Portofino – A Gem of the Italian Riviera

Portofino, one of the most famous resorts on the Italian Riviera, is charming, elegant, and surprisingly small. The town has just over 500 permanent residents, but everything changes in the summer — the sun shines, the sea sparkles, and yachts fill the harbor one after another. Celebrities, tourists, and adventurers all come to Portofino to experience the best of Italian style. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip — easily accessible, beautiful, and relaxing.

Why is Portofino called the “Dolphin Harbor”?

The name Portofino comes from the Latin Portus Delphini, which means “harbor of dolphins.” Dolphins were once common in these waters, and the area was known for its calm seas and rich marine life. Today, dolphins are still celebrated through statues, decorations, and local business names.

How to get to Portofino

By boat — the most scenic way

Traveling by boat is the most convenient and picturesque way to reach Portofino. Ferries depart from several nearby towns:

Departure From	Duration	Notes
Rapallo	About 30 minutes	Via Santa Margherita
Santa Margherita Ligure	About 15 minutes	Closest harbor
Camogli	30–45 minutes	Seasonal service
Cinque Terre	1–1.5 hours	Limited connections
Genoa	About 1.5 hours	Occasional service

Ferries from Rapallo via Santa Margherita run hourly from April through October.

Tickets can be purchased on site or online (recommended during peak season).

A round-trip ticket lets you stay as long as you want, but the last ferry back departs at 6 PM.

By bus

Bus line 82 connects Santa Margherita and Portofino every 20–30 minutes.

The journey takes about 15–20 minutes but can get crowded during high season.

By car

The SP227 road is narrow and winding.

Parking in Portofino is very limited and expensive.

It’s best to park in Santa Margherita Ligure and continue on foot, by bus, or by boat.

A woman and child sit on a boat, wrapped in a warm embrace. In the background, colorful buildings and anchored boats line the sunny harbor. The scene feels peaceful and serene.

Colorful buildings line the waterfront of a serene harbor, dotted with small boats. Lush green hills rise in the background under a clear blue sky.

An elegant sailboat with tall masts rests in calm blue waters near a lush green island. The sky above is a clear blue, streaked with a few wispy contrails.

What to See and Do in Portofino

Historical Sights

Castello Brown – A villa on a hill with a beautiful garden, panoramic views, and an exhibition of historical photographs. Entrance fee: €6. Accessible via two paths – one steeper with stairs (via San Giorgio Church), the other gentler with switchbacks, suitable even for strollers.

Church of San Martino (Divo Martino) – A Romanesque building from the 12th century.

San Giorgio Church – A small chapel with an iconic view of the harbor.

Walks and Hikes

Promenade around the harbor – A perfect spot for a stroll with an ice cream in hand.

Hike to the Lighthouse (Faro di Portofino) – The trail to Punta del Capo offers romantic sea views.

Trail to Santa Margherita Ligure – A beautiful coastal walk (about 1 hour on foot).

Where to Eat

Harborfront Restaurants – Stylish places with a view, such as Ristorante Puny or Da I Gemelli.

O Magazin – A restaurant with a floating terrace right on the water. Personally, I found it quite wobbly 😄, but it could be a great experience!

Gelaterias – Delicious homemade gelato can be found around the Piazzetta.

Where to Stay in Portofino

Luxury Hotels
Belmond Hotel Splendido – A legendary five-star hotel with amazing views and a pool.
Eight Hotel Portofino – An elegant boutique hotel in a quieter part of town.

Mid-Range and Budget-Friendly Options
Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo – More affordable hotels and apartments with easy access by boat or bus.

For Budget Travelers
Campsites around Rapallo and Sestri Levante – A great base with access to the sea and nearby towns.

Colorful buildings line the waterfront of a picturesque Italian village, with boats anchored in crystal-clear blue water. In the background, green hills rise beneath a bright blue sky.

A woman stands beside vibrant red flowers near a picturesque harbor with colorful buildings, moored boats, lush greenery, and a bright blue sky.

A child in a blue shirt sits on a dock next to a tattooed man in a white shirt, both gazing at the lively, colorful houses lining the waterfront.<br />

Portofino in Film

Portofino has appeared in many films, commercials, and TV series, captivating audiences with its picturesque setting since the 1950s.

Famous examples:

The Barefoot Contessa (1954) – starring Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart, partly filmed here.
Castello Brown – inside the castle, you can find black-and-white photos of famous visitors to Portofino.
Hotel Portofino (2022) – a British period drama set in the luxurious environment of the Italian Riviera.
Luca (Pixar) – an animated film inspired by the charm of Portofino and other Ligurian towns.

A child and an adult stand by a stone wall with the sign “Portofino Yacht Marina.” The scene is sunny, with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.<br />

A woman with long hair stands by a brick wall, overlooking a lively harbor with sailboats, colorful buildings, and lush greenery. The scene feels relaxed and picturesque.<br />

Praktické informace

Toalety – Veřejné WC u mola (vlevo), vstup 1–2 €.
Bankomaty a obchody – Dostupné v centru, vše blízko u sebe.
Wi-Fi – Ve většině kaváren a veřejných prostor.

Rychlý přehled

Kategorie	Informace
Doprava	Nejlépe lodí z Rapalla nebo Santa Margherita každou hodinu
Památky	Castello Brown, kostely San Giorgio a Divo Martino
Jídlo	Přístavní restaurace, plovoucí terasa, gelaterie
Ubytování	Luxusní v Portofinu, levnější v okolí
Filmová historie	Castello Brown, seriál Hotel Portofino, film Luca
Aktivity	Plavání, potápění, túry, jachting

Závěr

Portofino není jen o luxusních jachtách. Je to místo s duší, historií a úžasnou atmosférou. Ať už hledáte romantický výlet, filmovou nostalgii, nádherný výhled nebo jen italské gelato — Portofino vám všechno tohle nabídne. Ideální na odpoledne nebo denní výlet lodí, který si zamilujete.

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