Portofino, Italy

 Playground of the Rich and Famous

In Portofino, the clear sea reflects the pastel colors of the facades, the sky and the nature surrounding the village. Visitors from all over the world come to discover every corner of this charming little gem. The boats, ferries, and yachts all arriving and departing in what seems to be in a perfect harmony.  And yes, the yachts, everywhere. This pearl of the Mediterranean is today one of the most renowned tourist resorts in the world and every year attracts thousands of travelers including artists, politicians and celebrities of international level.

Portofino wasn't always a sanctuary for the wealthy and renowned. There was a time when Portofino was merely Portus Delphini, a relic of Rome with a history as intricate as a political drama. It has changed hands among the Republic of Genoa, Florence, and even the French Empire under Napoleon. The eclectic mix of towers and castles are the tangible remnants of centuries of power struggles. Today, what was once a humble fisherman’s refuge morphed into a European hub for the ultra-rich.

It is important to note that Portofino isn't just for the rich. It's a picturesque marvel, with a harbor resembling an artist's vivid imagination and waters so pristine they will dazzle you. Located just on the Ligurian coast, south of Genoa, this place is the true representation of the "Dolce Vita" – the good life. If you want a place to splurge, Portofino is the place, with its upscale restaurants, high-end boutiques, and bars. My favorite is Ristorante Puny. This quaint restaurant located on the square of Portofino has been in the same family for generations. 

Indoors or out, the atmosphere is rustic, the food authentic and delicious, and the service is amazing. Our server was part comedian. local expert (who only lived there 6 months a year) and made the day. Try the Vongole, spaghetti with claims, simply to die for. I would recommend staying in the Hotel Cenobio De Dogi in Camogli, which is just 20 minutes on the other side of the peninsula. It is one of our favorite hotels in Itay. For that matter, anywhere in the world. We've been there Spring, Summer and Fall and it is almost always perfect weather. 

La Piazzetta is Portofino's iconic main square which, overlooking the harbor and the myriad of boats anchored at the port. It is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy traditional specialties or just sit and experience firsthand the vastness of the Ligurian Sea. Plentiful boutiques, art galleries and restaurants are located in the surrounding area, making the bustling center an ideal gathering point. There are a number of churches, palaces and castles within immediate proximity to include Brown Castle. The fortress of Manarola was built in the twelfth century to defend the village from the raids of Saracen pirates. Later it represented the actual core of the ancient town. 

Today some parts are still well preserved and visible, others have been incorporated by the dwellings perched by the sea.

The best way to get to Portofino is to drive and the primary highway is the A 12 and just follow the signs. You can leave your car in the covered pay parking in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, open 24 hours a day, or in the free parking area along the road to Santa Margherita Ligure. From here you can reach the town center on foot with a beautiful panoramic walk. You can also take the train, getting off at Santa Margherita Ligure station from which, in the summer months, a bus departs every 20 minutes (until 8 p.m.), tickets for which can be purchased at the vending machine. Portofino can also be reached by sea, taking advantage of the regular ferry services that provide a constant connection from Genoa, the Gulf of Paradise and the Gulf of Tigullio. Portofino is well worth the trip if for nothing more than to see the yachts. Enjoy!