Portofino is a luxurious seaside village known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Portofino that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Portofino?
You should plan to spend around $431 (€412) per day on your vacation in Portofino. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $213 (€204) on meals
- $24 (€23) on local transportation
- $397 (€379) on hotels
A one week trip to Portofino for two people costs, on average, $6,035 (€5,768). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$3,018
€2,884
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$6,035
€5,768
-
One Month
Per person
$12,933
€12,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$6,035
€5,768
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$12,071
€11,536
-
One Month
For a couple
$25,866
€24,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Portofino cost?
A one week trip to Portofino usually costs around $3,018 (€2,884) for one person and $6,035 (€5,768) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Portofino on average costs around $6,035 (€5,768) for one person and $12,071 (€11,536) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Portofino will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Portofino on average costs around $12,933 (€12,360) for one person and $25,866 (€24,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Portofino expensive to visit?
Portofino is a terrific seaside village that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Portofino can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $186 (€180) per day, mid-range travelers spend $425 (€412) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $812 (€787) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Portofino.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Portofino is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Portofino is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Portofino Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Portofino?
The average Portofino trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Portofino travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Portofino cost?
Portofino on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$87
(€83)
|
$198
(€190)
|
$379
(€362)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$10
(€10)
|
$24
(€23)
|
$46
(€44)
|
Food 2
|
$93
(€89)
|
$213
(€204)
|
$408
(€390)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$12
(€12)
|
$28
(€27)
|
$54
(€52)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€4-11)
|
$9-26
(€8-25)
|
$16-49
(€16-47)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Portofino. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $186 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Portofino has plenty of hostels such as B&B Rifugio Uscio. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. While food is a highlight for every visitor in Portofino, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Portofino to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $425 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Portofino. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Hotel Piccolo Portofino is a great choice for kids, and Hotel Nazionale Portofino is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Portofino hotel costs guide.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $812 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the seaside village with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Portofino hotels to Genoa Airport - Departure Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Portofino
The price of hotels in Portofino can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $576, while peak summer season averages can reach $1,075. Prices range from $147 to $4,947, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Portofino for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $397 (€379). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $198 (€190) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Portofino? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Portofino include:
- Hotel Piccolo Portofino starting at $283
- Hotel Nazionale Portofino starting at $256
- Hotel Argentina Portofino starting at $104
This seaside village provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Portofino. If you're going to be in town for a long time, you may want to find a vacation rental with a kitchen. This will let you prepare at least some of your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
While Portofino is a popular tourist destination, it's not the largest city, so hotels may book up fast. Be sure to book well ahead of time if you plan to visit during summer.
Exploring Portofino by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
The seaside village's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Portofino
In Portofino, the public transit system is not very good. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.
For those who enjoy foot exploration, this destination is perfect. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.
Public Transit: 



(moderate)
Walkability: 



(excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $24 (€23) per person, per day, on local transportation in Portofino. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Portofino is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
€23
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Portofino hotels to Genoa Airport (GOA) - Departure Private Transfer for $137 details
- Private Transfer from Portofino Cruise Port to Genoa Airport(GOA) for $189 details
- Private Transfer from Portofino Cruise Port to Genoa city hotels for $189 details
How much does it cost to go to Portofino? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Portofino will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Portofino
The culinary offerings in Portofino are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Portofino can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Portofino is $213 (€204) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$213
€204
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Portofino is around $210 (€204) per person, with previous travelers spending from $92 to $402. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Portofino are as follows:
- Breakfast: $21 to $63
- Lunch: $32 to $84
- Dinner: $63 to $147
- Coffee: $17
- Fast Food or Street Food: $32
Being located right on the water, Portofino has access to a great selection of fresh fish and seafood. Restaurants in the village range from Italian comfort food to fine dining, and are very busy especially on the weekends. Olive oil is used in almost everything, and the most common sauce is pesto made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. There are many different kinds of homemade pastas like trofie and tagliatelle, as well as a selection of meat dishes like veal roulades, lamb stew, and stuffed pancetta all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices of the region. There are also a number of gelato stalls along the harbor, serving a kind of Italian ice cream. One of the more signature flavors is nocciola, a blend of hazelnut and chocolate. Other small bites include things like focaccia and vegetable pies. Be aware that restaurants in Portofino run on Italian time with lunch served generally between 2pm and 4pm and dinner hours starting at 8pm.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Portofino. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch for $237 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Portofino
It's not surprising that visitors come to Portofino, as it offers resorts, romance, food, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Portofino typically cost an average of $28 (€27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
€27
Starting at the very top of the village, sitting high up on a hill, is one of Portofino's signature sights-the Castello Brown. The 16th century castle was once used for the area's defense, though it now sits as a landmark and museum with fantastic views of the harbor and sea below. You can reach the castle by a path near the Botanic Garden.
The Church of St. Martin is another sight of antiquity, dating back to the 12th century. Other notable religious landmarks include San Giorgio Church and the San Fruttuoso Abbey which dates back to the 11th century in a quiet wood of pine and olive trees. Near San Fruttuoso there is a giant bronze statue of Christ that resides underwater. Named Christ of the Abyss, it is renowned as the protector of sailors and divers.
Beyond shopping, dining, sightseeing, and taking in the glorious views the main activities in Portofino include boating, hiking, and diving. The harbor is primarily filled with yachts, which many vacationers take out to spend the day on the sea. Public boats are also available for those who wish to see the Christ of the Abyss or go out for a dive. Most of the water along the coast from Santa Margherita around to Camogli is a protected marine area, where it is forbidden to enter the water. There are a number of locations where swimming is allowed, and diving can be arranged via local diving agencies.
As far as hiking goes, Portofino Regional Park has a number of good hiking trails both inland and along the coast with many spectacular views. The northern part of the park is wooded and thick with trees, while the southern part mainly thrives with wildflowers, bushes, and grasslands. You might also come across some olive tree orchards and local gardens.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.
Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.
A nice way to explore destinations in Portofino is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Paddle Boarding Experience in Portofino for $52 details
- Portofino Kayak Tour for $52 details
- Boat Tour to Portofino and San Fruttuoso for Small Groups for $105 details
Nightlife Budget in Portofino
With its fun and active nightlife, Portofino attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Portofino per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
€16
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 26, 2024
Traveling in Portofino
Portofino, Italy
Located on the Italian Riviera coastline just southeast of Genoa, Portofino is known first and foremost as a resort town and popular yachting destination. The half-moon village sits in pastels, curving into a beautiful harbor of fishing boats and luxury yachts. A castle on a hill overlooks it all, while shops, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels make up the spread down below. Portofino also has opportunities for hiking, diving, and boating.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Piazzetta is the main square of Portofino. Overlooking the crystal green harbor, its cobbled space is a car-free zone, making it a scenic spot by the water to sit and relax amongst the pastel houses and charming cafes. This is a square to kick back with a glass of wine, enjoy the view, and absorb the Mediterranean atmosphere in one of Italy's cutest costal towns. While the Piazzetta is lined with a few designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, the cobbled Main Street branches off from the square with even more to offer. The shopping scene in Portofino primarily consists of high-end clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Also nearby are hiking trails that lead to the neighboring village of Santa Margherita Ligure. This is where the closest train station is located. Camogli is another town close by, a fishing village with pastel houses and a pebbled beach.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.