Portofino in 3 Days: The Perfect Guide for Your Italian Riviera Adventure
Welcome to the charming coastal town of Portofino, Italy, where the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea meet the vibrant colors of the Italian Riviera. Whether you're looking to indulge in some delicious local cuisine, explore the area's natural beauty, or simply relax and unwind in a picturesque setting, Portofino has something for everyone. In this three-day itinerary, we'll take you on a journey through some of the town's must-see attractions and hidden gems, giving you a taste of the best that this stunning destination has to offer.
Day 1:
9:00 AM - Breakfast at Bar Morena: Start your day with a delicious Italian breakfast at Bar Morena, located at Via Roma, 31, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy. Enjoy a cappuccino and a croissant or a pastry of your choice.
10:00 AM - Hike to Castello Brown: Take a scenic hike up to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. The hike takes approximately 30 minutes from the center of Portofino. Address: Salita al Castello, 1, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy.
12:00 PM - Lunch at Trattoria Tripoli: After the hike, enjoy a delicious lunch at Trattoria Tripoli, a cozy restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Try the homemade pasta or seafood dishes. Address: Via della Penisola, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy.
2:00 PM - Boat tour to San Fruttuoso Abbey: Take a boat tour to the nearby San Fruttuoso Abbey, a stunning medieval monastery located in a secluded bay. The boat tour takes approximately 20 minutes. Address: Via San Fruttuoso, 16038 Camogli GE, Italy.
5:00 PM - Aperitivo at La Cantina: Return to Portofino and enjoy an aperitivo at La Cantina, a popular wine bar with a great selection of Italian wines and appetizers. Address: Salita San Giorgio, 3, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy.
8:00 PM - Dinner at Da I Gemelli: End your day with a delicious dinner at Da I Gemelli, a traditional Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. Try the homemade pesto pasta or the grilled seafood. Address: Via Roma, 36, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy.
Day 2:
9:00 AM - Breakfast at your hotel.
10:00 AM - Kayaking in Paraggi: Rent a kayak and explore the crystal-clear waters of Paraggi, a beautiful cove located just a short distance from Portofino. Address: Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy.
12:00 PM - Lunch at Bagni Fiore: After kayaking, enjoy a delicious lunch at Bagni Fiore, a beachfront restaurant with stunning sea views. Try the seafood or the traditional Ligurian focaccia. Address: Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 12, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy.
2:00 PM - Visit to Santa Margherita Ligure: Take a short train ride (12 minutes) to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming town with colorful buildings and beautiful beaches. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and explore the town's shops and cafes. Address: Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy.
5:00 PM - Back in town Gelato at Gelateria Gepi: Treat yourself to a delicious, local gelato at Gelateria Gepi, a popular ice cream shop known for its creamy gelato and sorbets. Address: Corso Niccolò Cuneo, 10, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE
8:00pm: Dinner at Taverna del Marinaio (Via Dritto, 36) Taverna del Marinaio is a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Portofino. They offer a variety of traditional Ligurian dishes, including pesto pasta, seafood, and homemade desserts.
Day 3:
9:00am: Breakfast at your hotel
10:00am: Hike to the lighthouse Take a scenic hike to the lighthouse of Portofino (Faro di Portofino). The trail offers breathtaking views of the coast and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
1:00pm: Lunch at Trattoria Tripoli (Via Roma, 24) Trattoria Tripoli is a small family-run restaurant that offers delicious homemade pasta and seafood dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
3:00pm: Relax at Paraggi Beach Spend some time relaxing at Paraggi Beach, a beautiful sandy beach located just a few minutes from Portofino. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise waters.
7:00pm: Dinner at Impronta d'Acqua (booking ahead highly recommended!). Impronta d'Acqua is a restaurant located in the heart of Portofino with one Michelin star. Chef Ivan, who sources his extra-virgin olive oil and high-quality meats from the nearby Lavagna hills, features bold and thoughtful dishes that highlight the flavors of the sea, accompanied by herbs such as bay leaves, thyme, cicerbita, and rapunzel. The restaurant offers three tasting menus: Pensieri, Goloso, and Vegetariano, catering to a range of dietary preferences. This is the perfect place to end your trip!
As your three-day adventure in Portofino comes to a close, we hope that you've enjoyed exploring this beautiful town and all it has to offer. From the stunning views at the Castello Brown to the delicious cuisine at the area's many restaurants, there's no shortage of experiences to be had in Portofino. So whether you're looking to relax on the beach or take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant town, we hope you'll come back soon to experience all that Portofino has to offer. Safe travels!