The well-known song claims that love can be found in Portofino, and it’s not hard to understand why. The place is simply breathtaking, with its pristine air and sea, vibrant colors, luxurious yachts, unique houses, and everything else that surrounds you. As I reminisce about my adventure on the Italian Riviera, I can’t help but envy the 500 people who call Portofino home. Imagine waking up every morning at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, with the Mediterranean Sea stretching out before you.
Portofino isn’t a destination that requires a long list of things to do or see. The city itself is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s special enough on its own. The luxurious atmosphere perfectly complements the natural beauty that abounds in the area.
How long does it take to visit Portofino?
Portofino is a very small town, which you can visit in just one day. We’ve allocated a little over half a day to visit it, and we had plenty of time to do everything we wanted, without being under the pressure of time. So a day trip to Portofino would be all you need.
How do you get to Portofino?
Things to do in Portofino
As I mentioned earlier, Portofino is not about famous tourist attractions, so there is no “to-do” list to prepare before you arrive. You can simply let yourself be carried away by the surroundings and do whatever you feel like doing once you reach that heavenly place.
When you step out of the bus, you will be greeted by some well-known designer shops that indicate that you have arrived at the right place. The city center is located in Piazzetta, where you can have a glass of prosecco or grab a slice of pizza. A little further is the magnificent Portofino harbor, which confirms that you have arrived at your destination. The harbor is not as extensive as the one in Santa Margherita, but it is just as luxurious.
After taking dozens of pictures, we walked to Brown Castle. The climb up the hill is a bit challenging, but it is worth every second. The admission fee to the castle is 5€, and the views you get from the top are indescribable. You must see it with your own eyes to believe it.
We then walked a little further and reached the Portofino Lighthouse, as we were curious to see what other stunning landscapes were there to amaze us. However, nothing left us as speechless as the view from the castle. Near the lighthouse, there is a bar and a restaurant where you can have something to eat or drink, but be aware that the prices are not the most affordable.
On our way back to Piazzetta, we stopped at St. George’s Church, another fantastic viewpoint in Portofino.
A few hours later, we took the same 782 bus to return to Levanto. However, while on the bus, we spotted an amazing beach called Baia di Paraggi, and we couldn’t resist stopping there. That is the only sandy beach near Portofino, and we spent another hour there before finally leaving. To be honest, it is difficult to leave Portofino.
Is Portofino worth visiting?
If the pictures above didn’t make it clear already, let me say it – Portofino is definitely worth a visit. Although the city may seem like the epitome of luxury, it has so much more to offer than that. What you’ll remember about Portofino are the breathtaking views that are unique to this city, and the way it makes you feel. You’ll soon realize that the Italian phrase “il dolce far niente” is a real thing.
However, I recommend avoiding booking a place to stay in Portofino. It’s more cost-effective to take a day trip there as part of a larger itinerary, and then find accommodation in a nearby city such as Genoa, Levanto, or La Spezia.
Enjoy your trips!🥰
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