The name itself has a lilt to it – it sounds so soft and Italian. It makes you think of luxury and style, of yachts and beaches, and of celebrities and fabulous weather. All of us connect Portofino with its famous visitors, but few of us realize that it is also a great place to spend a holiday, without breaking the bank. The 1950s chanson “I found my love in Portofino” symbolizes, even today, the charisma and charm that Portofino represents.
Location
Portofino is a part of the Italian Riviera, located at a peninsula in the Tigullio Gulf near Genoa. The other seaside towns near it are Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure. The town has only 500 permanent residents but during the summer, it explodes with the advent of thousands of tourists, who flock here for the scenery and the phenomenal beaches.
How to Get There
The best way to go to Portofino is by sea. Take a ferry from Genoa and enter Portofino through its scenic port. There is a good ferry network from the other seaside towns also. You could also fly to Genoa and drive from there. The distance is not too much, but the roads are narrow and winding. Therefore, be sure that you have a good driver who knows the route and roads well. Of course, do make sure that you are traveling with annual holiday insurance.
Walking through Portofino
Walking in and around the city is by far the best way to see this lovely town. It is a small town, and most of the hotels and resorts are located close to the beach. There are lovely pathways, and all the main roads are dotted with cafes and restaurants. The weather is great, the beaches are lovely, and the distances are not too much. Therefore, go ahead, walk around, and get a feel of the relaxed ambience of the city. If lucky enough, you may meet some celebrities doing the same. You can have a glass of wine at the wine bar, sitting only a meter away from the sea.
Hiring a Boat
If you are fortunate enough to own a boat, then you can visit all the other seaside towns. Just take a boat ride to the sea around you and the world suddenly seems softer and more relaxed. You can also hire boats, or even a luxury yacht and go up to Genoa. After all, Portofino’s claim to fame lies in its celebrity visitors, who value their privacy and the luxury that this town provides. Hence, you can also be one of them by moving around in a fancy yacht – albeit only for a day.
What to See
Do visit the San Fruttuoso Bay by boat and visit the sculpture ‘Christ of the Abyss’ – it will be a memorable experience. Go and see the aquarium in Genoa – the largest in Europe. There are shops that sell you the highest brands, and most of them are also into selling the finest wines and local foods. The boutiques are open from mid-February till October, and shopping here can be a delightful pastime.
(Photo by MarcoAle via Flickr)
Portofino is a part of the Italian Riviera, located at a peninsula in the Tigullio Gulf near Genoa. The other seaside towns near it are Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure. The town has only 500 permanent residents but during the summer, it explodes with the advent of thousands of tourists, who flock here for the scenery and the phenomenal beaches.
How to Get There
The best way to go to Portofino is by sea. Take a ferry from Genoa and enter Portofino through its scenic port. There is a good ferry network from the other seaside towns also. You could also fly to Genoa and drive from there. The distance is not too much, but the roads are narrow and winding. Therefore, be sure that you have a good driver who knows the route and roads well. Of course, do make sure that you are traveling with annual holiday insurance.
Walking through Portofino
Walking in and around the city is by far the best way to see this lovely town. It is a small town, and most of the hotels and resorts are located close to the beach. There are lovely pathways, and all the main roads are dotted with cafes and restaurants. The weather is great, the beaches are lovely, and the distances are not too much. Therefore, go ahead, walk around, and get a feel of the relaxed ambience of the city. If lucky enough, you may meet some celebrities doing the same. You can have a glass of wine at the wine bar, sitting only a meter away from the sea.
Hiring a Boat
If you are fortunate enough to own a boat, then you can visit all the other seaside towns. Just take a boat ride to the sea around you and the world suddenly seems softer and more relaxed. You can also hire boats, or even a luxury yacht and go up to Genoa. After all, Portofino’s claim to fame lies in its celebrity visitors, who value their privacy and the luxury that this town provides. Hence, you can also be one of them by moving around in a fancy yacht – albeit only for a day.
What to See
Do visit the San Fruttuoso Bay by boat and visit the sculpture ‘Christ of the Abyss’ – it will be a memorable experience. Go and see the aquarium in Genoa – the largest in Europe. There are shops that sell you the highest brands, and most of them are also into selling the finest wines and local foods. The boutiques are open from mid-February till October, and shopping here can be a delightful pastime.
(Photo by MarcoAle via Flickr)
(This post was written by Catherine de Beauvoir)
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