Portofino

Portofino is a small fishing village on the Ligurian coast east of Genoa, set in a sheltered cove at the tip of a green, rocky peninsula. Pastel houses around a tiny harbour, luxury yachts and the wooded headland have made it one of the most famous and photographed places on the Italian Riviera.

The Piazzetta, the little square by the harbour, is the heart of the village, lined with cafés and boutiques. A short walk leads up to the Church of San Giorgio and to Castello Brown, a fortress with gardens and views over the bay, and on to the lighthouse at Punta Portofino. The Portofino Regional Park and the surrounding marine protected area preserve the peninsula's forests, cliffs and underwater meadows. Show more

Hiking trails cross the headland to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a medieval monastery in a hidden cove that can also be reached by boat, and to the fishing village of Camogli. In the sea off San Fruttuoso lies the underwater bronze statue Christ of the Abyss. Santa Margherita Ligure, a larger resort, lies a short drive or boat ride away, and focaccia and trofie al pesto are local favourites.

Portofino is reached by bus or boat from Santa Margherita Ligure, which has a station on the coastal railway, and the narrow road has very limited parking. A day suits the village, and a longer stay combines walks and boat trips. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, while summer is the busiest season.