Portofino-Italy | Wondrous Gulf of Tigullio and its Classy Diamond.

Portofino is undoubtedly one of the most charming and fascinating destinations in Italy in the wondrous Gulf of Tigullio and that superb resort is definitely its classy diamond characterised by its shining silhouette which always delights the human eye at first sight.

 That  Ligurian jewel is located in a unique scenery absolutely stunning,an unforgettable place on the shore of the Mediterranean which conquered and conquers people from all around the world for its immense and unique beauty.

That enchanting seaside town is today among of the most exclusive resorts frequented by the International Jet Set but also by ordinary people who wants to admire that authentic marvel  which apart the glamour and notoriety is also extremely special and enchanting for its marvellous natural environment.

The image of Portofino could be a great idea to make a poster and immediately hanging it on the wall of your bedroom to have a sweet,sunny and pleasant awakening or in your living room in a  framework to give light and brightness to your daily living space.

That former small fishing port and currently a prestigious Top Destination is situated at just 37,0 kilometres from the capital of the region Genoa and at 198,0 kilometres from the Capital of the Cote d´Azur,Nice in a corner of the Region Liguria born to transmit dreams in an Eden in which to live more than pleasant sensations in contact with an enchanting reality.

Perched on a fascinating promontory,that Morthern Italian pearl was discovered by the famous French writer Guy de Maupassant. The famed novelist from Dieppe based in Paris loved to travel along the Mediterranean coasts exploring the French and Italian Rivieras and during a trip he saw that enchanting place which was for him something of simply spectacular at first sight.

Immediately Portofino became one of his most beloved sites,an appropriate striking corner to capture his divine inspirations and furthermore of its favourite and usual destinations.Before the discovery of that prominent French artist in the 19th century,the current seaside town was a simple and humble fishing village with a small harbour surrounded by a wonderful Mediterranean and lush vegetation bathed by crystalline and clear waters admired from far in that magnificent gulf.

A superb feature which captured the attention of such famous character was also that charming image which Portofino offers highlighted by its  picturesque coloured small houses perched on marvellous scenic cliffs and that notorious writer after his first visit in the year 1889 immediately dedicated a laudatory poem in honour of such sublime wonder.

That literary praise in such work and  his excellent references in a time in which he started to inform the artistic and bohemian European elite were the wining keys to open the door to something highly captivating and to transform soon that paradise of Liguria in one of the most demanded resorts along the Northern Mediterranean coastline.

It was since then when the current resort began a great period of splendour related to notable incoming flows of tourists mainly flocking from England,Germany and Holland.The fast development in the tourism industry placed Portofino in a very short time in the ranking of the most favourite and classic destinations in the world with superb peaks in terms of preferences and in a wonderful gateway for a divine escapade.

Today the town is also a mecca for shopping thanks to its high class and exclusive boutiques,an excellent offers of luxury Hotels and that picturesque paradisaical aspect so well preserved are all aspects which obviously are magnificent highlight conquering a large range of tourist niches which can find a destination more than varied during all year. .

That classy diamond on that fabulous gulf is also very famous for its captivating harbour packed by  VIPs yachts with famed figures who want to spend one day,some nights or more in that so great site which also called and call the most celebrated artists,businessmen and stars of the American and European Cinema.

Portofino is a pedestrian town and also for that it has always kept a special charm and appeal.The visitor can walk strolling its narrow streets and as relevant detail,no cars,no traffic and much more no stressful rhythms,making the resort extremely appreciated and in addition the distances from one relevant point to another are very short.

Concentrated behind its famed marina,the resort is subdivided in two sections,the most glamorous and chic area and the historic village.

Its distinctive harbour is one of the icons of that Ligurian centre,it is that charming image you can see many times in promotional tourism spots,Tour Operators brochures,magazines,posters and pictures with its coloured and picturesque houses dominating its quays making it a charismatic International landmark in the tourist panorama.

Packed in its immediate proximity by fine and elegant cafes,chic restaurants and trendy shops,very busy during all day,every evening and night it is transformed in the core and main meeting point of tourists and scene of the most celebrated glamour.

The historic heart is the area a bit over it in which the Romans settled and established an ancient castrum and extending until the hills dominating the port.That corner of the municipality is today the set of the old picturesque houses erected in typical Ligurian style using red,yellow and ochre colours which characterise their facades with painted doors and shutters which complete a more than charming environment.

At the top is situated the district called Portofino Vetta the highest point of the town nestled between scenic maritime pines and wild rocks adding much more appeal to that unique place.

The history of the former settlement before to be a Roman colony was a previous stage characterised by the presence of the Ligurians,a Celtic local population who was assimilated during the Imperial campaign of Rome towards the ancient Gallia.

