Portofino

Portofino: get a taste of traditional life in one of Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns.

Portofino is a beautiful little harbour town, located within the territorial province of Genoa and on the Ligurian sea. It is no wonder that it has become a top destination for Italians and foreigners alike. , Portofino offers a feast for the senses and for the mind: Steeped in history, nestled within a lush-green natural park and with beautiful multicoloured buildings lining the harbour

Portofino offers a taste of the traditional coastal life. It is the smallest comune within the territorial area of Genoa, with only 500 residents. Wandering through the town, you will see locals going about their daily business. You will see residents watching the world go by from their door steps and fisherman bringing in the daily catch, later to be deliciously served up in the local restaurants. To have a real taste of this traditional quotidian life, it is particularly advisable to visit this coastal town in Spring or Autumn. Not only will have the perfect fresh and sunny weather, but you will also miss the high tourist season and thus be able to fully blend in to local lie.

And yet this pretty coastal town offers much more than just a taste of the traditional life. It proves to be of particular interest for all history-lovers. Reference to Portofino dates back to the Roman Era, specifically to the 1st century AD, when Pliny the Elder referred to it with the aptly idyllic name Portus Delphini (Port of the Dolphin). Portofino has had a rich diverse heritage. In the 15th the Century it exchanged hands from the Republic of Genoa to the Republic of Florence. In this period the town also saw the establishment of a Benedictine monastery, which has since been restored into a summer villa. In the 19th Century Portofino was taken into the Kingdom of Sardinia, before becoming part of the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Ever since this point, it has become a magnet for celebrities and European aristocracy. Strolling around lush surroundings, you will be able to catch peaks of the stunning residencies that such visitors have established.

A trip to Portofino would also not be complete without having made the light hike up to Fort of Saint George and the surrounding grounds, which date back to the 16th Century. From here you will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views which cascade down from the villa rooftops, dotted within the lush landscape, to the harbour town and crystal-blue sea.

At just a 50 minute drive from the city centre of Genoa, Portofino is perfectly situated so that you can enjoy the city-life when you want, but always have an idyllic haven to return to.