On visiting the Cinque Terre area, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Portofino – with its aura of elegance and exclusiveness. A mecca for cruise holidaymakers, Portofino is also an ideal destination for chauffeur-driven car rental service excursions. The wilderness, on the one hand, and, on the other, the exclusive shopping streets of the town centre are actually very close neighbours here.
Attractive, chic, trendsetting: any number of words of praise may, with justification, be heaped upon Portofino! Of its kind, this is a truly unique location, with no end of activities to be engaged in even for just the few hours of your stay. What was once a modest fishing village is now a de-luxe mecca for the upper tourist trade bracket, for visitors who prefer Portofino to Cinque Terre resorts that are more widely publicised.
Portofino is set like a jewel between Golfo del Tigullio and Golfo Paradiso. During the year as a whole, no more than a thousand people live here. However, during the summer months, VIPs and stars flock here in great numbers. It is a much-loved place, above all thanks to its lively nightlife and elegant, discreet nightspots. How can we best enjoy beautiful Portofino? As everywhere else in the Cinque Terre area, Portofino has its own large repertory of attractions and stunning views. The historical and architectural heritage here largely dates back to Roman times, attesting to the Romans’ far-sighted policy- and decision-making practices, with their eye on the future. Given its strategic position, Portofino soon became more than just a small harbour with colourful, but modest, fishermen’s dwellings. Was it a de-luxe resort already at the time of its founding?
Not exactly. The Portus Delphi harbour’s development was slow, as are changes in general in this part of the world. Sooner or later, however, inertia and momentum will morph into the inexorable. What with the very clear and clean seawater, the uncontaminated nature, the refreshingly delicately coloured dwellings, and the sea breezes, strolls here become an absolute ‘must’, during which you may admire the sunset over Baia di Cannone or Baia del Silenzio.

The natural, historical and architectural treasures of Portofino can be enjoyed in any number of ways. The tiny town centre is lovingly tended by its residents, who believe the town’s charms must conserved at all costs. Small pastel-coloured dwellings surround the central zone facing the marina at Portofino, where yachts and other luxury vessels berth. Why not indulge in a cappuccino – or a cocktail – while sitting outside to enjoy the sea air and view? Where better than in the Piazzetta di Portofino, where glamour and elegance blend so seamlessly? After our pause (Piazzetta di Portofino is equally enjoyable at any time of the day), we recommend a stroll under the famous arcades of this renowned shopping venue. Portofino is more than just a marina or seafront. With its many exclusive boutiques, dedicated to the best in Italian crafts, Portofino is also an international fashion mecca. Check out the bars and bistros, too, for a quick break while out shopping!
Some of the town’s most picturesque sights, such as the church of San Martino, are just a stone’s throw from central Portofino.

The church of San Martino di Tour is very old indeed. Documentary evidence suggests that it was built before the end of the first millennium. This ‘romanico-lombardo’ (Lombard-Romanesque style) edifice stands in the oldest sector of Portofino. Over the years, the body of the structure has undergone many changes, with much renovation work, including medieval- and even modern-style alterations. Hence, its very many characterising architectonic features, making this church truly unique.
In the church we find the early eighteenth-century wooden statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, other wooden sculpture works and certain works in stone where there were once ancient chapels frequented by the common people for their acts of devotion.

Another delightful church well worth checking out, San Giorgio, is to be found as we climb the promontory leading to the church of San Martino. Having reached Portofino, and having strolled along the seafront (as countless other visitors have done before ourselves), we must pay a visit to Castello Brown. The sixteenth-century fortress affords marvellous views of the surroundings (including the outer extremity of the peninsula below).

Our tour of the main attractions of Portofino must include the Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso. This very old construction may be reached by the footpaths knowns as the “sentieri del Monte di Portofino”. This marvellous walk will eventually lead us to a tiny beach and an abbey of truly ancient ‘lineage’. Enjoy the views, the sea, the breeze… the call of the seabirds.

One of the main attractions for walkers at Portofino is the Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso.

What about the other monuments of the maritime settlement of Portofino? Over and above the sights already mentioned, the small port of Portofino boasts many delightful features and vistas, attesting to times long gone by. Among these attractions we find the old lighthouse in the vicinity of the main square. Portofino’s white low two-storey lighthouse welcomes boaters and yachters to the bay, perhaps arriving in order to berth at the Molo Umberto I pier (also worth visiting). From the Umberto pier we may take a lift, or elevator, to Castello Brown, mentioned above − the starting point for a pleasant stroll.