An Epicurean's Guide to Portofino
Dreaming of a vacation to the Italian Riviera? Read on to discover the charm of Portofino, Italy.
View of Portofino Bay
Getting There
Portofino is a breathtaking destination spot on the Italian Riviera nestled on the Northwestern portion of the Appennine Mountains. That said, getting there can be extremely exasperating unless you have a Gulfstream or a helicopter at your disposal (I realize that some of you have both, feel free to skip over this section). For those of us who like to take luxury vacations with a minimal carbon footprint to ensure the well-being of our earth, I recommend flying into either Milan or Genova airport and then taking a train directly to S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino or renting a car for the final portion of the journey. Note that during your time on the Italian Riviera, cars are a necessity for getting around, so make sure to reserve one for your arrival.
Hotel or Villa
Hotel Splendido Portofino Italian Riviera Via Roma, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italie
Imperial Palace Hotel Via Pagana, 19, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italie
The choice of whether to reserve a hotel or rent a villa in Portofino is a question that depends on your personal expectations for your trip. Are you hoping to spend a weekend tucked away in your own personal auberge overlooking the Mediterranean? Would you prefer the full-service amenities and interaction that a hotel provides? In either case, both options will provide stunning views and a memorable trip for you and your loved ones. Of course, full-service villas are also available for rental in the region. It all depends on your preferences. For hotels in Portofino, I recommend either the Belmond Hotel Splendido Portofino Italian Riviera or the Imperial Palace Hotel in S. Margherita. Both hotels offer a five-star experience with the latter having a more classic Italian feel in terms of decoration and architecture. I personally would recommend villa rental for those who prefer a more intimate vacation experience. On my most recent trip, we rented a beautiful villa overlooking the sea in the neighboring town of Zoagli. The architecture of the house was superb with floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple 180-degree panoramic terraces, and 7 bedrooms. The villa also afforded us private beach access as well as a garden and a pool. If you’re looking to rent a villa I would check Sotheby’s or other international realty websites or luxury concierges as they tend to rent summer houses in the region by the week. Airbnb is also a good idea if you are renting for a shorter period like a weekend.
Panoramic view of the Mediterranean from our villa
To Do or Not To Do
The age-old question of what to do once you arrive rings true no matter what corner of the world you find yourself in. If you rented a villa, I recommend getting acquainted with the house and surrounding area before visiting the S. Margherita or Portofino town center. Along the coast, the town centers are bayside which allows for impressive views while exploring a new area. My best recommendation for summer trips is to relax, swim, eat, and explore. If you are bored of hanging around your hotel or villa, visit nearby town centers, swim at a beach club, or discover a new restaurant near the bay. If you feel inspired, you might consider a day-long yacht rental. Portofino is not St. Tropez. Non-stop partygoers should look elsewhere (and wait for my blog update on the French Riviera!). It’s like the Gstaad of summer vacation destinations. Come here to slow down and relax. The days are best spent lounging and absorbing the God given beauty of the region in the best way that you can.
Restaurants
Ristorante Puny Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 5, 16034 Portofino GE, Italie
For this region, I won’t slow you down with a whole slew of must-try restaurants because I truly believe that the pleasure of this town is in its discovery. The best parts of Portofino are unearthed by exploring. Most restaurants in the area have an abundance of seafood dishes, kinds of pasta, and classic Genovese cuisine. I suggest walking around the Piazza Martiri to find your next lunch spot. Nevertheless, I do still believe in having dinner reservations, especially for vacations. Ristorante Puny or Da Puny is one of the best restaurants in the Portofino Harbour. Expect perfectly cooked pasta with tomato sauce or pesto. They are also known for having a mouthwatering branzino dish. In terms of ambiance, Da Puny is frequented by celebrities, so be on the lookout (real celebrities that is, not tiktokers). When visiting, you are sure to enjoy a fulfilling meal while overlooking the Portofino Marina.
Book Your Trip
Feel free to reference this guide or reach out to me with any questions when booking your next trip to Portofino. For more photos and information from my trip to Portofino, check out my Instagram where I update everyone on my most recent travels. Don’t procrastinate, the Italian Riviera awaits!
