Located in the province of Genoa in the region of Liguria. Portofino is easily reached by car or by boat from the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure, which is well connected to the train and road network.
History and sights
Portofino was known as Portus Delphini in Roman times. Over the centuries the town developed as a fishing village, but its fame only began to grow in the 20th century when it became a popular resort for the aristocracy and later for celebrities.
The heart of the town, where luxury yachts are moored and where elegant cafes and restaurants can be found, is the Portofino harbour.
The truly most impressive thing about Portofino, however, is the lifestyle, so running off to see the sights probably won't be your priority when planning a visit to Portofino.you will, however, find a few notable attractions that might tempt you.
In town, you can visit the historic Castello Brown Castle, which offers spectacular views of the town and harbor. Originally built as a defensive fortress, it now serves as a museum.
Also worth mentioning is the small church of San Giorgio, which is dedicated to Saint George and is located on top of the hill above the town. From here you also have a breathtaking view of the whole area. Near the Church of San Giorgio and Castello Brown is the Captain's Tower (Torre di San Giorgio), formerly used as a defensive tower. It offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
And if you're not keen on sightseeing, the surrounding area is part of a protected naturalpark, which also offers a number of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the sea and coastline.in addition, there is a national marine reserve under the water around Portofino. This protected area is ideal for diving and snorkelling, where you can admire the rich underwater life and fascinating marine ecosystems.
But in addition to its beautiful harbour, Portofino also has wonderful beaches. Most of them are sokroumé beaches. But we recommend a visit to Paraggi beach. It is famous for its fine sand and clear water. It can be found approximately 1.2 kilometres northwest of the centre of Portofino, towards the town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Tourism and culture
Portofino is synonymous with luxury and style. Many tourists come here to experience the charm of Mediterranean life, shop in the exclusive boutiques or simply relax in one of the many cafes overlooking the sea.usually all the boutiques are open from the end of February to the end of October. Don't forget to bring warmer clothes, even though it's summer. In the evening, after 6pm, when the sun goes behind the Portofino headland, it gets considerably cooler.
Portofino is also often the venue for fashion campaigns and exclusive events. Luxury fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani often use the picturesque scenery of Portofino as a backdrop for their advertising campaigns. As the city attracts the rich and famous, it is often the venue for private fashion shows, exclusive parties and other luxury events that remain out of the public eye.
The city has also been a frequent subject for films and books or songs.
Among the most famous local restaurants are "La Piazza" and "Da I Gemelli", renowned for their cuisine and romantic ambience. The culinary experiences in Portofino are often quite exceptional, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Mediterranean specialties.
Famous visitors to Portofino have included movie stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and designers such as Giorgio Armani.
Tom Ford, the famous American fashion designer and film director, was so taken by the beauty and essence of Portofino that he created a perfume that captures this unique atmosphere.the fragrance contains essences of neroli, bergamot, Sicilian lemon and lavender, which together create a fresh and luxurious aroma.
Portofino is the perfect place for those seeking a combination of natural beauty, historical charm and luxury. Whether you are planning a short trip or a longer stay, this picturesque town will offer you an unforgettable experience.
