderful pasta and fish, delightful desserts

• Pescefino: Romantic view of the town, renowned for its seafood dishes, simple, fresh menu

If you’re visiting San Fruttuoso, stop to eat at Da Laura or Da Giovanni. While spending the day at Baia Paraggi, be sure to book into famous seafood spot Langosteria Paraggi. Alternatively, you can head further afield for an evening and get to know the restaurants, trattorias and bars in equally pretty Santa Margherita Ligure. Don’t forget; while in Portofino or the nearby bays and coves, there are only a handful of restaurants and a lot of hungry visitors, so the best places do book up.

While Portofino may not boast professional sports teams or stadiums, it offers an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the Italian Riviera's natural beauty with these options:

Local sports events

• Regatta Storica delle Cinque Terre: Witness this colourful boat race in September, where villages along the Cinque Terre compete using traditional rowing boats.

• Giro d'Italia: Cycling enthusiasts may catch a glimpse of this prestigious race passing through Liguria in May.

• Sailing Competitions: Throughout the year, prestigious yachting events like the Portofino Rolex Trophy attract world-class participants.

Sports in Portofino

• Swimming: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Portofino's beaches or explore hidden coves by kayak. Boat rentals are also available for independent exploring.

• Hiking: Lace up your boots and traverse scenic trails along the Portofino Natural Park, offering breathtaking coastal views and charming villages.

• Yoga & Fitness: Several hotels and studios offer yoga classes and fitness sessions amidst stunning seaside settings. Many beaches also have designated areas for beach yoga or fitness routines.

• Tennis: While public courts are limited, some luxury hotels offer private tennis facilities for guests.

Cycling around Portfino:

• Bike Rental: Rent a bike and conquer the challenging yet scenic climbs along the Portofino coast. Cycle paths connect neighbouring villages like Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo for longer adventures.

• Guided Tours: Join a guided cycling tour to explore hidden gems and picturesque landscapes with expert tips and local insights.

Embrace the water

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Glide across the calm waters of the bay, discovering hidden coves and enjoying unique perspectives of the coastline.

• Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful marine life by Portofino's protected marine area.

• Boat Tours: Embark on boat tours to discover hidden grottos, secluded beaches, and charming villages along the stunning coastline.

Seasonal events in Portofino

Portofino, a picturesque Italian Riviera village, offers a series of seasonal events that captivate visitors and locals alike with its blend of tradition, culture, and natural beauty.

• New Year: Celebrate the start of the new year with stunning fireworks and festivities that light up the harbour, offering a magical backdrop to usher in January 1st.

• Easter: The Easter procession in Portofino is a deeply rooted tradition, where locals and visitors experience the solemn beauty of religious ceremonies against the backdrop of this coastal gem.

• Carnival: While Portofino is quieter during Carnival compared to Italy's major cities, the nearby towns offer vibrant celebrations, with some festivities spilling over into this serene harbour.

Festivals in Portofino

Portofino's festival calendar is dotted with events that showcase its rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural environment.

• Portofino Role Cup: An exclusive sailing regatta that attracts yacht enthusiasts from around the world.

• International Paraggi Bay Swim: A thrilling open-water swimming competition that takes place in the beautiful Paraggi Bay.

• Festa di San Giorgio: Honoring the patron saint of Portofino, this festival in April features a religious procession, traditional music, and, of course, exceptional Ligurian cuisine.

• Festival of the Sea (Festa del Mare): In August, Portofino celebrates its deep connection with the sea, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.

• Outdoor Cinema Festival: Throughout the summer, enjoy classic films under the stars in locations around Portofino, blending cinematic magic with the natural beauty of the area.

These events highlight the unique charm of Portofino holidays, offering visitors a blend of leisure, culture, and natural beauty. Each festival and seasonal event provides a glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle that make Portofino a mesmerizing destination on the Italian Riviera.