Ultimate Portofino Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat & Explore 🧭
Dreaming of a trip to Portofino this year? This Portofino travel guide brings you everything you need to plan your visit to Italy’s most elegant seaside village — from how to get there and where to stay, to the new tourist rules introduced in 2025.
Tucked along the Ligurian coast, Portofino is a charming fishing village turned luxury escape, known for its pastel buildings, sparkling marina, and tranquil Mediterranean vibe. Once a quiet harbour, it’s now a favourite stop-off for the yachting crowd, celebrities, and honeymooners — yet it remains equally captivating for travellers seeking coastal walks, hidden sea coves, and slow, scenic days.
The harbourfront feels like a living postcard, with cliffside villas, cobbled lanes, and waterfront cafés made for people-watching. Though small in size — you can wander its winding streets in under an hour — Portofino leaves a lasting impression. It’s a special (and often pricey) place to stay, but with a little planning, this Portofino travel guide will help you enjoy an unforgettable taste of the Italian Riviera.
🛑 New Rules for Tourists in 2025 — What You Need to Know
To protect its peaceful charm and avoid overcrowding in the tiny harbour area, Portofino has introduced new visitor rules — especially during the busy summer months. These measures aim to preserve the beauty, safety, and atmosphere of this beloved spot. Here’s what’s new (and why it matters):
🚫 No walking barefoot or in swimwear through town
Portofino’s streets are for strolling — not sunbathing. Wearing beachwear away from the beach is now banned to keep the town looking elegant and respectful to all visitors and locals.
🚫 No drinking alcohol in public spaces
You’re welcome to enjoy a drink at one of Portofino’s lovely cafés or wine bars — but open bottles or cans in the streets or squares are no longer allowed. This helps maintain a calm, civilised atmosphere and prevents crowd disruption.
🚫 No sitting or lying down on pavements, steps, or park walls
Space is limited, and these areas are meant for walking or relaxing respectfully — not for sprawling out. You’ll find proper benches and beach spots nearby for sunbathing or picnicking.
🚫 No lingering with luggage, picnics, or loudspeakers in public areas
It’s a small town with narrow walkways, so large bags or setting up portable speakers or picnic spreads can block foot traffic and disturb others. Consider checking your bags or heading to designated picnic spots nearby.
💶 Fines apply
If these rules are ignored — especially in peak season — fines range from €25 to €500. They’re actively enforced to keep the town clean, calm, and comfortable for everyone.
💡 Top tip: Think of Portofino like a pretty boutique – stylish, serene, and better when enjoyed thoughtfully. Bring a cover-up from the beach, keep your Aperol at the bar, and enjoy the views without crowding the path. A little courtesy goes a long way here.
✈️ How to Get There – Portofino Travel Guide Essentials
Portofino might feel tucked away on the Ligurian coast, but getting there is surprisingly straightforward with a bit of planning. There’s no airport or train station in Portofino itself — but nearby hubs make it easy to reach by a mix of air, rail, and scenic coastal transport.
✈️ Fly into Genoa, Pisa, or Milan
The nearest airports are:
- Genoa (GOA) – ~45–60 minutes away
➤ Closest and most convenient - Pisa (PSA) – ~2 hours
➤ Great for combining with Florence or Tuscany - Milan Malpensa or Linate (MXP / LIN) – ~2.5–3 hours
➤ Ideal if you’re coming from further abroad
🚆 Train to Santa Margherita Ligure
From your arrival airport, catch a train to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station. It’s the main gateway for Portofino and served by direct trains from Genoa, Pisa, Milan, and more.
- From Genoa: ~45 mins
- From Pisa: ~1 hr 40 mins
- From Milan: ~2.5 hrs
🚉 Trains run frequently and are comfortable and scenic — especially as you near the coast.
