Portofino, Italy Luxury Cruises

The harbour is the heart and soul of Portofino, where people gather to dine, indulge in retail therapy and revel in the laid-back atmosphere. When you disembark at the port, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from numerous attractions and facilities, with almost everything within easy walking distance.

South east of Genoa along the Italian Riviera lies the beautiful, crescent-shaped coastal town of Portofino. Famed for being the resort of choice for the rich and famous, this seaside village is full of stylish boutiques, prestigious restaurants, luxury cafes and upmarket hotels, making it a wonderful holiday destination.

Sightseeing in Portofino

Portofino is a haven for people who love the great outdoors, with a wealth of hiking, diving and boating opportunities available throughout the year. There are a handful of iconic sites which always attract a number of visitors, so whether your visit to Portofino is long or short, a trip to one of these sites is a fantastic way to get a real sense of the area.

Castello Brown

This grand castle sits on a tall hill overlooking the town of Portofino and can be reached by following the path near the botanical gardens. Home to a stunning garden, this castle rewards visitors with tremendous panoramic views which stretch over the village and across the glistening sea. Inside Castello Brown, you’ll find various furnishings and pictures which belonged to the owner in 1870, as well as photos of Portofino’s famous visitors.

Christ of the Abyss

This bronze statue was submerged and cemented to the sea floor just off the coast of Portofino more than 50 years ago, in memory of a diver who died near that spot. At 15 metres in depth, the water is relatively shallow, allowing the Christ of the Abyss to easily be reached by a simple dive. There are plenty of diving schools and centres available throughout Portofino which offer dives to this popular statue.

Portofino Natural Park

Founded in 1935, this gorgeous park boasts exotic flowers and a selection of Mediterranean vegetation, including olive groves, pine forests and strawberry trees. It’s also home to a vast array of birds and invertebrates, numerous hiking trails and architecturally important buildings. A camera is a must for anyone visiting the Portofino National Park because with natural beauty at every turn, you’ll be surrounded by photo opportunities everywhere you look.

Shopping in Portofino

Despite its small size, there is an endless supply of excellent shopping in Portofino, with everything from cute knick-knacks to high-end fashion available to buy. Most of the shops and boutiques are found along the waterfront, so you won’t have far to walk from the harbour.

Those who want to pick up a few local items should keep an eye out for wine. Wine from Portofino is of a superb quality and is best purchased from local vineyards. Designers won’t want to miss the chance to snap up Italian lace which is much easier to come by in Portofino than Italy. When it comes to clothes shopping, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a large number of boutiques and shops filled with all the latest designer trends from Italy.

Eating out in Portofino

The harbour at Portofino is framed by restaurants, each one serving up their own twists on regional specialities. From Italian comfort food to fine dining, there is a culinary experience for everyone to enjoy. Here dining is less about filling your stomach and more about savouring the incredible experience and soaking up the opulent atmosphere.

Homemade pizzas and pastas feature heavily on most menus, as does freshly caught fish and seafood. If you’re a wine lover, make sure you try a glass of the local vintage, without a doubt it will be some of the best wine you’ve ever had. If you’re still feeling a bit peckish after your meal, stop by one of the kiosks along the harbour and indulge in some gelato.