Why Should You Visit Portofino on the Italian Riviera?

Tuscany and Liguria. For years, these names were dreamy destinations on our travel vision board, places we’d sigh over while scrolling through Instagram. But sometimes, life gives you the perfect reason to turn digital wanderlust into reality. For us, it was our honeymoon.

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As newlyweds still floating on post-wedding bliss, we decided our first adventure as husband and wife would be exploring the Italian Riviera’s crown jewels. With just seven precious days ahead—three in Liguria and four in Tuscany (we visited San Gimignano)—we knew we couldn’t see everything. But what’s a honeymoon without a little ambition? We were determined to experience the magic of Portofino and Cinque Terre, even if just for a taste.

What followed was a week of such breathtaking beauty that we’re already plotting our return. Let me take you through our journey, starting with the jewel of the Italian Riviera—Portofino, where reality somehow manages to outshine even the most filtered Instagram posts…

Where to stay

Sestri Levante: Our Strategic Home Base

Choosing the right base can make or break a travel experience. Sestri Levante proved to be our secret weapon for exploring Liguria. Nestled between Portofino and Cinque Terre, this charming town offered us the perfect blend of accessibility and authentic Italian charm.

Why Sestri Levante?

• Centrally located between major attractions
• Excellent train connections to Cinque Terre
• Easy driving access to coastal towns
• More affordable accommodation options
• Authentic local feel away from tourist crowds

Our accommodation, a quaint bed and breakfast just minutes from the town center, became our peaceful retreat after days of exploration. The local hosts, Maria and Giovanni, became our unexpected travel guides, sharing insider tips over morning espresso that no guidebook could offer.
The town itself is a hidden gem many tourists overlook. We spent our evenings wandering through its narrow streets, enjoying gelato at local cafes, and soaking in the genuine Italian coastal lifestyle. Two beautiful bays—the Bay of Fairytales (Baia delle Favole) and the Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio)—offered stunning sunset views that became the perfect backdrop to our honeymoon memories.

Practical Travel Tips:

• Book accommodation in advance during peak season
• Rent a car for maximum flexibility
• Purchase a local train pass for day trips
• Learn a few basic Italian phrases (locals appreciate the effort!)

As our boat approached Portofino’s harbor, the photographs we’d pored over for months suddenly paled in comparison to the real-life panorama. The legendary village revealed itself like a living canvas—rows of pastel-colored buildings cascading down to a harbor so perfect it seemed almost too beautiful to be real.

Arriving in Portofino: More Than Just a Boat Ride

We chose to reach Portofino by boat from Santa Margherita, a decision that transformed our arrival from a simple transit to an experience in itself. Tickets cost around €10 per person, a small price for the breathtaking 15-minute journey that offered us our first glimpse of the Ligurian coastline’s dramatic beauty.

Pro tip: Buy tickets early in the morning to avoid midday crowds and get the best views.

Portofino can be reached from Genova by taking one of the various boat trips available. Click the link for more information.

Castello Brown: Where History Meets Panoramic Splendor

Our ascent to Castello Brown wasn’t just a hike—it was a journey through time and natural beauty. The €10 entrance fee felt like a steal for what awaited us. Built in the 16th century as a defensive fortress, the castle now stands as a testament to Portofino’s rich history and stunning geography.

The path to the castle winds through meticulously maintained gardens, each turn offering a new perspective of the landscape. Cypress trees and colorful Mediterranean plants framed our climb, making the journey as memorable as the destination. About a 30-minute gentle hike from the harbor, the trek is challenging enough to feel rewarding but accessible to most fitness levels.

At the summit, we found more than just a view—we discovered a moment of pure magic. The panorama stretched endlessly: azure waters meeting rocky coastlines, luxurious yachts dotting the harbor, and the vibrant town nestled below like a living postcard. We sat in comfortable silence, our honeymoon adventure feeling suddenly very real and incredibly intimate.

Insider’s Dining Tip: Picnic with a View

Skip the overpriced restaurants around the main piazza. Instead, we grabbed some local pizza slices before entering Castello Brown and enjoyed an impromptu picnic with the most million-dollar view you could imagine. Local bakeries and delicatessens near the harbor offer delicious, affordable options that beat any tourist trap restaurant.

The Lighthouse: Portofino’s Hidden Tranquil Spot

Il Faro di Portofino, the lighthouse at the peninsula’s tip, offered us a moment of pure serenity. While most tourists clustered around the main harbor, we found ourselves almost alone, watching the Ligurian coast stretch towards Tuscany. The late afternoon light turned the sea into a canvas of gold and blue—a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Travel Wisdom: Quality Over Quantity

We quickly realized that Portofino isn’t a place to rush. Half a day barely scratched the surface of this magical village. If possible, plan at least a full day, preferably staying nearby, to experience the town after the day-trip crowds depart.

Travel Details:

• Best time to visit: May-September (avoid peak August)
• Entrance to Castello Brown: €10
• Boat from Santa Margherita to Portofino: €10 round trip
• Recommended stay: 1-2 full days
• Must-bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, camera

Portofino might be small, but it’s a destination that expands your understanding of beauty. It’s not just a place you visit—it’s a place that visits your soul.

Final Thoughts: Why We’re Already Planning Our Return

Travel, we’ve learned, is not about perfection. It’s about presence. About being fully alive in each moment, whether you’re navigating a winding coastal road, sharing a meal with strangers who feel like friends, or simply watching the sunset paint the Mediterranean in colors no camera can truly capture.
Portofino and Sestri Levante weren’t just destinations. They were the first chapter of our married life’s adventure book—and we can’t wait to see what the next pages will bring.

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