With majestic sea cliffs and colorful buildings along turquoise waters, what’s not to love about Portofino. Even more, this gem of the Italian Riviera is small and easy to experience afoot. I enjoyed my time in this charming, yet luxurious sea port and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover this one-day itinerary with Portofino Italy walking tour highlights.
In the Liguria Region of the Italian Riviera, Portofino is located in the Gulf of Tigullio near Genoa. This charming fishing village is also a resort town for the rich and famous. Portofino’s harbor is filled with luxury yachts and lined with colorful buildings. Also, it’s sheltered by the verdant Mount Portofino.
The village is included in the Portofino regional national park and the protected marine area. Cobblestone roads and alleyways are filled with quaint shops, fancy boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Also, the signature dish of the Ligurian Region is pesto, a sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic and pecorino.
Portofino is a village surrounded by natural beauty, historic landmarks, shopping and restaurants all within walking distance. A day in Portofino is best to do on a walking tour. Here are the highlights to see along the way.
La Piazzetta
The best place to start a day in Portofino is the main square, La Piazzetta on the picturesque harbor with colorful buildings. From here, you see many of the popular sites within walking distance, such as, Portofino Marina, San Martino Church, Castello Brown, Museo del Parco, shopping and restaurants. All these sites are within a 5 to 10-minute walking distance.
Marina de Portofino
This marina is where the luxury yachts park during their stay in Portofino. It’s humbling marvel at this lifestyle of the rich and famous. Also, the ferry and fishing boats come to this area. I arrived on my tender from my anchored cruise ship at this marine paradise.
Museo del Parco
Next to the Marina del Portofino sign is the entrance to this unique sculpture park. The entrance is close to the sign for the marina that leads you through the Museo del Parco or Park Museum. Created in the 80’s, this park lies on the terrace below the cliff. It displays exotic plants alongside sculptures from over 100 different artists. Sorry to miss this park, as it was closed during my visit.
10 am to 1 pm and 3 to 7 pm, Closed Mondays
Church of San Martino
The Church of San Martino dates back to the 11th century and is the symbol of Portofino. Its bell tower displays in the main La Piazzetta skyline alongside the other colorful buildings. From the main square, go to the right between buildings, taking steps to the entrance. The church showcases a 3-nave plan with a rose window façade and also, it’s dedicated to Martin of Tours and offers free entrance.
Wander the Pedestrian Roads for Shopping and Restaurants
The streets are lined with clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, designer brand jewelry and restaurants. I purchased a darling (reasonably priced) summer dress at Anticca Sartoria. If you take the time, there’s something for everyone to shop for in Portofino.
The harbor front is bustling with restaurants and cafes offering outside seating. However, I followed a narrow alleyway to the quaint and quieter Ristorante Da U Batti on a small square. Here, I got a chance to indulge in the signature dish of the Ligurian Region, the pesto sauce on pasta. Bon appetit!
Walk up Hill to San Giorgio Church, Castello Brown and Lighthouse
A wonderful path takes you uphill to the San Giorgio Church, Castello Brown and Lighthouse. It’s moderately steep with intermittent shade. This path is a popular thing to do for a good reason. Not only are the 3 stops interesting, they provide the most incredible views of Portofino harbor and town center. Overall, it’s about a 10-minute walk uphill between each location.
San Giorgio Church
First stop is the San Giorgio Church, dedicated to St. George, the Patron Saint of Portofino.
Inside are relics of St. George brought by sailors returning from the Crusades. This Roman Catholic Church was destroyed and rebuilt after WW II. Also, behind this yellow church lies an interesting cemetery.
Here, the view of Portofino Harbor is wonderful, but keep climbing as the best view is at Castello Brown.
Castello Brown
Portofino Italy Walking Tour
The Castello Brown is a medieval fortress, dating back to the 15th century. Surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean gardens, this castle offers the most spectacular view of Portofino Harbor. Also, inside the castle displays bas-reliefs and furnishings crafted with marble or slate. It is named after the first private owner from 1867 to 1905, Montagu Yeats Brown, an English Consul from Genoa. Overall, the history of this fortress is steeped in military defense for the Portofino harbor since the 15th century.
Portofino Lighthouse or Faro Di Portofino
Just a 10-minute walk from the Castello Brown is the Portofino Lighthouse. Perched on a sea cliff, this white lighthouse stands 130 feet above sea level. It is located on the Portofino peninsula’s western tip offering stunning views of the Tigullio Gulf. Also, a café sits at the base of the lighthouse with epic views of the sea below.
Baia Cannone Beach
This small cove with Baia Cannone Beach is a short walk from the town center. Trees and villas, such as, the famous Mondadori dot the hillside surrounding the beach. Its waters are crystal clear with yachts that moor in front of it.
Check out my YouTube Video!
If you have more time in Portofino…
Christ of the Abyss statue lies 17 meters (56 ft) underwater. Its purpose is to protect scuba divers and fisherman, representing Christ in the act of blessing. Sculpted by Guido Galletti in 1954, this is a fun site to explore for scuba divers.
Portofino Regional Nature Park lies in the heart of the Ligurian Riviera. Among sea cliffs and hiking paths, the park includes panoramic views onto the Protected Marine Area of the same name. Overall, the park offers 900 species of plant life, a variety of animal species and 80 km of walking paths.
These walking paths are well-maintained and marked with signposts for all fitness levels. Also, the park includes numerous historical buildings, such as, Saracens’Tower, San Fruttoso Abbey, ancient water mills and WW II coastal batteries. Noteworthy, the trail to San Fruttuoso aka “via dei tubi,” the tube trail is popular.
Because this park overlooks the sea, it offers the unique activity called coasteering. For the adventurers, coasteering combines trekking, rock climbing, diving and swimming.
Enjoy Portofino!
To be an absolute gem in a country like Italy says a lot! Portofino is simply paradise, combining magnificent landscapes, pristine harbors and sea along with historic landmarks. Truly the contrast is incredible between the luxury yachts and fishing village charm to enchant everyone. If anyone is so lucky to visit, please leave comments below on how best to enjoy Portofino.
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