The highlights of Portofino

Portofino, the most glamorous Ligurian village

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Portofino is one of the most famous villages in Italy. This former fishing village converted into a jet-set destination seduces with its tiny cove with turquoise waters, its pastel houses and its yacht marina. Located about 35 km east of Genoa on the Ligurian coast, it is an essential excursion when visiting Liguria.

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From Corsica, Portofino is accessible thanks to the Cors'Express ferry to Genoa: the crossing from Bastia takes about 3 hours. From Genoa, reach Santa Margherita Ligure by train (30-40 min), then Portofino by taxi boat from the port (10 min) — the car route is often closed or restricted in high season. For all information on the region, consult the Official Ligurian tourism portal.

What to see and do in Portofino

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The Piazzetta and the port

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The Piazzetta is the heart of Portofino — a small paved square lined with café terraces with direct views of the harbor. The walk to the Church of San Giorgio offers a progressively more spectacular view of the cove and the wooded cliffs that surround it.

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Brown Castle and hiking trails

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Above the village, the Castello Brown — an ancient Genoese fortress from the 16th century open to the public — offers one of the most beautiful views of the cove. For hikers, the Portofino Regional Natural Park offers several marked trails, some of which reach San Fruttuoso, an isolated village only accessible on foot or by boat, with a spectacular medieval abbey.

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Water activities and diving

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The waters of the Portofino mantle are a protected marine reserve. Diving is exceptional: local clubs offer baptisms to see groupers and gorgonians, and even the famous “Madonna of the Dives”, a statue placed 15 meters deep. Sea kayak trips also allow you to explore sea cliffs and caves.

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Excursions from Portofino

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Santa Margherita, Camogli and Cinque Terre

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Santa Margherita Ligure, 5 km away, is a pretty seaside resort that is more accessible, ideal for staying there. Camogli, 10 km from Genova, is an authentic fishing village with colorful trompe-l'oeil houses. And one hour east by train, meet the The highlights of Cinque Terre and their five villages clinging to the cliffs. See also our guide to Genova to organize your stay. For accommodation, compare on Booking.com Santa Margherita.

How to get from Genova to Portofino?

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Located about 35 km south-east of Genoa, Portofino is a dream destination that is easily accessible after crossing by ferry. Here are the two main options for reaching this jewel of the Italian Riviera.

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Option 1: The train + Shuttle

The center of Portofino is pedestrianized, so the train is the most relaxing option to avoid parking difficulties.

• Logistics: From the port of Genoa, reach the train station of Genova Piazza Principe (5-10 min away). Take a regional train to the station of Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino.
• Journey: The train goes along the coast during 45 minutes. Once in Santa Margherita, hop on bus 82 or take a shuttle boat for a final 15-minute ride.
• Advantages: A spectacular arrival by sea or by coastal road, without the stress of traffic.

Option 2: Car rental

It is the ideal choice to drive along the Ligurian coast and stop in nearby villages such as Camogli or Rapallo.

• Logistics: Rental agencies are available directly at the port of Genoa or in the immediate vicinity.
• Itinerary: Take the highway A12 direction Livorno, exit Rapallo, then follow the picturesque coastal road to Portofino.
• Travel time: Environ 1:00 (depending on traffic on the ledge).
• Advantages: Total comfort and the possibility of discovering the Ligurian hinterland independently.

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