10 Unforgettable Things to do in One Day in Portofino
The cruise passenger’s dilemma: Is there enough to do in Portofino or should I book an excursion? Let me assure you, there is plenty to do in Portofino!! You do not need to book an excursion.
But here is your personal dilemma: Have you always wanted to go to Cinque Terre and this is your only chance? Then see if the cruise ship has a shore excursion you can book. (Hint: Take the cruise’s shore excursion to Cinque Terre because the journey is multi-faceted–many and varied transportation modes– and you don’t want to be left behind because of an unfortunate glitch. Take it from one who was left on the roadside on a hairpin turn on the Amalfi Coast by a tour operator with a broken-down car.)
Personally, we like Portofino better than some of the cities in Cinque Terre.
Portofino Cruise Stop:
Getting to Portofino from your Cruise Ship
You will be tendered into Portofino’s charming piazza, Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta.
If you are docking in Santa Margherita, Portofino is a short 20-minute ferry ride away. Be sure to carefully check your return times as you dock. Beware that on blustery days the ferry may not run. The cost is under ten euros at this time.
1. Visit the Church of St. George (Free)
As you face the Sea from the Piazza, head right, up the hill to the Church of St. George (Church of San Giorgio).
This short hike is a very steep incline and takes only about five minutes. There you will get a fantastic view of the harbor. Be sure to notice the side exterior wall of the church (facing the Sea) where many local legends are honored for their service to the town and to Italy. I was thrilled to see some teachers (maestros) among them.
2. Enjoy the Colored Homes and Quaint Village View (Free)
The village of Portofino is one of the most beautiful in Italy. In my opinion, it is even more beautiful than the cities along the Cinque Terre. The buildings are multi-colored with contrasting shutters which are either real or painted facades. Take time to be mesmerized by its charm.
Fun Fact: There was a time when prestige in Portofino was counted by the number of windows your home contained, so many of the “windows” are not actually windows at all, but painted facades.
3. Visit Castello Brown (Brown Castle) – 5 Euros
Majestic Castello Brown hovers over the village of Portofino. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and now serves as a museum and a site for weddings and other events. Here you will have an unparalleled view of the harbor for incredible photos and the opportunity to read about the history of the Castle itself. It’s fun to see all the pictures of celebrities who have visited and even view a memorial tree planted by Denzel Washington himself.
Continue on the paved path from the Church of St. George up the STEEP and windy, but beautiful path to the Castle. In all, the walk from Portofino harbor to the church is about fifteen minutes.
4. Visit the Lighthouse
Continuing on the same windy, paved path, this time downward and upward, visit the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse has spectacular views and also a bar with a trained seagull. Remember what goes down, must come up, so be sure you are fit to make this trip. They are open every day during good weather from 10 to 8, except Tuesdays, and they do not take reservations.
From your last stop at Castello Brown, the Lighthouse is about 15 more minutes, so a total of 30 minutes in all.
5. Sample the Local (World Famous) Focaccia – Locals Say!
This is a good place to start your trip, with a sample of the Focaccia that Portofino is famous for. We suggest Panificio Canale, where Mariangela and Giorgio continue their family’s baking tradition of over 100 years.
You will find them on the right as you stroll directly up Via Roma (#30). Focaccia here is available in many varieties (We like the Genovese), as well as cookies and pizza. It’s a great place to snack without breaking the bank.
6. Sample the Local Ice Cream Specialty: Paciugo
Invented in Portofino, this ice cream treat features many flavors of gelato, fresh fruit, whipping cream, and cherries. You must try it if you are in Portofino, and you may want two to three spoons. Paciugo (Meaning ‘mess’ in Italian and pronounced “Pa-chew-go”) is available at gelato stands in the city for a takeaway treat under 10 Euros. Be sure to ask for it, if it is not on the main menu.
7. Shop in Portofino
Shopping in Portofino ranges from the usual souvenirs (tee shirts, dish towels, etc.) to the very high-end, including designers like Gucci, Dior, and others. Enjoy strolling the streets and viewing it all. Local artisans feature lace and jewelry especially, local food delicacies, and wine. The shopping area radiates out from the marina and is a car-free zone, so just wander and enjoy.
8. Make Pesto in Portofino
Portofino is known for its pesto, so why not learn to make it in Portofino? Even if you’ve made pesto before, you won’t want to miss this experience. Book ahead a pesto-making class with a local and let them take you on a tour/pesto-making/lunch you will never forget. We recommend Experience My Portofino.
Our cruise stopped in Santa Margherita and we were picked up there for the ferry ride to Portofino. (If your cruise comes into Portofino make arrangements to meet them there.)
Upon arrival in Portofino, we sampled focaccia, climbed the hill to the Church of St. George, and proceeded to a waterfront restaurant for our pesto-making experience. This is the mortar and pestle version, so be ready to take turns to save your arms! Wine and water were included, as was lunch afterward, where we sampled either local lasagna or pesto pasta. Recipes were provided as well.
Fun Idea for When you Get Home: Get yourself two or three mortars and pestles (World Market and sometimes Marshalls has these…) and have an Italy Party. Show your guests how to make pesto and have a tasting contest. Our grandchildren (and my book club) loved this and all were quite good at it. I ordered aprons on Amazon for all of them as well. Such fun!
Here’s where to get the mortars and pestles. Here’s where to get the aprons.
9. Visit Paraggi Beach
If you love the beach, Paraggi is the one for you! Located about two miles from Portofino, it can be accessed via a hiking trail (about 20-30 minutes), taxi (about 8-10 Euros), or via the bus (#82) which runs about every 20 minutes and costs 2-3 Euros). Ask at the information center (TI) near the bus stop for more details.
What can you expect there? Clear, green waters and white sand, ideal for couples and families, beach bars and restaurants, umbrellas and beach chairs to rent if you like, and maybe even a celebrity as wel
10. Linger in the Piazza
You are in one of the most beautiful places in Italy, if not on Earth. Linger, enjoy, have a coffee or an aperitif in the Piazza (The local wine is the Nostralino). Enjoy the water, the colorful homes, the people, the atmosphere. Savor.
Your one day in Portofino will be full of activity and forever memorable.
10 Memorable Things to Do on a Day in Portofino.
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