The small village of Portofino famous all over the world, especially thanks to its tall and colorful houses that lean on the small port in the fabulous gulf of Tigullio. What makes this small village so special is the peaceful coexistence of tradition and seafaring culture that perfectly blends with the worldly life of yachts and clubs in the square.

A village full of life that can be savoured at its best only by walking in its unique little streets. For this reason we think that the best way to visit it, as well as all of Liguria, is to visit Portofino on foot. Slow Active Tours offers an excellent solution to visit the best Ligurian area appreciating all its facet.
The area of Portofino, along with the entire bay of Tigullio, has been occupied since the 18th century B.C. by a population of Celts who, since the first years of life, was dedicated to maritime trade with other populations of the Mediterranean.
Over the years there were numerous dominations, including the Lombards, the Genoese and the French, until, in 1859, was annexed to the Reign of Italy.

If these places fascinate you, you can visit Portofino with one of our tours in Liguria:

⇒Trekking stanziale in Liguria

⇒A spasso per la Liguria: trekking Cinque Terre e Portofino

What to see in Portofino

Walking through Portofino you can easily notice that  the village is full of attractions and places not to be missed.
Why not decide to spend a carefree day to discover the beauties of this fascinating village in Liguria?
If you want to spend a day in Portofino, we have prepared a list of things to see and visit in peace:

  • Church of San Giorgio
  • Castle Brown
  • Cape Lighthouse
  • Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta
  • Church of San Martino

And now let's set off together to discover the most identifying places in Portofino!

Church of San Giorgio

An ancient church dating back to 1154. Dedicated to the patron saint of Portofino, the church is so special because it preserves the relics of Saint George brought to Portofino by the Crusades.

Castle Brown

At the top of a hill stands the Castle Brown, an ancient fortress surrounded by an immense garden. Built, probably, around 1400 is currently owned by the municipality of Portofino which uses it as an exhibition venue.

Cape Lighthouse

Walking from the castle, you will reach the Cape Lighthouse. From here visitors will be submerged by maritime pines and will enjoy a spectacular view over the entire Gulf of Tigullio.

Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta

The Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 14th century. Here you can admire the sixteenth-century decorations on the outside and the two imposing statues representing the crucifixion that are still today carried in procession.

Church of San Martino

The Church of San Martino, dedicated to the saint whose name it bears, is located in the oldest part of Portofino. Built around the 12th century, it is best known for its immense heritage. Here, in fact, are preserved several works of art of immeasurable value. Among these you can admire a wooden group representing the deposition of Christ and numerous paintings from the Ligurian school.

What to do in Portofino - the Slow Active Tours proposal

Once you have discovered the wonders hidden among the streets of Agrigento, the time has come to get to the heart of the sounds and smells of this ancient village.

  • Stroll through the alleys of the village

    If you want to taste the true essence of this village, we recommend you a visit in the alleys of Portofino on foot. Here, you will find numerous ancient craft shops where you can admire the local women working the typical lace.

  • Boat Trip

    If, instead, you want to enjoy the nature that surrounds this magical place, we recommend you a boat trip in the Gulf of Tigullio or an excursion on the mountain of Portofino.

  • Cinque Terre walking tour

    If you want to spend a more engaging holiday, you can't miss the wonderful trekking routes of Portofino.
    In the shadow of the characteristic and picturesque houses of Portofino, an incredible journey on foot begins that we at Slow Active Tours propose to discover the wonderful and exciting views that the Ligurian Riviera offers.

Festivals and Popular celebrations in Portofino

The numerous traditional festivals and rites enrich its village, making it lively and unique. On April 23rd the Patronal Feast of San Giorgio is celebrated following a program marked by tradition. The most spectacular aspect is the lighting of the bonfire in the small square in the shadow of the bell tower of the Church of Divo Martino. At the center of the bonfire stands the "penolla", the trunk of a specially cut tree to which a superstitious ritual is linked: if the trunk falls towards the sea, the omens will be positive.

Typical dishes of Portofino

As regards the dishes you can taste in Portofino, here you will surely find dishes coming from the Ligurian tradition and based on fish. In addition to these, you can taste the lasagna di Portofino, a typical white lasagna made with pesto and the "Giancu de Purtufin", a blend of grapes typical of the territory used to accompany meals.

Eating and Drinking in Portofino

Here are some suggestions from the area:
El Portico in Via Roma, 21. Exquisite food, simple location and excellent value for money. These are the strengths of this Restaurant that will make you feel right at home. Take a dip back in time and in tradition. In this magical restaurant, you can taste all the typical dishes of the wonderful Ligurian land, accompanied by great live music that will cheer your meals.
Trattoria Tripoli in Piazza Martiri dell'Oliveto, 49. Located in the center of the square of Portofino, here you can find pleasant service and really good food accompanied by an unbeatable value for money. The ideal place if you want to eat good fish in a strategic position within the village.

So what are you waiting for? Get your stuff ready and off you go!