Discover Portofino

Portofino brings together a historic town center, churches, marked trails in the nature park, and opportunities for canoe or kayak trips. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether your stay will focus primarily on architectural history, hiking, or activities on the water.

Historic Town Center and Churches

The historic center preserves the orthogonal street plan from the Roman imperial period. The churches reveal another layer of history: the Chiesa di San Giorgio was first built in 1154. Acts of war destroyed it four times; each time, it was rebuilt. The church houses votive paintings donated by sailors during the past century. Beneath the main altar is a sacrarium carved into the hard puddingstone, containing the relics of most of the body of Saint George.

The 2025 municipal description states that admission to the Chiesa di San Giorgio is free. It is best to check the times of religious services with the parish before your visit. The Chiesa Divo Martino dates from the 12th century and was originally designed in the Lombard Romanesque style; it was renovated later. Together with the Roman street plan, the church offers a different way to explore the town’s history than the traditions surrounding San Giorgio.

Hiking Trails and Nature in Parco di Portofino

Parco di Portofino can be reached from Portofino. Covering just over 1,500 hectares, the park has 80 kilometers of marked trails. Trail markers and a detailed hiking map make it easier for less experienced hikers to find their way and choose a suitable route. This lets you plan around the trail route without assuming a particular walking time or difficulty level.

One specific route is the Fosso dell’Acqua Viva footpath through the Valle dei Mulini. There, 35 mills were powered by permanently flowing water channels. The mills and the canal system give the route a historical connection to the use of water. If you are more interested in plant life, the rare endemic Saxifraga cochlearis grows on the promontory’s rocks; its flowers are white in summer.

Wildlife sightings are also occasionally possible: peregrine falcons can be seen from the promontory, especially above Cala dell’Oro. The word “occasionally” is important to bear in mind when setting expectations for such sightings. The nature park, the mill route, and the possibility of seeing a peregrine falcon offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Water Excursions and Practical Information

Visitors can use canoes or kayaks in the Portofino Marine Protected Area and take trips alone or in groups. This complements the hiking trails with an activity on the water.

If you are arriving by car, the traffic regulations are important: Portofino is a pedestrian zone, and vehicle access and parking are permitted only for authorized users. The covered, paid parking garage at Piazza Martiri della Libertà is open around the clock. Check the parking garage’s operating conditions before setting out. This information is especially relevant if you are planning to drive.

Discover more destinations: Serra Riccò, Lorsica, Bargone, Teriasca, Campo Ligure, Camogli, Castiglione Chiavarese, Roverazza.

For the main travel overview: Genoa.