Last Updated on 22 March, 2024
Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a charming fishing village that has become a popular tourist destination. With its colourful houses, picturesque harbour, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, Portofino is a true gem of the Italian coastline. One day in Portofino is enough to experience the village’s unique atmosphere and beauty. You can spend your time exploring the narrow streets, indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, and relaxing on the beach.
Portofino is so tiny that it is best to combine it with another destination. I visited it after the road trip in the French Riviera and had no plans in Portofino, but it turned out to be a fabulous and relaxing weekend with plenty of stunning views.
Climb Up to Castello Brown
Start your day by exploring the narrow streets leading to Castello Brown. This 16th-century fortress sits on a hill overlooking the village. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Portofino and the Mediterranean Sea. You can also explore the fortress and learn about its rich history.
![How to Spend One Day in Portofino, Italy - the view of Portofino Harbour from Castello Brown](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-23-1024x683.jpg)
Explore the Harbour
Take a stroll along the harbour. It’s surrounded by hills of olive groves and small vineyards with a row of pastel-coloured houses. There, you can witness the bustling activity of fishing boats and luxury yachts coming and going while immersing yourself in this picturesque village’s relaxed and charming atmosphere. Make sure to also visit the Piazzetta, the heart of Portofino. It has quaint cafรฉs, restaurants and gelaterias that offer a variety of delicious Italian cuisine.
![Colourful Portofino Harbour](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-16-1024x683.jpg)
Indulge in Seafood
For seafood lovers, there is no better place to be than Portofino. Take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in the fresh catch of the day, which you can savour at one of the several restaurants that line the harbour. Expect the freshest ingredients and authentic flavours for Italian seafood dishes.
![A small restaurant on the water in Portofino, Italy](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-11-1024x683.jpg)
![Small fried octopus in a plate with a slice of bread](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-28-1024x683.jpg)
Take a Boat Trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey
Take a boat trip to the nearby San Fruttuoso Abbey, a medieval monastery that can only be reached by sea or on foot. The abbey is home to a beautiful beach and a stunning underwater statue of Jesus Christ, which you can view by snorkelling or scuba diving.
Relax on the Beach
If you want to spend your one day in Portofino relaxing, there are several beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The most popular beach is the Spiaggia del Paraggi, a small but beautiful beach 20 min walk or 5 min drive/ride from Portofino.
Go Shopping
Portofino might be small, but it’s full of luxury boutiques and designer shops, Italian wine and gourmet shops, and handmade goods like ceramics, pottery, traditional crafts, and souvenirs.
![Dior store from outside in Portofino](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-7-1024x683.jpg)
Where to Stay
If you’re staying the night in Portofino or nearby, there are some great hotels to choose from. However, the prices vary greatly depending on the season.
My recommendations are:
- Trekking in paradise B&B (budget)
- Hotel Argentina (mid-range)
- Olives Bay Terrace in Portofino (luxury)
- Hotel Piccolo Portofino (luxury)
- Excelsior Palace Hotel (luxury)
- Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino (luxury)
![The rocky beach at the Excelsior Palace Hotel in Rapallo](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-33-1024x768.jpg)
![A girl in infinity pool at Excelsior Palace Hotel in Rapallo](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-3-1024x768.jpg)
How to Get Around
Once you’re in Portofino, you don’t need any transport, and you can walk everywhere within minutes since it’s so tiny. However, if you want to go to the beach or are coming from a nearby hotel, I highly recommend hiring a scooter. What’s a better way to see the stunning Italian Riviera than zooming around on a Vespa? It’s Italy, after all!
![A girl on vespa in Portofino](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Portofino-lightroom-30-1024x683.jpg)
How to Get There
By Plane
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is the nearest airport located 46km (28.5mi) from Portofino.
By Train
Santa Margherita Ligure train station is located 5km (3mi) from Portofino. ย You can take a taxiย to Portofino for around โฌ15, or the 82 bus, which runs every 20min, for โฌ2.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, solo or with friends, Portofino is a perfect destination to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. With its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and rich history, one day in Portofino is sure to be a day well-spent.
How would you spend your one day in Portofino?
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![How to Spend One Day in Portofino Pin](https://www.sheloveswanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Spend-One-Day-in-Portofino-Italy-683x1024.jpg)
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