The current site was mentioned by Pliny the Elder and named Portus Delphini in reference to the large incoming of dolphins which reached the beautiful crystalline waters of the Gulf of Tigullio until the local shore.

In the middle ages under Genoa rule,Portofino was a humble centre and the population mainly lived in the area of Portofino Vetta dedicated to agricultural activities with a special mention to olive and vineyards products which have always kept a notable business for their high quality boasting a great reputation and appreciation.

In medieval times,the local natural harbour and the strategic position was often used as refuge by the Merchants of the  Marine Republics and due to the strong Genoese influence in the year 1175 that small centre was subjected to administrative control with the nearest Santa Margherita Ligure and the free town of Rapallo which all together became official domains of the powerful Marine Republic of Genoa historically nicknamed the Superb.(I wrote a post about that city in the case you are interested).

After a long period under that power  in the year 1409 the Emperor Charles VI of France in perpetual contrast with Genoa attacked conquered the current town and sold it to Florence.

The Florentine government after received that sort of donation to keep a friendly relationship with the Genoese city which was always an indirect allied for its clashes with the eternal rival Pisa (I wrote a post about that Tuscan city if you are interested)  re gave that territory to Genoa which established its rule there once again.

During the following centuries Portofino was a land protagonist of continuous disputes and fights among the most powerful Genoese families such as Montefregoso, Spinola and Fieschi who wanted to establish their influential presence in all the surrounding areas in the outskirts of the current Capital of Liguria.

The Gulf of Tigullio was for all them so important for its strategic location on that open bay was always the desire of many and all that continued until the brief domination by the Milanese Sforza Duchy allied of the Fieschi supporting that family with troops and a constant supply of weapons.

After the famous and historic conspiracy of the Fieschi dating back the year 1547 Portofino was controlled by the charismatic and famed figure of the Genoese Admiral Andrea Doria and in the year 1608 in occasion of new reforms that beautiful centre was under the administration of the nearest town of Rapallo.

The 18th century was the period which saw Napoleon Bonaparte invasion troops which occupied the town and after some years of French rule the current resort joined the Reign of Savoy incorporated in the Kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont ruled by the House of Savoy and later integrated in the new Reign of Italy in the 19th century.

The recent times are notorious when the resort was transformed in the 20th century as one of the most favourite European destinations and especially frequented by English nobility.

The visit can start from the iconic Piazzetta,that enchanting square which is one of the most beautiful spots and highlights of the municipality and which could be considered as an elegant and stylish lounge room and one of the most charming and captivating small squares in the World.In front of the Piazzetta is situated the emblematic harbour symbol of prestige and fame surrounded by coloured houses,charming cafes and cosy restaurants offering the most delicious and classy cuisine with a special touch closely related to the local culinary art.

The centre offers a rich historic and artistic patrimony and going up towards another square called Piazza delle Carrozze,Square of the carriages in a a scenery absolutely great,in the street Via Roma you can admire l´Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta.

That splendid construction dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption was founded by the Disciplinanti order in the 14th century and during the 15th century that Church had several restorations taking a Renaissance appearance.

Highlighted by its large and high facade with long curved windows that Religious building in its interior
you can admire two beautiful large crucifixes,one white and another one dark which a weight respectively of 105,0 and 115,0 kilogrammes.Both they are still carried in procession in occasion of the Feast of St. George and in addition worth a mention a very interesting relief of St.Mary and Child surrounded by the fraternity brothers.

The Chiesa di San Martino is another Sacred Temple which is part of the rich local historic patrimony.
Dedicated to St.Martin of Tours it is another historic building located in the oldest village.Erected 11th century,it was originally developed in Lombard Romanesque style but in different times restored and re arranged. 

Pope Innocent II decided to donate the Church to the monks of nearby Abbey of San Fruttuoso of Camogli and later the same privilege was confirmed by Pope Alexander III in the year 1164.

In its interior very relevant is the presence of many paintings and sculptures and one of the most important works is a wooden group representing the Deposition of Jesus Christ by the Genoese sculptor Antonio Maria Maragliano,the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary by an unknown painter but almost certainly for style and lines by an artist of local school of the 18th century.

The Chiesa di San Giorgio is undoubtedly one of the local distinctive constructions for its relevant historic value.According to a plaque inside that Church,that Sacred building was erected in Romanesque style in the mid 12th century,concretely in the year 1154. 

During the 2nd World War it was largely destroyed by some bombs and in the year 1950,by funds of the residents it was rebuilt with new altars and furniture regaining in part the aspect of  the old structure of the year 1760 date in which it was restored.Inside the Church are preserved the relics of St. George, Patron Saint of Portofino, brought by Genoese sailors returning from the Crusades.

