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Things to do in Portofino

Our most recommended things to do in Portofino

Genova : Boat Tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso, & Portofino

1. Genova : Boat Tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso, & Portofino

Experience a full-day boating excursion and discover three of the most charming villages in Liguria: Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino. Enjoy options of visiting all three, or selecting which ones you'd like to discover. Depart from Genova in the morning aboard the motorboat Città di Camogli and enjoy panoramic coastal views on your way to the harbor of Camogli. If you choose to visit San Fruttuoso, you will find a charming fishing village located on the promontory of Portofino and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. After leaving the dock from Camogli, catch sight of beautiful views of the tiny village. Next, you'll be able to admire the majesty of Portofino mountain, the pudding-stone landmark outcrop of Punta Chiappa. Then, pass the exclusive hamlet of San Fruttuoso, followed by the famous Hermit's Grotto and the Cala dell'Oro. Next, in Portofino, you will find the awe-inspiring blue sea, the lush green vegetation at the edge of the cliffs, and the elegance of villas along the coast. Finally, keep an eye out for bottle-nose dolphins on the boat trip back to Genova.

Easy Kayak Tour to Portofino with Optional Snorkeling

2. Easy Kayak Tour to Portofino with Optional Snorkeling

This easy kayak tour is suitable for all levels to explore the beauties of the Park of Portofino and its Marine Protected Area. In the company of a kayak instructor and marine guide, you paddle along the coast from Paraggi to the picturesque port of Portofino and beyond to the Olivetta and the Lighthouse. Be captured by the charm of these areas rich in history and curiosity. The beauty of Portofino as seen from the sea, will make you feel as though you are in a postcard. At the feet of the lighthouse where nature gets more "wild", take a refreshing dip in front of the breathtaking landscape is an experience not to be missed. Alternatively, pick the sunset option and enjoy the unspoiled coastline of Portofino Park at dusk, the best hour when crowds leave and the landscapes turn quiet again. Explore Portofino’s unique territory and hidden gems from the sea and land. Savor an excellent apperitivo with local natural wine and food. Upgrade for a kayak and snorkel combo in the Bay of Paraggi to explore the rich underwater flora and fauna.

From Genoa: Roundtrip Boat Tour to Portofino

3. From Genoa: Roundtrip Boat Tour to Portofino

Spend the afternoon exploring Portofino, just a short trip down the coast from Genoa. Check out the amazing scenery along the way and explore the charming and unique village for the afternoon. Depart from Genoa's Porto Antico Calata Mandraccio and head to Portofino. As you travel along the coast, admire the beautiful cliffs and coastal scenery. Camogli, the San Fruttuoso Bay, the Portofino Promontory, and the white lighthouse on the cliff await you. The natural beauty of the area is sure to amaze. In Portofino, visit the square, the famous boutiques, and admire the unique views in front of the church of San Giorgio. Maybe treat yourself to gelato before returning to Genoa at approximately 6:30 PM.

Levanto: Cinque Terre Park Guided Tour by E-Bike with Lunch

4. Levanto: Cinque Terre Park Guided Tour by E-Bike with Lunch

We will meet in Levanto, at our garage (located in via Galli 62, 7-minute walk from the train station). After the explanations on the correct use of pedal-assisted bicycles, we effortlessly start to go uphill in the beautiful valley of Levanto, where our journey into the beauty and the history of this region begins. Stops for taking pictures are always welcome. The first longer stop is at the sacred sanctuary of "Madonna di Soviore", right above Monterosso. This amazing place has 1300 years of history, and the panorama of the National Park and the coast towards Portofino is simply amazing. Here you can also find a cafeteria, a restroom, and a fountain for refilling your bottle of water. We then proceed further into the National Park of the Cinque Terre. The panorama slowly opens at the point that we will be able to see the coast of the Cinque Terre until Riomaggiore. If the air is dry enough, it's also possible to see Corsica on the horizon. We arrive at a panoramic spot right above Vernazza. From here we can have the most iconic and instagrammable view of the Cinque Terre: the small colorful houses, the small bay of Vernazza, the clear water of the Ligurian Sea, and the hills and vineyards surrounding the town. Paradise has to be nearby! ;-) In another 5 minutes, we arrive at the second sacred sanctuary that we visit on the tour: "Madonna di Reggio", above Vernazza. Here we have a taste of Ligurian focaccia accompanied by a great local white wine. After some minutes of rest in the shade of centuries-old holm oaks, we go down to Vernazza. Here you have to possibility to visit the town, its cute square nearby the bay, the medieval church, the narrow local streets, the castle and its tower 500 years old, and the harbor. Finally, the optional return to Levanto is done by train, loading the bikes into the special wagons. This tour is suitable for everyone, from 0 to 80 years. Small children can be carried in a trolley attached to mama's or papa's bike. While starting from 9 years old, if children are at least 1.30 cm (4'3'') tall and can safely manage a bike on a road where cars are present, they can ride their own bike. In the hot season, riding an e-bike permits to stay fresh, due to the wind which is like a natural fan. This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the true heart of this region: the terraced landscape, that in the past hosted hundreds of vineyards. Wine production has made history here, and the agricultural traditions are still part of the local heritage.

