Are you thinking about visiting Portofino, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Portofino worth visiting?
Portofino is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the seaside village has to offer. Portofino was historically a fishing village, but today it is one of the most popular tourist spots along the Italian Riviera. The village is very charming with many pastel painted houses. It's also popular for its luxury shopping and award-winning seafood restaurants. You'll find many extravagant vacationers visiting, particularly around the harbor which is usually filled with super-yachts.
Portofino, Italy
Reasons to Visit Portofino
Resorts
Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.
Food
Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.
Nightlife
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.
Historical Sights
Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.
Hiking
There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.
Shopping
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.
Beaches
Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.
Is Portofino worth visiting in the Summer?
The peak season for travel is summer in Portofino, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable seaside village, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, take in the local charm, and go hiking. Also, you can enjoy the amenities of a resort, admire the historic sights, and enjoy an evening out.
Is Portofino worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Portofino. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and admire the quaint atmosphere. Also, you can check out the hiking and the small town charm.
Is Portofino worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Portofino. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene.
Is Portofino worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Portofino, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, appreciate the quaint setting, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the small town charm, the historic old town, and the nightlife.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Portofino
Museums: Portofino isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.
Lots of Tourists
Portofino sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Portofino might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Portofino here or see if Portofino is expensive here.
Related
What is Portofino most famous for?
Portofino is most famous for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. The seaside village is very popular for its resorts. It's also known for food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. And many travelers come for the beaches, as well. It is often described as luxurious, glamorous, picturesque, breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive.
What is the most famous sight in Portofino?
The most popular sight in Portofino is its scenic harbor. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Portofino on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for its scenic harbor and other attractions here.
How touristy is Portofino? Is it a popular seaside village to visit?
Portofino is a very touristy seaside village that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Paddle Boarding Experience in Portofino: $54
- Portofino Kayak Tour: $54
- Snorkel Tour in Paraggi Bay: $43
- Portofino Stand Up Paddleboard Experience: $52
- Easy Kayak Tour to Portofino with Optional Snorkeling: $52
- Coasteering Tour: $74
- 1-Hour Snorkeling Tour in Paraggi Bay, Portofino: $42
- Portofino and San Fruttuoso Boat Experience: $107
How long should I spend in Portofino?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Portofino is two to five days. Since Portofino has a variety of activities such as resorts, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Portofino?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Portofino?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Portofino?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.