In that beautiful seaside resort you can also admire is also an emblematic fortress,the famous and historic Castello Brown,Brown castle.Formerly called Castello di  San Giorgio to pay homage to that Saint Christian Martyr from Cappadocia, it was originally a defencive stronghold and a noble residence located on the top of the picturesque hill dominating the coast.

Erected between the 15th and the 18th centuries with several modifications during the course of its history and highlighted by its huge rounded tower flanking the complex,that site is closely linked to the figure of
Richard the Lionheart ,the famed English Monarch which according local legends spent five days in the tower of that fortress in the year 1190.

That period was the time of the Third Crusade and that King fell in love with Portofino and according some information when he left that place was tragically sad and in his memories there was always alive the image of that classy diamond and the picture of the wondrous gulf of Tigullio.

Considered an icon for all what it represents as one of the main bastions during the period of the Genoa of the Admiral Andrea Doria during excavations which took place were found some traces of an ancient Roman check point consisting in the rest of a tower and all that confirms and certify the relevance of Portofino during the rule of the Imperial Rome in that territory.

Another interesting place to visit for its important historic value is certainly the Batteria Punta Chiappa.That site consists in a large space in which was placed a military battery which was a complex with defencive purposes developed in the late 30s of the 20th century on the western side of the peninsula,conceived as anti-ship system to protect the eastern side of the Gulf of Genoa.

That area in the past was protagonist for old disputes between Italy and France and along with the batteries Arenzano,Monte Moro Pegli were also used during the 2nd World War.After to be restored they were reinforced and thanks to their strategic position they formed a complete network of check points overlooking the entire Genoese coastline.


Belvedere di San Rocco is another superb attraction you can not miss during a visit in that resort.It is an amazing view point to enjoy unforgettable and magnificent panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio,Camogli and the western coast along the promontory and it is probably one of the most picturesque and scenic images of the entire Region Liguria.It is among the most photographed places for its stunning panoramic scenery embraced by an enchanting Mediterranean vegetation which makes that point absolutely unique in its kind.

The Lighthouse promenade is another of the magic sites of the resort.It runs within olive trees,yews and pines and  leading to a splendid tip.When the sun lights up the Gulf of Rapallo from there the views are very inspiring and everywhere you look at,it is a striking festival of colours with wonderful corners highlighted by marvellous reflections and also for that it was chosen as set for beautiful spots,films scenes,as well in post cards, posters and prints.

Absolutely beautiful and highly recommended for all people who loves nature and much more to admire a magnificent natural scenery of outstanding beauty is the Parco Naturale di Portofino a Nature Park which could be considered a pearl for its fabulous vegetation and magnificent landscapes.

Located in a magnificent geographic point between the wild and captivating Apennines mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean it consists in  a huge group of forests scattered along a surface of over 1050 acres which preserves a relevant flora and fauna of the block of pudding-stone of the local stunning promontory.

Also the Cinema fell in love in front of the charm and beauty of Portofino and that wondrous gulf.The directors Michelangelo Antonioni and Wim Wenders chose that superb resort as set of the famed sentimental erotic movie Beyond the Clouds starring John Malkovich and Sophie Marceau.

In the Gulf of Tigullio and in the proximity of that jewel were filmed in the 90s several other films.In the year 1992 the town was protagonist of some scenes of the movie Enchanted April by Mike Newell starring Miranda Richardson and in the same age it also appears in California Dreaming a Vanzina brothers movie.Furthermore the resort also hosted two thousand years in the cast of soap opera and the Italian American Beautiful Centovetrine filming some episodes of such  TV series.

The image of the resort is so popular all around the world and it has been recreated in USA with the famous Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Studios in Orlando-Florida. It also  has assumed the role of set under the name of Port Race in the pixar animated film Cars 2 and about Cinema,the famous English actor Rex Harrison enchanted by the magic charm and sunny atmosphere of such sublime place decided to  live in Portofino many years with his wife Lilli Palmer.

In the 60s and 70s,stars as Gary Cooper,Greta Garbo, Ava Gardner,Liza Minelli,Frank Sinatra,Brigitte Bardot,Lauren Bacall,Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor,Richard Burton,Clark Gable,Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve often visited that corner Italy for exciting encounters filled with worldly charm.

It was the times of the first large gossip scoops,where the glamour already reached top audience,the newspapers of those periods were filled with worldliness,they competed in the world to tell about hypothetical love stories,secret meetings,all around that place full of charm and also mystery.

All that have made Portofino a symbol of the Dolce Vita next to other famous places part of  that International animated set of destinations which  characterised the desire of Italian holidays next to the images of Via Veneto and Piazza di Spagna in Rome but also Capri,Positano and Taormina among others.

