What to See in Portofino: Unmissable Spots That Will Steal Your Heart

Portofino is one of those places that seem straight out of a postcard: a small village nestled between the green of the promontory and the blue of the sea, perfect for a day trip or a slower-paced escape.

If you're wondering what to see in Portofino, you're in the right place: between timeless elegance, breathtaking views and untouched nature, every corner offers something special. In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-see sights—from classic landmarks to hidden beaches and scenic walks. Get ready to fall in love, truly.

The Piazzetta di Portofino: Heart of the Village and Film Set

The undisputed symbol of the village, the Piazzetta di Portofino is much more than just a square: it's the social hub, an open-air catwalk where elegance, tourism and everyday life meet. Surrounded by pastel-coloured houses and directly overlooking the marina, this small pedestrian area is the vibrant heart of the historic centre, where time seems to slow down.

Sitting at a café table with a view of the moored boats, sipping an espresso or simply watching the world go by is one of the first things to do in Portofino to truly soak up the atmosphere. Every detail is perfectly curated, and it's no surprise the Piazzetta has been chosen multiple times as an international film and photo shoot location.

Whether you’re in the mood for a chic aperitivo or the perfect shot for your travel album, this corner is your gateway to everything Portofino represents: beauty, charm and true Ligurian authenticity.

Castello Brown: The Best Viewpoint in Portofino

Perched on the promontory above the village, Castello Brown is one of the most iconic places to visit in Portofino. Surrounded by a fragrant Mediterranean garden, this historic building offers one of the most spectacular views over the entire gulf—climbing up here is worth every step.

Beyond its scenic position, the castle features historic rooms, temporary exhibitions and a terrace where you can take in the view in peace, far from the crowds of the Piazzetta. The short uphill path from the centre winds through lemon trees, olive groves and blooming bougainvillea.

It’s the perfect spot for those who want a panoramic look at Portofino—especially at sunset, when the village glows gold and the sea reflects the lights of the harbour.

Church of San Giorgio

Just above the Piazzetta, the Church of San Giorgio is a little gem that blends spirituality, history and scenery. Dedicated to the town’s patron saint, this seaside church is easily reached via a scenic and suggestive walk through Mediterranean scrub.

The interior is simple, but the real magic is outside: the square in front of the church opens onto a stunning view of the harbour and surrounding hills—one of the most photographed panoramas in Portofino. A peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a quiet break or a moment of reflection.per una pausa silenziosa o un momento di contemplazione.

The Portofino Lighthouse: A Walk Between Nature and Sea

If you love walking through greenery with the sound of the sea in the background, the trail to the Portofino Lighthouse is a must. The path starts near the Church of San Giorgio and leads into the Portofino Regional Natural Park, winding through maritime pines, cliffside views and Mediterranean scents. It's an easy, well-marked route—ideal for light trekking without straying too far from the centre.

At the tip of the promontory, the lighthouse suddenly appears, overlooking a spectacular viewpoint where your gaze stretches across the open sea and sky. There's even a small lounge bar here, perfect for a scenic break. At sunset, the atmosphere becomes truly magical.

Among Portofino's excursions, this is one of the most charming: short, accessible and offering direct contact with nature—far from the Piazzetta’s glamour. A perfect blend of tranquillity, views and authentic beauty.

Hiking in the Portofino Natural Park

For nature lovers, the Portofino Natural Park is a true paradise. With over 80 km of marked trails crossing woods, cliffs and spectacular landscapes, the park connects Portofino to Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita Ligure. It's the best way to discover the wilder, more authentic side of this corner of Liguria.

One of the most scenic routes is the trail from Portofino to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso—a walk immersed in Mediterranean scrub with alternating shaded stretches and dramatic cliffside views. Or try the Portofino–Base 0–Pietre Strette loop, ideal for a shorter walk rich in viewpoints.

Trekking in the park suits all levels, with easy to more demanding options and excellent signage. Spring and autumn are ideal, but even in summer—if you start early—you’ll enjoy unforgettable experiences. Comfortable shoes, water in your backpack, and you're ready to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines.

A Must-Do Excursion: San Fruttuoso and the Christ of the Abyss

Among the most fascinating experiences nearby is a boat trip from Portofino to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled in a hidden bay between the promontory’s greenery and the deep blue sea. Reachable only by foot or sea, this place feels frozen in time—with its thousand-year-old history, pebble beach and peaceful, intimate atmosphere.

Just offshore in the bay’s crystal-clear waters lies one of the area’s most iconic symbols: the Christ of the Abyss, a submerged statue 15 metres deep that draws divers from all over the world. Even without diving, you can admire it via glass-bottom boat tours or guided excursions.

The Most Beautiful Beaches

Portofino isn’t only about elegance and green landscapes—the sea plays a starring role too, with small bays and beaches perfect for relaxing between hikes. With rocks, fine sand and crystal-clear waters, here you’ll find some of the most stunning beaches in Liguria.

Paraggi: Golden Sand and Clear Waters

Just minutes from Portofino, Paraggi Beach is one of the area’s most famous. A narrow bay surrounded by green-draped villas, where the sea turns emerald and the sand is surprisingly fine by Ligurian standards.

The beach includes both private areas and small public sections—perfect for a refreshing dip or sunbathing in an exclusive setting. Thanks to its calm, clear waters, Paraggi is also ideal for snorkelling.

Niasca and Baia Cannone: Hidden Coves for Peace Lovers

More secluded and less crowded, Niasca and Baia Cannone are two small beaches perfect if you’re seeking peace and quiet. Niasca lies between Paraggi and Portofino, is accessible on foot, and is great for tranquil swimming—or even renting a kayak or SUP board. Baia Cannone, on the other hand, is a tiny cove tucked just below Castello Brown. Accessible via a stairway, it’s the ideal spot to get away from it all and take a swim with a privileged view of the headland.

These are two secret corners—ideal for experiencing Portofino’s sea in a more intimate and authentic way.

Practical Tips: How to Get to Portofino and When to Go

Getting to Portofino is easier than it seems, even if the village isn’t directly served by trains. A great starting point is Genoa’s city centre, especially the Hotel Astoria, conveniently located near Genova Brignole station. From here, you can easily explore the entire Ligurian Riviera—stress-free.

To visit Portofino in a day, take a regional train to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino (about 45 minutes), then continue with bus 782 or a scenic one-hour walk along the coast. Alternatively, in warmer months, you can opt for the ferry from Santa’s marina, arriving directly in Portofino.

Hotel Astoria isn’t just practical logistically—it’s also the perfect base to combine a city break in Genoa (think historic palaces, museums, the Aquarium, and the old town) with excursions to some of Liguria’s most beautiful villages, like Portofino, Camogli and the Cinque Terre.

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The best time to visit Portofino is spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild, the sea is inviting and crowds are thinner than in peak season. Even winter has its charm, with a more authentic, peaceful atmosphere—ideal for travellers seeking beauty without distraction.