Portofino and You

Portofino, one of the eight wonders of the world, is a fantastic hamlet on the sea-based in the Italian Riviera, close to Genoa in the Nord West area of Italy. It’s easy to reach from Genova, Milano, Florence, Turin and Cote d’Azur. Portofino became famous in the 60s, when the rich and famous characters of the «Dolce Vita», actors, actresses, pop stars, and rich aristocrats frequently started visiting it for its twilights, exclusive parties, and breathtaking views. Today, Portofino is a place known for international tourism and the jet-set lifestyle.

We have written a specific page with an ultimate guide on which are the best hotels in Portofino. Click here.

If you need to rent a car at genoa airport. The average transfer time between Genoa Airport and Portofino is 60/90 minutes – after the bridge collapse. On an average weekday, there are usually about 50 trains per day traveling from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure, the railway station who serve Portofino. From this point, you need the public bus who runs every half an hour. We suggest using the Ferry Boat from Santa Margherita Ligure.

After the storm who broke the panoramic road to Portofino, the only way to get there is by  Ferry Boat from Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo. Please keep in mind that during the off-season this service run only with good weather.

Between April (Eastern) to the end of October, you can come at any day. Usually, you can be in the middle of the crowd from Thursday to Sunday. The «Piazzetta» is always full of people, and you can feel as if you were in your living room. For the rest of the time – November to February – we suggest Portofino only if there is good weather and during the weekend. In Christmas – most of the shops are closed – but emotions are really amazing!

Aperitivo: Winterose at the end of Calata Marconi (left dock). Around 10 euro.
Art Gallery: Lorenzo Cascio on the right of the Piazzetta. Really amazing!
Eating Out: Da U Batti, behind the Piazzetta. Around 100 euro. Secret Scampi Recipe.
Beach: Cannone Bay, just a couple of minutes before Portofino.
Inspirations: Lighthouse of Portofino and the little wall above yacht club in the walk to St. George.
Best Moment: From 8 pm during the season. Soo romantic!
Love Declaration: Terrace on the right of the St. George Church, Castle Brown and little pier on Molo Umberto I.
Magic: If you have time, walk to Portofino during Christmas, it’s really magical. Embrace each other and let go!
Dolphins: 150 meters from the coast between Lighthouse and San Fruttuoso and in front of the Cervara Abbey. Best moment from October to March.
Whales: 500 meters from the coast between our lighthouse and Nervi (GE). Best moment from November to March.
Ducks: In the season you can find them inside the little bay of the «Piazzetta».
Barracuda: Between the little bay of Cala dell’Oro and San Fruttuoso.
Wedding: Possible with a little patience to the Church of San Giorgio. Access needs to be discussed in Townhall.
Best picture: Go to Castle Brown. There is a deck with stunning views. Even San Giorgio Church deserves.
Mothers and children: The access to the village and its surroundings is easy with prams. No problem. There aren’t nursery in the city.
Keeping fit: Jogging along with the state Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure (about 3.3 kilometers).
Dine in the Evening: In season, Ladies are dressed in an elegant evening gown.
Parking: Required for cars inside the silos. Cost during the season € 7,50 / h.
Underwater: Christ of the Abysses at a depth of 17 meters in the San Fruttuoso bay. Amazing!
With your dog: Required dogs on a leash. They are very welcome.
Disability: There is a lift in the parking measuring 82 cm. Arrive in Piazzetta is possible without too many issues. Floor sandstone.
Good to know: We have Newsstand, Pharmacy, Police, Post Office, Yacht Club, a Park, ATM, and Captaincy.
Toilets: They are in the square of parking on arrival. There are also at the end of Molo Umberto I. Pier at the right.
Emotional Thing: Arrive in Portofino by boat at the sunset. Absolutely!
St. George’s Bonfire: April 23rd. Emotional moment.
Parish: +39.0185.269337 – Mobile +39.333.217.9407 – curia@chiavari.chiesacattolica.it
Where to Stay: The Splendido. A very enchanting and exclusive retreat with SPA. We recommend it.
When: From April to October each day. In winter only at the weekend. In Christmas – most of the shops are closed – but emotions are amazing!

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Every year on April 23rd, the celebration starts at about 7 p.m. Saint George is the patron saint of Portofino. There is a laic feast that celebrates the patron a few days before the religious ceremony. Don’t leave when the bonfire ends. The celebration continues with a BBQ, local wine, focaccia, anchovies, and local delicacies. Some shops are open, as well as many restaurants and American bars. You might want to take a walk on the two docks, and in Piazzetta, maybe with your significant other for a romantic time in Portofino. Full of emotions.

The Saint George bonfire is a unique moment, quite popular among tourists and even the locals. Getting to Portofino by car can be very hard at that time. You hardly get any chance to park after 5 p.m., and you risk the traffic block in Santa Margherita. A good option is taking the bus or an electric bike from Santa Margherita Ligure, (you’ll need a card, which you can purchase in Santa Margherita on the rotatory of buses in the morning). In this case, you can leave the car in Santa Margherita Ligure.

The welfare campaigns are something we continue to love with all our effort.
Our Dolphins during 2019 will support:

Campaigns:
Don’t Leave Me (Pet Abandonment)
Grindadráp (Faroe Islanders’ ritual slaughter of pilot whales)
Taiji Japan (Taiji dolphin drive hunt)

Organizations:
Sea Shepherd
A.P.S.P. Levico Curae

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Should you require tourist Information or Help, please contact us by Twitter or Facebook using our unique id @portofino. Our ambassadors will be happy to assist you. For business inquiries, please use the contact form on this page. Do not hesitate to contact us by telefax if you prefer at +39.02.700.514.218 or +39.06.233.238.971 at any time: 24/7/365

We are absolutely NOT connected with any public administration. We are «I Delfini di Portofino»🐬