Portofino vacations have been on many travelers’ radars ever since it became known as a favorite spot for Hollywood celebrities starting in the 1950s. Those who wish to indulge in a luxurious getaway in Italy will find that elegance and sophistication wait at every turn. From the sumptuous Mediterranean dining to the world-class boutique shopping, Portofino has earned its reputation as the most upscale resort destination on the Italian Riviera.

Portofino vacation packages are available at the premiere resorts and luxury hotels and may help to reduce the overall cost of your trip. You may also be interested in one of the Portofino vacation rentals situated along the waterfront. The pastel villas and cottages are some of the most iconic features of this seaside resort community. As you’re exploring your options for where to stay, you will also want to take into account whether or not it will be necessary for you to get a rental car during your vacation. It is handy to have a vehicle if you are planning to travel around to other destinations like Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure, but it is not by any means necessary. Other options include ferries, trains, and buses. Parking and driving in and around Portofino itself can be difficult during busy times.

Once you decide upon where you are staying in Portofino, you can turn your attention to all of the amazing things to do. There are many activities that people enjoy, including fishing, boating, scuba diving, and swimming. The marine protected area off the coast of Portofino is one of the best places for scuba diving in the this part of the Mediterranean and the Portofino port is lined with some of the most brilliant yachts you will see anywhere. And although it is beaches like Paraggi and Santa Margherita Ligure that draw people to revel in the sun, there are also many things to do in and around town.

Portofino Map

The high-end shopping boutiques feature the likes of Ferragamo, Hermes, and Armani (to name just a few) and there are seemingly endless options for fine dining. The Piazzetta (or main town square) is centrally located near the best shopping, dining, and the port, and serves as a starting point for many people taking tours of the historic part of Portofino.

There are some sites that are definitely worth seeing. If you’re are a scuba diver, you should strongly consider taking one of the ferries to the Bay of San Fruttuoso to see the very cool Statue of Christ of the Abyss, submerged at 55 feet beneath the surface. The Castello Brown located just outside of town (and an easy walk from the Piazzetta) is also one of the top attractions to see on Portofino vacations. It is a sixteenth-century fortification that was constructed to ward off invading Turks. Visitors can now tour the historic castle every day between the months of April and October. Guided tours are a great way to get local knowledge of Portofino, but the town was also made for walking and exploring on your own. Be sure to set aside time to walk down Main Street for shopping and dining. There is plenty of locally made wine, wonderful food, and fun times to go around.