South of the Italian metropolis of Genoa, Portofino is one in every of Northern Italy’s most stunning spots to go to. Though comparatively small, it’s completely picturesque and charming and there are heaps of the very best issues to do in Portofino which are dotted all throughout the shoreline.
We completely love travelling in Italy and Portofino is one gem you gained’t need to miss. It’s the proper place for a day journey in Italy, or just a little longer if you happen to’re travelling across the north coast and mountains. If it’s the latter, you’ll be capable to embrace spots like; Lake Como, Cinque Terre or cities like Milan, too.
Now, one factor to notice, Portofino might be fairly a bit dearer than different locations in Italy to go to. That being stated, you’ll be able to decrease prices (and nonetheless get nice climate) if you happen to go to in late spring or early Autumn. This fashion, you’ll profit from much less demand for lodging and excursions and hold prices just a little decrease.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey to Portofino, I needed to share some fabulous little spots that I feel you’ll love.
Have the very best time in Italy!
1.) Portofino Harbour (Marina di Portofino)
In the event you’re arriving in Portofino by boat, it’s probably your first port of name can be Marina di Portofino. That is the harbour space of the city and a hive of exercise, particularly in the summertime months.
After arriving at both the tender port or marina the place your boat will dock, head straight down the shoreline and discover the broader Portofino Harbour space.
Truly, speaking of crusing, if you happen to’re travelling from Genoa, e book this good Portofino boat tour that’ll take you to all of the spots in and round Portofino itself. It’s such an effective way to get to Portofino and makes the journey a lot much less traumatic, particularly if you happen to don’t need to drive on winding roads.
Simply remember to e book the Portofino boat tour upfront. Locations refill very quick at peak instances.
For among the finest gelatos in all of Northern Italy, head over to Gelateria Gepi Portofino. Sure, it’s fairly a bit increased in worth (in comparison with different areas in Italy) however, if I’m sincere, most issues are in Portofino. Nonetheless, the gelato is completely price it.
Hankering for selfmade pizza? Head over to Pizzeria El Portico. nonetheless family-owned and run, their anchovy pizza is the whole lot!
Learn extra: Finest locations within the North of Italy to go to
2.) Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Simply down the coast from Portofino itself, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso is effectively price visiting. Finest reached by boat, or climbing, visiting the Abbey of San Fruttuoso is among the greatest issues to do in Portofino if you happen to’re primarily based within the space of travelling to Portofino for a day journey.
In the event you arrive by boat, you’ll hop off at ‘Battelli Turistici’ which is the place all of the customer boats dock. From right here, it’s a couple of minutes stroll on to the abbey itself. With over 1,000 years of historical past, remember to head contained in the abbey and take a look at the museum, too.
Although, as I discussed earlier than, this space can get very busy. So, head throughout early within the morning if you wish to keep away from a few of the crowds.
3.) Kayak in Portofino
If you wish to take to the water, e book this fabulous Portofino kayak tour that’s a lot enjoyable. Appropriate for many skills, it’s a comparatively simple place to kayak and effectively price exploring the shoreline and tiny little coves with the certified information.
Simply bear in mind, as with most excursions, plans can change if winds choose up. At all times have a again up plan simply in case.
4.) Seashore of San Fruttuoso
Now, becoming in on the seashore at San Fruttuoso is completely simple once you’ve already visited the abbey. It’s roughly the identical space, so be sure to pack your swimsuit to your journey.
Take just a little dip within the small cove (which is completely refreshing on a scorching summer season day). Oh, and ensure to both pack some snorkelling gear to see all of the fish that decision this come house.
Afterwards, head to La Cantina for a few of their yummy seafood. Their seabass was so scrumptious. It’s just a little little bit of a stroll from the primary boat space but it surely’s so price it.
5.) Paraggi Seashore
Simply to the east of Portofino is the attractive little bay of Paraggi. Sure, it’s small and might get ‘cosy’ when plenty of folks go to but it surely’s nonetheless one in every of our favorite seashores round Portofino.
Not solely that, there’s some parking shut by (see right here on Google Maps). This makes it an excellent spot to go to if you happen to’re already driving and combating parking round Portofino itself. The latter may be very exhausting, by the best way.
Plus, you’ll be able to simply e book this snorkelling tour round Paraggi Bay. It’s among the finest issues to do in Portofino if you wish to discover the wildlife across the shoreline.
For a chew to eat, seize a beachfront desk at Eight Restaurant. Their selfmade pasta is so tasty and wealthy.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Cinque Terre
6.) Castello Brown
Fancy just a little little bit of a ramble when in Portofino. Take a wander as much as Fort Brown, simply on the hill overlooking the area. Belief me, it’s among the finest issues to do in Portofino if you wish to stretch your legs.
The fortress itself dates again virtually 500 years and is effectively price climbing the steps and heading to the perspective to see the broader area. You see, the stroll is simply as attractive because the fortress itself.
Spend round two hours exploring and strolling round this headland and ensure to cease off on the church of Saint Giorgio. It’s stunning.
7.) Santa Margherita Ligure
Perched simply shy of Portofino itself, Santa Margherita Ligure is one city that’s effectively price visiting if you happen to’re not heading again to Genoa immediately.
As soon as right here, be sure to cease on the, virtually, 400-year-old Villa Durazzo. The constructing is attractive and the walks across the park are simply stunning to see. Although, don’t anticipate large quantities of grand furnishings inside – the rooms are just a little extra sparse.
For a yummy lunch, head to Ristorante Antonio for his or her grilled calamari and baked catch of the day. So good.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Cinque Terre
8.) Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta
In some methods, all of the little areas of Portofino mix into one once you’re on the bottom. You see, it’s such a small place that it’ll solely take you a couple of minutes to go from one half to a different.
So, after I say visiting Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta is among the greatest issues to do in Portofino, you’ll rapidly realise it’s proper by the harbour and also you’ll have already got walked by way of the piazza itself.
Throughout the piazza are little retailers, cafes and luxurious retailers. It’s the proper little spot to walk.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Cinque Terre
9.) Divo Martino Church
If it’s historical past you’re after, be sure to cease by the striped church of Chiesa del Divo Martino (Divo Martino Church). It’s been round for hundreds of years and you’ll nonetheless head inside to this present day.
Getting peckish? Reserve a desk at Trattoria Concordia that’s away from the waterfront itself. It’s such a comfy little restaurant and the meals was one in every of our favourites in all of Portofino. Simply remember to strive their selfmade pesto. Yum!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Cinque Terre
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