Portofino was a place in which also born the first generation of paparazzi following the stars and celebrities along all the surroundings and with chases along the coastline,with histories of Jet setters who escaping from the cameras reappeared at evening in the glamorous Piazzetta and along the harbour for a cocktail waiting for to live another night in that place so trendy and unique to visit also for only one day.

Today in the 21st century with a new reality,new faces and protagonists but that  fame of that past never ceased and the resort continues to be a meeting point of  famous characters and it still  a meeting place for the most affirmed Jet-Setter.Those new protagonists and  frequent visitors of that resort who replaced the old generation are today  Angelina Jolie,Brad Pitt,Rhianna,Kate Moss and Mariah Carey among others.

Liguria is a culinary paradise  and in all the Genoa county including Portofino as well,it is impossible to talk about without mentioning the most typical product of the region: Pesto alla Genovese.That delicious sauce is deeply rooted everywhere from the ordinary Ligurian families with their homemade preparation to the most high class restaurants.The basic ingredients of such tastefully sauce are basil, garlic,pecorino cheese and olive oil,but the real successful secret is the use of fresh pine nuts.Trenette al Pesto or Troffie al Pesto a kind of homemade local tagliatelle are a typical and iconic traditional local plates,you can not miss to taste during a stay in that Italian coast.It is as a ritual landing on that coast and sitting to a table enjoying such delights.


The herbs you can find in that corner of Italy such as rosemary,marjoram,thyme,sage and basil and an exceptionally range of broad leaves eternally fragrant are the basic ingredients for fantastic sauces which conquer the world for their aromatic and delicious flavours.

In a region with a mild climate all year,typically Mediterranean in which the mountains meet the sea as a more than happy marriage,the cuisine is also a great festival of different ingredients creating an endless list of recipes.

There is always an ample variety of fresh seafood ad fish cooked in hundreds of styles with clams,prawns, sea bass,mussels, sunfish,stock fish  always everlasting protagonists  which have given rise to a variety of delectable plates and if you want to taste something really traditional  try a delicious fish soup called Buridda or the tastefully grilled whitebait always fresh and exquisite and do not forget a kind of fish of anchovies family called Limonetti absolutely divine.


The famous Focaccia, Farinata Genovese,Trippa alla Genovese are other culinary highlights and the local gastronomy is so rich also in a wide variety of desserts using the most genuine ingredients the local subsoil offers.


Regarding fine wines you can taste in that Italian area authentic masterpieces such as Pigato, Rossese, Vermentino and Passito among many others of premier quality and level result of superb grape cultivated in a land with a mild climate all year supported by a Mediterranean breeze which kissing those verdant hills form a perfect micro climate to produce outstanding selected wines.

Highly palatable with body and texture,they are extremely appreciated for their flavour as the smooth reds while the whites are characterised by a fresh body and a perfect straw tonality.

That area in also great to enjoy a very useful Educational to combine apart the beauty of the territory with its major natural and historic attractions to that enogastronomic tours panorama which is undoubtedly another aspect to take in high consideration next to a network of great accommodations and infinite options and chances to create different kind of outgoing itineraries and products ready to satisfy different tastes and targeted to several niches of tourism.

The nearest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and the  resort of Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino is the nearest railway station.Adjacent to the station you can use the airport public transport corresponding to the buses Provincial buses Company in which regular services run to the resort.

The best idea to avoid the long queues on the only road access is from the nearby Paraggi and walking along that scenic trail which ends in Portofino.The town is not directly accessible via motorway so if you are driving along the Liguria coastline take the exit of Rapallo along the A12 motorway which is the best place to reach that unforgettable destination.

Portofino is something you can not easily forget.That picturesque and prestigious place of Italy located in the poetic and wondrous Gulf of Tigullio surrounded by hills and forests of pines,it is a picture you will take with you for ever.

Divine and sublime as a paradise,maybe that idea to make a poster embellishing one of your room as a sunny  souvenir of that magnificent destination could be reality after a trip there facing that unforgettable bay.

One thing is certain that image will eternally stay with you  and of course it will transmit a desire to return to that magic place to admire such classy diamond once again.


Francesco Mari



Recommended Hotels in Portofino

Hotel Splendido By Orient Express
Hotel Argentina
Hotel Albergo Nazionale
Eight Hotel Portofino
Hotel Eden
Hotel Domina Home Piccolo 

 www.turismoinliguria.it
www.provincia.genova.it
 www.portofinocoast.it
www.hotelsplendido.com
www.hotelargentinaportofino.com
www.nazionaleportofino.com
www.hoteledenportofino.com
www.dominahomepiccolo.com