One Day in Portofino: Best Things to Do, See and Eat

Morning: Chiesa di San Giorgio, Castello Brown & the Lighthouse

Start your day in Portofino with breakfast at Caffè Excelsior in the famous Piazzetta. This historic café has welcomed visitors for generations and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and brioche while soaking up the atmosphere of Portofino.

After breakfast, walk up to Chiesa di San Giorgio. The views over the harbor and the Ligurian coastline are spectacular, making this one of the best photo spots in Portofino. Behind the church, you can also visit the peaceful cemetery overlooking the sea.

A short walk away, you will find Castello Brown, a former fortress dating back to the 16th century. The castle offers some of the most beautiful views in Portofino, so don’t forget your camera.

Continue towards Faro di Portofino, the village’s iconic lighthouse. The walk is easy, scenic, and one of my favorite things to do in Portofino. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline.

It is also one of the spots most visitors miss, so if you want a break from the crowds, it is well worth the extra walk. Just make sure to start early if you want to squeeze it into your morning itinerary.

Lunch: La Portofinese or Da i Gemelli al Molo

Near the lighthouse, you will find La Portofinese, which is the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the views. While it is not a full-service restaurant, you can order an aperitivo and one of their stuffed focaccias for a light lunch.

If you are looking for something more substantial, head back to the harbor and book a table at Da i Gemelli al Molo. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portofino and a place I return to whenever I visit.

The menu combines Ligurian tradition with a modern touch. Try the trofie or trenette al pesto alla Portofino, or order fresh fish from the Ligurian Sea paired with a glass of Vermentino.

Whatever you choose, lunch comes with beautiful views over the colorful harbor. If you decide on Da i Gemelli al Molo, I highly recommend making a reservation, especially during the summer months.

Afternoon: Piazzetta, Chiesa del Divo Martino, Baia Cannone, Paraggi Beach

Next, spend some time wandering around the Piazzetta and the surrounding streets. You can browse luxury boutiques, get some souvenirs to take home, grab a gelato or just take endless photos of pretty pastel houses around you.

Before leaving the harbor area, stop by Chiesa del Divo Martino. The church is known for its typical Ligurian façade decorated with yellow, white, and dark gray stripes. On the square outside, don’t miss the beautiful risseu, a traditional Ligurian pebble mosaic.

No day in Portofino would be complete without a swim in the Ligurian Sea. Head to nearby Paraggi Beach and spend a few hours relaxing by the water. You can choose between the public beach or one of the private beach clubs if you are looking for extra comfort.

On your way, you will find Baia Cannone – one of the best places in Portofino and a great photo spot for photography lovers. The colorful villas and the blue water make it picture-perfect.

Evening: Winterose Wine Bar, Cracco Portofino (Optional)

If you decide to stay a little longer, the evening is one of the most beautiful times to experience Portofino. As the day-trippers leave, the harbor becomes quieter, and the atmosphere feels much more relaxed.

Start with an aperitivo at Winterose Wine Bar. The small number of tables creates an intimate atmosphere, making it one of my favorite places to enjoy a glass of wine in Portofino. Their carefully selected wines pair perfectly with a plate of Italian specialties.

For dinner, you could treat yourself to a meal at Cracco Portofino. Led by Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco, the restaurant offers a refined dining experience overlooking the harbor. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer season.

Looking for something more affordable? Head back to either La Portofinese or Da i Gemelli al Molo. If you chose one for lunch, now is the perfect opportunity to try the other.

Things to know before visiting Portofino

Is Portofino worth visiting?

Yes, Portofino is absolutely worth visiting. While it is often associated with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and celebrity visitors, the real charm of Portofino comes from its spectacular setting on the Italian Riviera.

Despite its reputation, Portofino is surprisingly easy to enjoy without spending a fortune. Many of its best experiences, from walking to the lighthouse to swimming in the Ligurian Sea, are completely free.

Portofino is also one of the most famous destinations in Liguria and has inspired artists, musicians, and filmmakers from around the world. Today, it remains a place where luxury, nature, and Italian charm come together in a way that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Is one day in Portofino enough?

Yes, one day is enough to see the main attractions in Portofino and experience the charm of this famous fishing village. Thanks to its small size, you can easily explore the harbor, visit the best viewpoints, enjoy a long lunch, and even fit in some time by the sea.

If you are short on time, you could see the highlights in half a day. On the other hand, Portofino has a way of slowing you down, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay longer. I always do!

How to get to Portofino?

There are three main ways to reach Portofino: by car, public transport, or boat. The best option depends on your itinerary and the time of year you are visiting.

If you are driving, take the motorway exit at Rapallo and follow the signs towards Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Parking is available, but spaces fill up quickly, especially during the summer, so arriving early is highly recommended.

The easiest way to reach Portofino by public transport is to take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station. From there, local buses connect the station with Portofino throughout the day. You can also walk from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino (90 minutes).

One of the most scenic ways to arrive in Portofino is by boat. Regular services operate from Santa Margherita Ligure and Genoa during the tourist season, usually from spring through autumn.

Arriving by sea offers some of the best views of Portofino and the surrounding coastline. Keep an eye on the water too, as dolphin sightings are not uncommon along the Ligurian Riviera.

The closest airport is Genoa, although Pisa, Milan, and Nice are also popular gateways to the Italian Riviera. From any of these airports, you can continue your trip by train, rental car, or private transfer.