Complete Guide to Portofino, Italy: Transportation, Accommodation, and Tickets All in One

Portofino is like a piece of emerald rolled up by the sea, with lazy yachts moored in the harbor and pastel-colored houses lined up waiting for the sun’s kiss. When traveling here, there’s no need to rush—just let your steps flow with the sea light. ⸻ 🚗 How to Get to Portofino (Transportation) ① From Milan • Train: Milan → Santa Margherita Ligure Station (about 2 hours) • Then transfer to bus: Santa Bus → Portofino (15–20 minutes) • Cost: Train €12–20, Bus €3 ② From Genoa (most convenient) • Train: Genoa → Santa Margherita Ligure (about 35–40 minutes, €4–6) • Transfer to bus as above ③ By Car • From Genoa take the A12 highway → exit toward Sestri Levante → road conditions are good • Note: Parking in Portofino is very limited and expensive • Parcheggio Portofino: about €6–7/hour ④ By Ferry (most beautiful way) • Santa Margherita → Portofino ferry: • Duration: 15 minutes • Cost: one way about €8–10 ⸻ 🗺️ Classic Portofino Route (1-Day Luxury Leisure Tour) 📍 Route: Harbor → Church of St. George → Castello Brown → Lighthouse → Seaside Lunch → Paraggi Bay ① Stroll around Portofino Harbor (free) The harbor is the heartbeat of the town; the windows of the colorful houses all face the sea, making it a perfect starting point for photos. ② Church of St. George (Chiesa di San Giorgio) (free) Climb the gentle slope to overlook the bay layout of the town—very healing. ③ Castello Brown • Ticket: about €5–7 • Highlights: castle gardens + excellent panoramic views of the entire harbor ④ Portofino Lighthouse (Faro di Portofino) • Free • The trail winds along the cliffs, and you can hear the sea grinding time against the rocks. ⑤ Lunch at the Harbor Recommended two restaurants: • Ristorante Puny (classic harbor restaurant): €35–50 per person • Ristorante Da I Gemelli (popular spot): €40–60 per person ⑥ Paraggi Beach (swimmable) • 5 minutes by shuttle bus • Water quality like an untouched emerald • Sunbed fee: about €30–40/set (slightly more expensive in peak season) ⸻ 🛏️ Portofino Accommodation (from budget to luxury) ① Near the Harbor (favorite for luxury travelers) • Eight Hotel Portofino • Price: €350–600/night • Style: Italian minimalist luxury surrounded by forest • Splendido, A Belmond Hotel (celebrity favorite) • Price: €900–1500/night • Reputation: The “crown” of Portofino ② Santa Margherita (more economical) Great value and convenient transportation: • Hotel Laurin: €150–250 • Hotel Continental: €180–300