🚌🛥️ Last Leg: Bus, Boat, or Taxi
Once in Santa Margherita, you have three ways to reach Portofino:
- Bus: Line 82 runs every ~15–30 mins (€2–3)
- Ferry: A beautiful 10-minute ride with sea views — perfect in warm months
- Taxi: Quickest and easiest if you have luggage
- Walk: A stunning coastal footpath (30–45 mins) if you’re feeling active
🚶♀️ Getting Around Portofino
Getting around Portofino is easy — the town is small, mostly car-free, and completely walkable. From the central Piazzetta, you can reach all major sights like the harbour, church, lighthouse, and Castello Brown on foot in under 30 minutes. Expect cobbled lanes, hidden stairways, and scenic paths leading to sea views, boutiques, and cafés.
3 Italian Words to Know
- Piazzetta – The little square at the heart of Portofino
- Ciao – Hello and goodbye (friendly and informal — use it everywhere!)
- Grazie – Thank you (a small word that goes a long way!)
💡 Bonus tip: Locals appreciate the effort, even if it’s just one word!
Where to Stay: Portofino or Nearby?
While Portofino may be small, its overnight options are big on luxury — and price. With limited rooms and premium views, accommodation in the harbour itself is often boutique, elegant, and experience. But don’t worry — nearby towns offer beautiful alternatives.
Best overall month:
🌸 May, June, and September – You’ll likely find pleasant weather (around 18–25 °C / 64–75 °F), fewer tourists, and better accommodation rates.
Staying in Portofino
Staying in Portofino means immersing yourself in one of Italy’s most exclusive seaside villages. With just a handful of hotels in the town itself, accommodation is limited — but what’s available is full of charm, elegance, and postcard-worthy views. Here are three great options and what we think:
✨ Luxury Escape: Eight Hotel Portofino
We love the elegance and architecture here—graceful arches, lush gardens, and an overall sense of refined tranquillity. The complimentary chauffeured shuttle to the harbour and the nearby beach ensures you arrive in style, while the spa and private garden make for a blissfully relaxing stay. Indulge in a buffet breakfast with wide variety to start your day right. Its peaceful, secluded vibe makes it perfect for couples seeking luxury. Even the standard rooms are luxurious—but the suites? They’re absolutely stunning.
FYI: It’s quiet and exclusive—great for romance, but maybe too serene if you’re craving town action.
✨Central and Charming: Hotel Nazionale, Portofino
This hotel made our list for its striking contemporary design, with bold interiors that beautifully contrast the coastal surroundings. Positioned right across from a mini sandy beach equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, it’s hard to beat for seaside convenience. The sea-view rooms with private terraces are absolutely breathtaking—imagine breakfast or evening cocktails overlooking the Bay of Tigullio. Stylish, soothing, and perfectly placed.
FYI: Its modern aesthetic is a change from the typical Ligurian style—great if you’re in the mood for something fresh and different.
🌊Waterfront Escape – Hotel Piccolo, Portofino
Location is everything—and Hotel Nazionale has it nailed, sitting right across from the iconic Piazzetta. This family-run gem is warm and inviting, with staff who genuinely go the extra mile. Guests rave about the beautiful breakfasts and cozy, charming rooms. It’s ideal for travellers who want to wake up and immediately start exploring—whether that’s people-watching from your balcony or popping across the square for an espresso.
FYI: Being right in the centre means you’ll hear the gentle hum of harbour life — perfect for soaking up the atmosphere
🛏️ Staying Nearby: More Choice, Less Cost
If you don’t mind a 10–15 minute journey, staying just outside Portofino opens up more accommodation options, often at better prices — without sacrificing charm, sea views, or convenience.🚍 Getting in & out is easy
🚕Taxis and even walking are viable, especially from Santa Margherita (about 30–40 minutes on foot along a beautiful coastal path)
🚢Ferries run regularly between Santa Margherita Ligure ↔ Portofino (🛥️ scenic and relaxed)
🚌Local buses are frequent, affordable, and stop right in the heart of Portofino
🛍️Bag-free is the way to be.
Store your luggage nearby with Bounce and enjoy Portofino hands-free. Find Bounce Luggage Storage here.
🌊 Hotel Laurin – Santa Margherita Ligure
We love how Hotel Laurin manages to feel both central and serene. Located a short stroll from the quay and town centre, it’s ideal for hopping on a ferry to Portofino or enjoying an evening stroll along the promenade. The friendly, welcoming staff make you feel at home right away, and there’s a lovely choice of rooms — from classic doubles to multi-room suites and flats with kitchenettes, great for longer stays or travelling with friends. Don’t miss the panoramic rooftop pool, and if you’re lucky enough to grab a terrace room, the night-time views over the bay are magical.
