Photo: Superchilum · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Portofino
A tiny famous harbour and a walk out to the lighthouse.
A tiny, famous harbour of painted houses on a green headland. Very pricey to stay in, so most backpackers come for the day from Santa Margherita, Rapallo or Genoa and walk out to the lighthouse.
Places to see
San GiorgioViewpoint · A small church on the steps above the harbour; its terrace gives the classic view down…Free- Castello BrownSight · A small fort turned villa above the harbour, with terraced gardens and some of the best…≈ A$9
Portofino lighthouseWalk · A shady path past villas and pines out to the lighthouse at the tip of the headland, with…Free
When to go
- Jan12° / 6°Some rainQuiet
- Feb13° / 6°Some rainQuiet
- Mar15° / 8°Some rainQuiet
- Apr18° / 11°Some rainBusy
- May21° / 14°Some rainVery busy
- Jun25° / 18°Some rainVery busy
- Jul28° / 21°Mostly dryVery busy
- Aug28° / 21°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Santa Margherita Ligure. A real seaside town with the station and the most affordable beds; the base for Portofino.
Flying in
Genoa (GOA): Volabus to Genova Brignole, then a train to Santa Margherita, about 1 h 15 min, ≈ A$25.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Santa Margherita Ligure; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You'll need buses or trains. A single ticket is ≈ A$4. Bus 82 runs the coast road from Santa Margherita to Portofino every 15–30 minutes (check), and a path follows the road most of the way. In season, ferries link Santa Margherita, Portofino and San Fruttuoso.
Tourist tax
Santa Margherita and Portofino charge a tourist tax of usually about €2–3 a person a night in B&Bs and hostels, more in hotels; under-14s don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
Day trips
Genoa, about 40 min by train. A great old port and the home of pesto.