From Milan: Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour

5. From Milan: Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan on a full-day sightseeing tour of 3 gems of the Ligurian Coast. Departing by bus from central Milan, drive south to the capital of Liguria and the largest seaport in Italy at Genova (Genoa). Nicknamed “La Superba” ("Superb One"), due to its impressive landmarks, part of the old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Explore streets rich in art, gastronomy and architecture. The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, its role in maritime history is beyond compare. Once one of the "Maritime Republics,” along with Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi, the ornate buildings and monuments reveal a rich story of trade and shipbuilding. Next, relax at the pearl of the Ligurian Sea at Portofino, a small village that dates back to the Roman period. Its glittering harbor and colorful waterfront houses have made it a much sought-after destination among celebrities, while its Roman name of Portus Delphini (Port of the Dolphin) reflects the large number of dolphins that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. End your tour at Santa Margherita Ligure, where the maritime scenery and turquoise sea blends beautifully with the green of the Ligurian hills, colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor, and picturesque fishermen’s houses transport you back to a less hurried time.

From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus

6. From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus

Join us on this tour dedicated to the discovery of Genoa, its coast and the enchanting resort of Portofino. This experience will make you admire the beauties of Liguria, discovering a coast full of unique and breathtaking views, the tour will start from Genoa reaching Portofino along the Riviera di Levante, crossing typical places such as Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. Our one-storey panoramic open-top bus will take you in an hour from Genoa to Portofino, the onboard staff will be happy to provide information about the coast and curiosities of Liguria. Once in Portofino you will have free time to discover this renowned Ligurian resort. Prepare your camera and come and discover with us the Italian Riviera!

Portofino: Coasteering Tour

7. Portofino: Coasteering Tour

Embark on a journey between land and sea, and follow your guides on a different adventure to discover Italy's coast. Go coasteering from Portofino to Paraggi Bay on a fun and safe sea, rock, and coastline exploration, observing the natural beauty of the coastal area along your way. After your initial briefing, don your wetsuit and start your coasteering adventure. Learn a new sport. Coasteering involves diving into the sea, and climbing up rocks as you move along a stretch of coast in the intertidal zone — the coastal area that depends on the tides.

1-Hour Snorkeling Tour in Paraggi Bay, Portofino

8. 1-Hour Snorkeling Tour in Paraggi Bay, Portofino

Meet your guide in Niasca, a sandy beach nestled in the vegetation of the Mediterranean Sea, next to Paraggi Bay, famous for its  crystal clear blue water. After you're supplied with the necessary snorkeling equipment (all sizes available), you'll be introduced to your guide. Comfortably sitting on the terrace, you will be briefed with pictures on the great variety of fish species and marine plants you'll come across while snorkeling. After a quick explanation on how to use thew equipment, you'll be ready to dive. This bay, forbidden to boat traffic is completely safe for swimming.  Your guide will lead you underwater searching for hidden treasures in Portofino’s Marine Protected Area. During the first part of the excursion inside Niasca’s bay, you will swim above one of the most extended posidonia meadows in the area, which together with the near cliff, hosts many species, such as tube-worms, starfish, pinna nobilis, posidonia, sponges and mollusks. Then you will head to the second part of the journey, swimming towards Portofino, amidst a cross section of fish species, such as sea breams, gilt-head bream, sea bass, moray eel, damsel and many more. Crossing the bay, you’ll swim above different habitats, such as posidonia meadow and sandy seabed, housing many different species.

From Genoa: Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino

9. From Genoa: Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino

Genoa, the largest medieval town in Europe, maintains the charm of the ancient maritime republic. Your day will start in the ancient harbor, renovated in 1992 by the architect Renzo Piano. Here, your friendly and professional guide will lead you through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways of the old town to discover the many attractions of this city on an inspiring walking tour. After free time for lunch, hop-on your air-conditioned coach for a scenic ride following the Tigullio Gulf, nicknamed the Dolphins Gulf due to the large school of dolphins that are often spotted there, to reach the colorful village of Santa Margherita Ligure. Here, take the boat for a mini-cruise to the charming fishing village of Portofino, a half-moon shaped seaside village whose beauty has been narrated across the millennia by writers and poets such as Guy de Maupassant. The journey will end with a return by boat to Genoa.

Genoa: Round Trip Boat Ticket In The Italian Riviera

10. Genoa: Round Trip Boat Ticket In The Italian Riviera

Take a cruise along the waters in the Ligurian Sea with stops in local towns along the way, including Nervi, Recco, Camogli, and San Fruttuoso. Wander around the stops and create your own adventure in the Bay of San Fruttuoso among the history and mythological legends that live here. First, meet your captain at the docks to start your half-day adventure. Board the boat and watch the water pass by you as you travel along coastlines that boast 20th-century architecture wonders placed neatly above the cliffs. Then, arrive beside the seaside fishing village of Nervi, where a relaxed combination of houses and seafood restaurants hold the shoreline. Continue to Recco, a sunny city in the Riviera, where the hills meet the waterside. Finally, you'll see Camogli, nestled on the west side of the Portofino peninsula, and San Fruttuoso, which is nestled neatly into a bay that is blanketed with greenery. Take time to explore San Fruttuoso before concluding your return trip.

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What people are saying about Portofino

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 559 reviews

Great trip, with helpful staff. Punctual departures from all locations. The boats is close enough to the shore so you can see all the beautiful places along the coast. It was a real pleasure to go on this trip. We made two stops on the journey for dropping off & picking up passengers. it would have been nice to spend a little longer in Portofino to be able to explore as there was only time to have a quick walk, have a sandwich & a drink but it was still a lovely trip

This was a magical experience seeing the stunning coastline from the water. We had an expert guide with us who talked us through all of the local nature and sea life. I highly recommend this experience especially with children

Great boat trip best way to see portafino by coming via the sea.... However could have spent more time there.

It was very well organized, super punctual and very friendly stuff

Very efficient good service, clean boat, easy to book.