Portofino, Italy

View of colorful buildings next to harbor

Travel Date: December 2024

What to do in Portofino

Portofino Harbor – Strolling around the harbor is a must for capturing scenic views of the town.

Chiesa di San Giorgio & Terrazza San Giorgio – Just a 3-minute uphill walk from the harbor, this spot makes for a quick and convenient stop if you’re heading to the lighthouse or Al Faro di Portofino Lounge Bar.

View of a coastal building with a flag and lighthouse, overlooking a rocky shoreline and the sea under a clear blue sky.
Chiesa di San Giorgio

Scalinata al Faro – As you approach Chiesa di San Giorgio, you’ll encounter a fork in the road. The church is to the right, while a staircase on the left leads down toward the harbor. This path offers stunning views of the harbor and provides a convenient shortcut if you’re coming back from the lighthouse or Al Faro di Portofino Lounge Bar, helping you avoid any backtracking.

Coastal view of Portofino with colourful buildings along the waterfront, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
View from Scalinata al Faro

Spiaggia dell’Olivetta – About an 8-minute walk from the harbor, you’ll spot signs guiding you straight ahead to the lounge bar, as well as a faded sign pointing left toward Spiaggia dell’Olivetta. Take the left turn, and when you reach another slight fork in the road, turn left once more to head downhill toward the secluded inlet and beach (about 5 minutes). We enjoyed this small beach for its peaceful atmosphere, as it was mostly empty.

A person standing on a rocky shoreline, gazing at the calm water and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. A building partially hidden by trees is visible on the hillside.
Spiaggia dell’Olivetta

Where to eat and drink in Portofino

Al Faro di Portofino Lounge Bar – Spend a relaxing day in Portofino at this charming outdoor bar near the lighthouse, just a 16-minute uphill walk from the harbor. Enjoy stunning seaside views while sipping on reasonably priced drinks. There’s no cover charge, and complimentary snacks like chips, peanuts, and olives are provided.

Da I Gemelli – While the harbor view at this restaurant is pleasant, the food was underwhelming. We tried the spaghetti vongole, which was overly salty, and the mixed seafood platter, which was slightly overcooked—though the langostino was flavorful. Notably, they had the highest cover charge of our trip at €5 per person.

A colourful seafood platter featuring various grilled fish, prawns, a scallop, and grilled vegetables, accompanied by a glass of green beverage and a plate of spaghetti in the background.

For drivers to Portofino

We parked at a parking garage next to Galleria del Vitrale and paid €25.50 for 5 hours.

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