What to do in Portofino in one day – Full Tutorial!
✅ Before starting with Portofino what to visit in one day , here are some really interesting links about Portofino and Tigullio. Take a look! 😉
- Tigullio’s treasures you cannot miss: The Christ of the Abyss
- San Michele di Pagana: what to see?
- Tigullio: 5 Things you can’t miss!
- 5 things to see in Santa Margherita Ligure!
- Live webcam on Portofino
Welcome to Portofino, the most beautiful place in the world!
Before all, some very useful information, especially if you are going to visit Portofino for the first time.
You can reach Portofino very simply, taking the coastal road that starts from Santa Margherita Ligure.
There are no free car parking spaces, but there is a municipal parking garage and a small private car park (Capriccioli).
In the summer and weekends it is very difficult to park, because the places fill up quickly.
So, consider other methods as well. There are buses leaving from Santa Margherita, ferries, you can rent bicycles or scooters, or you can have a nice walk.
Portofino is a very “expensive” place.
Anyway, you can visit and appreciate it, even spending a few euros… just for a coffee. 😉
Take a look at: The best restaurants with a view in Portofino
1️⃣ What to do in Portofino in one day: enjoy The Piazzetta!
Famous all over the world for its beauty, its charm and frequented by people (and VIPs) from all over the world, the Piazzetta is the first obligatory stop in Portofino.
The Piazzetta is a unique spectacle, with its tall and colorful houses, facing in a semicircle on the square and on the quays of the marina.
You can walk around looking at the splendid shop, enjoy an ice cream or relax with a coffee, sitting like true VIPs in a Dolce Vita movie.
You’ll immediately understand why the Piazzetta has been immortalized in so many films, soap operas and songs.
Relax and.. Enjoy the moment!
Take also a look at: How to reach Portofino by train
2️⃣ Visit The Brown Castle (Castello Brown)
What to do in Portofino in one day. The Castello Brown is located on the hill of Piazzetta and has a very long history.
It was built in the late Middle 16th century – on the ruins of a Roman fortification, dating back to the second or third century AD.
It once served as a military fortress to defend the village.
The Municipality of Portofino definitively bought the property in 1961, making it a venue for exhibitions, weddings and cultural and social activities.
One of the wonders of the Castle, is the Mediterranean garden, composed by various species of flowers, including many rose plants, and wonderful pergolas.
From here, you can admire an incredible panorama on Portofino and it’s Gulf.
Castello Brown can be reached with a 10 minutes easy walk. The entrance fee is 5 euros.
Castle opening hours:
- 15 March to 31 March: from 10 to 17
- 1st April to 31st May and 1st September to 31st October: from 10am to 6pm
- from 1st June to 31st August: from 10am to 7pm
- November 1st to March 15th: Saturday and Sunday only, from 10am to 5pm
Take a look at: How to arrive in Portofino from Genova
3️⃣ What to do in Portofino in one day: hike to the Lighthouse!
The Portofino Lighthouse has been active since 1910 and is 40 meters up on the sea.
With a range of 16 nautical miles, Portofino lighthouse is still today a fundamental guide for all the sailors.
Located on the top of the homonym “Punta del Faro” – reachable by continuing the route from Castello Brown – it ideally represents the border between the Tigullio Gulf and the neighboring Golfo Paradiso, on the eastern side.
The Lighthouse has a guardian and cannot be visited.
So, you might be thinking: why I need to see the Lighthouse, if I can’t visit it inside?
Very simple. For the absolutely unique and spectacular view from here, on all the Liguria riviera, until the Cinque Terre.
With a little bit of luck, it’s the perfect spot for dolphin and (more rarely) whale sightings.
Take also a look at: How to arrive at Portofino Lighthouse and Olivetta Beach
4️⃣ What to do in Portofino in one day: go to Paraggi Bay
First of all, a necessary premise. Portofino does not have a real beach, as almost all the other Ligurian cities.
The Bay of Paraggi is – “in fact” – considered the beach of Portofino. Paraggi, is located on the road to Portofino, just 1.5 km before.
You will not be confused. The beauty of Paraggi Bay will leave you breathless. Paraggi Bay it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
Here in Paraggi, there are various beach club and free access points, including a wonderful little “bay in the bay”, called Niasca.
Enjoy this amazing place: you’ll love it!
Take also a look at: Portofino beach, the best 3 beaches in Portofino!
5️⃣ Visit the churches
What to do in Portofino in one day? Last but not least: visit the churches.
There are the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of San Martino and the Church of San Giorgio, reachable by the same walk that leads to Castello Brown and the Lighthouse.
The church of San Giorgio, is located in a magnificent raised position with respect to the square, which dominates from above.
Originally, it was built during the 12th century on the remains of an older chapel.
Take also a look at: Walk of kisses, the best path in Portofino!
During the Second World War in Portofino, the church was completely destroyed during an air raid.
The current structure was built only in 1950, faithfully respecting the original.
Inside are the remains of San Giorgio, patron saint of Portofino.
San Martino
The parish church dedicated to San Martino is located in the oldest part of the village.
Inside, there are pictorial and sculptural works, such as the Annunciation of the eighteenth century, the canvas of the Madonna del Rosario, and a painting depicting the saints Rocco, Sebastiano and Pantaleo by a Ligurian painter of the sixteenth century.
Externally the façade is quite simple with horizontal gray and yellow stripes, while inside it is full of frescoes and paintings.
Take a look at: Portofino songs, top 5
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