I had always dreamed of visiting the picturesque coastal village of Portofino, with its crystal clear waters, charming mini cove, and reputation as a celebrity haven. So, when I finally found myself in Italy, I knew I had to make the journey to this idyllic destination. My friend and I took an early train ride from Centrale station, arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure after a scenic 3.5-hour journey. From there, we hopped on Bus 82 for a quick 20-minute ride to the city center of Portofino. Though the journey was a bit longer than expected, the breathtaking coastal views more than made up for it.

Portofino is a small coastal village located in the Liguria region of Italy, known for its picturesque harbor, vibrant colored houses, and sparkling waters. The village has a rich history, dating back to Roman times when it was a fishing village. In the 19th century, it became a popular destination for wealthy tourists, including European nobility and American industrialists. Today, Portofino continues to attract visitors from all over the world with its charming atmosphere, luxury boutiques, and high-end restaurants. The village is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, a protected area of Mediterranean vegetation, and a marine reserve.

As soon as we stepped off the bus and into the heart of Portofino, we were struck by the sheer beauty of the place. The sun was shining down on us, casting a warm glow over the colorful houses and sparkling waters of the harbor. We couldn’t help but pull out our cameras, eager to capture the picturesque scene before us. The boats bobbed gently in the water, their brightly painted hulls adding a splash of color to the already vibrant setting. The heat didn’t even phase us as we walked around, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming coastal village. It was everything I had hoped for and more, and I couldn’t stop myself from snapping photo after photo of the boats, the houses and the sea. It was truly a picturesque setting that exceeded all my expectations.As you explore the winding streets of Portofino, you’ll find an abundance of shops and restaurants lining the way. The local boutiques offer a range of luxury items, from designer clothing to handmade leather goods, while the restaurants serve up delicious seafood dishes and traditional Ligurian cuisine. Although the prices may be a bit steep, it’s easy to understand why when you consider the exclusive location and charming atmosphere of this picturesque village. You are paying for the experience of being in one of the most beautiful and exclusive places in the world. So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself splurging a bit on a souvenir or meal, because when in Portofino, it’s all part of the experience.As we strolled along the harbor, we came across a path that led up to a castle perched high above the village. Although the castle was open for tours, we decided to save that for another time and instead focused on exploring the town. It was the perfect decision, as we discovered that every corner of Portofino offered breathtaking views. The winding streets were lined with colorful houses and lush greenery, while the harbor sparkled in the sunlight. Every time we turned a corner, we were greeted with yet another stunning vista, from the rocky coastline to the distant hills. We were glad we didn’t spend the whole day inside the castle, as there wasn’t anywhere in Portofino that didn’t offer a beautiful view.As we made our way up the path, the shade from the trees enveloped us, creating a cool and serene environment. The sound of birds chirping and the rustle of leaves underfoot made for an idyllic setting, and we couldn’t help but feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the natural beauty surrounding us. It was the perfect way to cool off and escape the heat of the day, and we relished in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the walk path. With every step, we felt more and more invigorated, and the view of the town was the cherry on the top.

Portofino’s city center may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to beauty and charm. As we looped around the village, we were constantly amazed by the picturesque scenery that greeted us at every turn. From the colorful houses that lined the streets, to the sparkling waters of the harbor, there was no shortage of sights to see.

One of the highlights of our tour was a visit to the hilltop church. The climb up the hill was worth it as we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the village and the ocean that was simply breathtaking. The view was so beautiful that we couldn’t resist taking out our cameras and capturing the moment.

After an hour or so of exploring the city center, C & I decided to venture out to the coast. We knew from our bus ride that there were other areas to see outside the city center. Before we set out, we bought our bus ride tickets at a nearby newspaper stand, which proved to be a wise decision. We ended up spending the remaining time in one of the coves and taking the bus from one of the stops along the way. The coast was just as beautiful as the city center, and it was the perfect way to end our day in Portofino.

When you visit Portofino, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit and water shoes because you’ll want to take advantage of the crystal clear waters and breathtaking beaches that line the coast. From secluded coves to more popular spots, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in and cool off. The water is so clear, you can see the fish swimming beneath you and the color of the water is so inviting. Keep in mind that you’ll definitely need water shoes as the beaches are covered in pebbles.
I would definitely come back to Portofino. It’s near Milan and it’s a good way of spending a relaxing weekend.