Portofino is one of the best Mediterranean places to visit in Italy. Located in the heart of the Italian Riviera, it is a famous destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is impossible not to fall in love with its charming architecture, its elegant style, and of course its dreamy beaches. However, Portofino is expensive and overcrowded, especially in the peak summer season (from June to August). That is why many travelers choose to visit it as a day trip! In this article, you will find the ultimate guide to a day trip to Portofino, Italy.
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Things to know before visiting Portofino
Portofino is located in one of the most touristic areas of Italy, on the Ligurian Riviera. It is close to Genoa, Cinque Terre, and even Tuscany. It is a small village that is easily accessible from any of these places by car, public transport, or boat. Despite its size, there are many things to do and see. Here are the main attractions of this Ligurian gem:
- Church of San Martino
- Marina of Portofino
- Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta
- Castello Brown (best panoramic view of Portofino)
- Portofino Beaches (Baia Cannone – Baia di Paraggi – Stella Beach)
Portofino is also the perfect location for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as it has a rich marine life. So, besides the elegant element with its many luxury and souvenir stores, it offers mesmerizing ocean views. For a relaxing day in Portofino, there are many cafés, gelaterias, and restaurants for delicious Italian meals. You can not leave without trying a nice aperitivo, a stuffed focaccia, or an Italian gelato. Additionally, there are several beach clubs where you can spend the day, but be prepared for high prices. You can always take advantage of the public areas of the beaches, where you can lay your towel and enjoy the turquoise waters.
How to get to Portofino?
It can be tricky to visit and find parking in Portofino, especially by car during the summer months. However, there is covered parking which costs 6 euros per hour and 20 euros per day. Alternatively, since it is very close to Genoa and Cinque Terre, you can take the train and get off at the train station “Santa Margherita Ligure”. From there, you will find a minibus that will take you to Portofino. The last option to access this Italian gem is by boat. You can take the boat from Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Genoa, or from smaller places like Camogli. Accessing Portofino and other parts of Liguria by boat is a great way to get around, as the views of the ocean are breathtaking.
The best time to visit Portofino
Since it is a busy place in the summer months, we strongly suggest that you visit in the shoulder season (from April to late May or from late August to October). Portofino is not only an overcrowded destination, but also a tiny village. So, it is more difficult to visit and explore it in the summer. If you want to spend a relaxing vacation or fully enjoy your day there, we would not recommend visiting during the high summer season.
Best beaches to visit in Portofino – Italy
1-Baia Cannone
You have probably come across this famous beach somewhere on Instagram. This beach is one of the most special and authentic spots in Portofino. It is a real pleasure to take a dip in these deep blue waters against the backdrop of the colorful buildings. Since it is one of the most crowded places, you should visit it either early in the morning or late in the evening. It is easy to find this beach. In case you are visiting Portofino by boat, you will find it a few minutes after leaving the marina. Baia Cannone is a must-visit for outdoor and photography enthusiasts.
2-Baia di Paraggi
Another dreamy beach to enjoy in Portofino is the beach of Paraggi. Words cannot do justice to how beautiful it is. Walking to the beach and swimming in these blue waters is such a treat. It has a public and a private part to choose from. The natural beauty of this beach will leave you in awe.
3-Stella Beach
Stella Beach is another must-visit spot in Portofino. This beach has a bright emerald color and large rock formations. The water color and the rocks create the perfect summer setting. What could be better than walking from one beach to another while enjoying fascinating ocean views of the Ligurian Coast? Stella Beach is honestly one of our favorites, which is why we highly recommend it for your day trip to Portofino.
Best things to do in one day in Portofino – Italy
1-Visit the Marina of Portofino
You cannot fully experience the beauty of Portofino without visiting its famous marina. Here you can take a stroll and enjoy the old houses with their colorful facades. There are many luxury yachts in the marina that blend perfectly with the whole atmosphere. So, it is one of the few places where luxury and authenticity are combined. If you want to have this charming place all to yourself, you should visit it as early as possible, especially in July and August. It is also the place where most tourists arrive from.
2-Stroll around Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta
A few meters from the marina, you will reach Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta. Since it is the main piazza, you will find some of the finest cafés and restaurants to enjoy your time with the best views. It is also the main place where tourists and their guides congregate. So, you have to expect masses of tourists during the day. For shopaholics, you will find boutiques with prestigious brands. You will also find cute souvenir shops. Walking through its narrow alleyways and admiring the charming buildings and the amazing view of the marina make this piazza the hotspot of Portofino.
3-Visit San Martino Church
As you look up from the marina, you will find yourself in front of the yellow-colored church called “San Martino Church”. It is gorgeous both inside and out, and a great stop while you are in downtown Portofino. Its construction dates back to the 12th century, but the church changed in the 19th century. Inside, you can admire the paintings, the ceiling, and the sculptures. So if you like beautiful churches, this one will not disappoint you.
4-Walk along the coastline of Portofino
Walking along the Ligurian Coast is one of the best things to do in Portofino. The ocean views will blow your mind. Nothing can beat this view of the endless blue. Its long coastline is walkable even during the day. However, the heavy traffic and steep little streets can make your walk a bit challenging.
Is Portofino worth the hype?
Our answer is a big “YES”. Even though we visited it in mid-August and it was very crowded, it did not lose its beauty and charm. Everything in Portofino seems so well-maintained with attention to detail. Its elegance combines perfectly with the famous Italian atmosphere and hospitality. However, for us, nothing can beat its natural beauty. The beaches of Portofino are among the most dreamy beaches we have ever visited in Europe.
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