Vacation Packages to Portofino

General Information about Portofino

Portofino is a small seaside town located on the Italian Riviera, in the Liguria region. It is known for its picturesque harbor and colorful houses and is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and elegant and refined atmosphere.

Portofino is also an important center for water activities, with options for sports such as sailing, diving, and fishing. 

In addition, it offers a wide range of high-quality restaurants, bars, and stores, as well as a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to small guesthouses.

Portofino is also known for its surroundings, including the natural reserve of Portofino National Park and the surrounding hills, which offer beautiful panoramic views and opportunities for hiking and biking.

History of Portofino

Portofino's history dates to the 6th century BC when it was inhabited by the Ligurians. During the Middle Ages, Portofino was an important fishing and trading port, and later a popular site for the construction of fortifications.

In the 17th century, Portofino became a haven for pirates, which led to the construction of a fortress to protect the port. 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Portofino became a summer resort for European aristocracy and high society and continued to be a popular destination for the rich and famous during the 20th century.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Portofino became a landmark of the international jet set and was frequented by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and King Farouk of Egypt. 

In recent years, Portofino has remained a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, attracted by its beautiful beaches, elegant stores and restaurants, and charming harbor.

Not-to-be-Missed in Portofino

Portofino is a small town with a wealth of tourist sites worth visiting. Here are some of the most popular places in Portofino:

Starting with the port of Portofino which is one of the most emblematic points of the town and is perfect for a stroll, a coffee or just admiring the boats.

It is followed by Castello Brown, an impressive sixteenth-century castle located on top of a hill and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the sea.

You cannot miss the church of San Giorgio which dates back to the eighteenth century and is known for its impressive interior decoration and its high location on a hill, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the harbor.

Finally, the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre which is a beautiful natural park is located near Portofino where you can see dreamlike natural landscapes.

Culture of Portofino

Portofino's culture is a mix of historical and modern influences. Due to its location on the Ligurian coast in northern Italy, Portofino's culture is strongly influenced by the region's maritime culture.

Fishing and trade have been an integral part of life in Portofino for centuries, and this tradition is reflected in the local cuisine, which is based on fresh fish and seafood.

In addition, Portofino has long been a popular tourist destination and has attracted a wide variety of travelers, including European aristocracy and high society, as well as artists, writers, and filmmakers. 

This cosmopolitan influence has enriched Portofino's culture and contributed to its reputation as a vibrant and culturally diverse place.

Festivals of Portofino

Portofino is a town with a rich cultural tradition and hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of Portofino's most popular festivals:

The Sardine Festival is held in July and honors the sardine, a fish that is an important part of the local cuisine. During the festival, tastings of fresh sardines and other seafood dishes are offered, as well as live music and entertainment for all ages.

The Regata Storica di Portofino is held in August and is a competition of traditional boats dating back to the era of fishing and trade. The regatta is an opportunity to witness ancient and colorful boats racing in the waters of Portofino's harbor.

The Feast of San Giorgio is a religious festival held in April and honors San Giorgio, the patron saint of Portofino. The festivity includes a religious procession, live music, and typical food.

The Wine Festival is held in September and celebrates the wine tradition of the Liguria region. During the festival, local wine tastings are offered and activities such as wine tastings and candlelight dinners are held.

What to Eat in Portofino

Portofino's gastronomy is a unique combination of culinary traditions from the Ligurian coast and international influences. Most dishes are based on fresh fish and seafood, as well as local products such as olive oil, wine, and vegetables.

We recommend some of its traditional dishes that cannot be missed during your visit to Portofino:

Pesto alla Genovese is one of the most emblematic dishes of the Liguria region and consists of pasta with basil sauce, garlic, cheese, and olive oil.

Farinata is a kind of chickpea flour cake that is baked until golden brown and cut into portions to serve as an appetizer or as a main course.

Cacciucco alla livornese is a fish stew cooked with white wine and tomato and served with toasted bread.

Ligurian focaccia is a variety of flat, spongy bread that is baked with olive oil and can be filled with ingredients such as cheese, tomato, or salami.

In addition to the typical dishes, there are many restaurants and trattorias in Portofino that offer a wide variety of culinary options, including Italian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine.

How to Get to Portofino

There are different options to reach Portofino from different destinations, among those options are:

1. By plane: the nearest airport is Cristoforo Colombo International Airport in Genoa, which is about a 45-minute drive from Portofino. From the airport, you can take a cab or bus to the port of Portofino.
2. By train: Portofino is well served by rail from Genoa, and there are regular trains from Genoa train station that travel to Santa Margherita Ligure, which is a few kilometers from Portofino. From Santa Margherita Ligure, you can take a cab or bus to the port of Portofino.
3. By car: If you travel by car, you can reach Portofino via the A12 freeway, which connects Genoa with the Ligurian Riviera. There are several parking lots available at the port of Portofino.

What to See and Do in Portofino

Portofino is a high-quality tourist destination, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, elegant ambiance, and ample opportunities for recreation and leisure.

Because of its proximity to Italian destinations such as Florence and Bologna, you'll find these sites in many of our Portofino travel packages.

Are you ready to delight yourself with exceptional gastronomy? Do you want to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the region? Do you want to have fun at the festivals of Portofino?

If your answer is "yes", with Greca we offer you several proposals of tour packages to Portofino, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and time.

There are travel packages to suit all tastes, so make the most of your next adventure!