FYI: It’s popular in peak season — book early for rooms with those sea-facing terraces.
🏖️ Hotel Italia e Lido Rapallo – Rapallo
We love the unbeatable location of this hotel — set right on the water with front-row views of Rapallo Castle and the bay. The friendly, welcoming staff and laid-back vibe make it a fantastic spot to unwind. With direct beach access, a rooftop terrace, and spacious balconies, it’s ideal for a relaxed base with room to breathe.
FYI: It’s a little further from Portofino and connections may involve a change in Santa Margherita. But if you don’t mind a scenic journey, the views (and the value) are well worth it.
🌟 Imperiale Palace Hotel – Santa Margherita Ligure
We love the way this 19th-century villa blends timeless elegance with modern comfort. The interiors still feature classic Italian furnishings, but everything feels fresh, luxurious, and beautifully maintained. With private beach access, a gorgeous pool complete with poolside bar, and exceptional food served with Riviera flair, this hotel delivers a true grand-hotel experience. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a photo op — from the marble floors to the sweeping balconies.
FYI: The classic vibe is part of its charm, but it may feel more formal than other nearby stays — ideal if you’re after a polished, old-world atmosphere with five-star perks.
🏡Stays That Let You Do You
If you’re looking for more space, flexibility, and a home-away-from-home vibe, these self-catering options near Portofino are well worth considering. They offer a more independent way to experience the Riviera. Whether you want to cook local produce in your own kitchen, enjoy a peaceful terrace with a sea view, or set off on a paddleboard at sunrise — these handpicked stays deliver something truly unique.
✨3 bed Apartment in Portofino
We love this apartment for its prime location just a short stroll from Portofino’s famous harbour. With three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a open-plan living area, it is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring, and having your own kitchen means you can enjoy Portofino your way — whether that’s cooking in or dining al fresco.
🌊 Next to Portofino – Paraggi Bay – 3 bed house
We love the rare beachfront setting of this charming 3-bedroom villa, perched just above a small cove with a balcony that overlooks the sea. It’s tucked between the hills and the coast, just a 13-minute walk to Portofino Marina, and right by the sandy Paraggi Bay. With access to canoe trips, hiking trails, and a peaceful local beach, it’s ideal for a quiet, scenic escape.
💶 Money & Tipping in Portofino
Italy uses the euro (€) as its official currency. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Portofino accept major debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), but you’ll still want some cash on hand — especially for ferry tickets, tips, or small-town cafés. ATMs are available in Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, and rates are generally reliable. Just watch out for foreign card fees from your bank.
💳 Top tip: Use a travel card like Monzo (click to get a sign-up bonus), which doesn’t charge overseas spending fees. Or check out our recommended prepaid travel card – it’s safe, easy to top up, and works worldwide.
Tipping in Portofino is optional but appreciated. Italians don’t tip in the same way as some other countries, but it’s always nice to reward good service.
✈️Restaurants: A coperto (cover charge) is usually added to your bill. You can still leave €1–€2 per person, or 5–10% for more formal or high-end meals.
✈️Cafés & Bars: If you’re seated and served, rounding up the bill is a polite gesture. No tipping needed at the counter.
✈️Hotels: Tip €1–€2 for porters and housekeeping. A small thank-you for excellent concierge help is also welcome.
✈️Taxis & Transfers: Round up the fare or add €2–€3 for longer journeys.
💡 High-end venues may expect a small tip, but generally it’s your choice — a nice way to show appreciation, not a rule.
Things to do
Didn’t find your perfect adventure in the slideshow? Check out these other fantastic ways to explore Portofino.
🥾 Don’t miss the walking path to the Portofino Lighthouse — it’s a gentle hike with beautiful views.
Been there? Got a tip, idea, or hidden gem to share? Come chat with us over on our socials – we’d love to hear from you! 💬🌍✈️
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