Portofino is a chic and charming resort, which attracts a smart crowd to its gloriously beautiful location, pretty much typifying the idyllically sunny charm and glamour of the Italian Riviera. Beautiful to look at from the water, it’s no wonder Portofino is so popular with the yachting and sailing set, and the whole town seems to pulse with la dolce vita. It’s also probably no wonder that Portofino has a reputation for being expensive. But while our recommendations for the the best places to stay in Portofino do include some seriously opulent hotels, there are also some more modest converted villas, a wonderful hotel perched on the beach, and a charmingly converted Ligurian farmhouse in the hills above Portofino.
Portofino’s incredible location meant that it couldn’t remain an undeveloped fishing village for long, but it is still essentially just a crescent of coloured villas around a picturesque bay, and many of the pleasures of Portofino are all about relaxing in this idyllic setting. It's a particularly perfect setting for honeymooners, those looking for a glamorous escape, or anyone seeking out a spot for some peace in the sun. But this isn’t a large town, really just the Piazzetta overlooking the water and the yachts in it. There’s a church, and a castle, which is on the hilltop and mostly hidden by the Mediterranean scrub, but not a huge amount in the way of sightseeing opportunities. Portofino is for idling over your drink and people watching.
The best places to stay in Portofino are perfect for lovers of Italian luxury, but if you do find yourself getting a little weary with relaxing and sunbathing, eating and drinking well, and shopping in the high end boutiques, you could always go out on the ferry, or one of the hire boats — if you didn’t bring your yacht this time, we mean!
Some of our Portofino Collections:
