Portofino cruise port guide

Sailing along the glorious Italian Riviera coastline, it’s easy to miss Portofino, the perfect fishing village tucked away in a beautiful tree-sheltered bay just south of Genoa. However its pastel-coloured houses, overlooking the harbour lined with super-yachts, is a gem waiting to be discovered. Chic boutiques and fabulous seafood restaurants fringe the small, cobbled Portofino Piazzetta. A path leads from the square to the imposing Castello Brown, a 16th century fortress that towers over a gorgeous hanging garden. Its museum has art exhibitions and offers panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea. The 12th century Church of San Giorgio – Portofino’s patron saint, and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo both merit a visit, and also offer unspoilt views of the bay. Arriving at Portofino via the warm, aquamarine waters surrounding the peninsula is an unforgettable experience in itself. Little wonder so many artists, celebrities and members of the ‘jet-set’ dock their expensive yachts here every summer. A drink by Portofino's harbour or a stroll around its designer shops provides a rich slice of the good life.