Portofino is a small Italian fishing village and tourist resort located in the
province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town crowded round its small
harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports.
Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf are symbols representing Italy throughout the
world. The coast is a sequence of fashionable resorts with their marinas,
pastel-coloured houses, first-rate sports facilities and the seductive
atmosphere of the Dolce Vita. But perhaps the most striking thing for the
traveller is the beauty of the seascapes, with some of the most celebrated views
in Italy, suspended between the intense blue of the sea and the green mountains.
Tourists can fulfill a wealth of pleasures: sea and sports fans have access to
windsurfing facilities, sailing, tennis, golf, hiking, splendid seabeds, and
plenty of beach facilities. Take a relaxing walk through the unique historical
coastal town centres, stopping at fashionable boutiques and craft shops, or
indulge yourself in the wonders of Ligurian art, landscape and gastronomy
Set on perhaps the most famous part of the Ligurian coast, the little town of
Portofino (32km) can be reached by boat from Camogli (approx. 20 mins.) or from
above, via a two hour walk along the breathtaking promontary. Without doubt, one
of the best loved destinations for foreign tourists, it is a fishing village, so
picturesque as to seem unreal, with its famous little square surrounded by
different coloured houses, and its wonderful little port. Despite having an
elegant international flavour, with its prestigious boutiques and fine
restaurants, this side of the town co-exists in utter harmony with the skills of
the old axe-makers, and the craftsmen who excell at pillow lace and macramè.
From the town of Portofino several routes lead off into the winding undergrowth
of the promontory, where luxury villas lie hidden in the vegetation. The
lighthouse at the very tip of the promontory can be reached in an easy 15 minute
walk, while at the top of the hill are the little settlements of Portofino Vetta
(34km) and Ruta. The nature reserve is full of mediterranean flora, in a vast
spectrum of colour which seems to have been stolen from the depths of the sea.
