Overlooking a sea of indescribable beauty Portofino is an Italian gem. The ancient fishing village was a natural port of strategic importance in the Roman period. Perched on Italy’s northwest coast Portofino is one of the most perfect photogenic coastal sites in the Mediterranean. For decades it has been a magnet for Europe’s beau monde including the likes of Rex Harrison and Elizabeth Taylor. Despite its high flying reputation the balance between its brightly coloured houses, vivid gardens, natural harbour and surrounding national park have resisted any over development.
The pretty cobbled stone Piazzetta overlooking the harbour is the heart of fashionable Portofino. It is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a delightful place to relax with a drink and watch the variety of boats from tiny wooden fishing boats to luxurious super yachts manoeuvre there way in and out. A path leading from the Piazzetta to Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress and museum provides magnificent panoramic views of the town and the deep blue Ligurian Sea.
Surrounding the village is the Portofino National Park. It is one of the most important protected areas of the north Tyrrhenian coast with its Mediterranean woodlands, shrub lands and olive groves. From the spectacular conglomerate crags you can enjoy views of the wonderful blue sea below and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte which is in a small bay that can be reached only by boat or on foot along the fabulous scenic Portofino village walk which is one of many that wind through the park.
Alan and I rode bikes the five kilometres from Santa Margherita to Portofino and lived to tell the story. The narrow winding road hugs the coast offering stunning views. The road is shared by luxury cars, motorbikes, buses and small trucks – there are many hold ups and much tooting around corners but it seems no one worries! You can also walk following the red carpet that leads away from the busy road but the most relaxing way to visit is by boat. There is a regular ferry service that not only stops at Portofino but also other towns and villages along the coast.
