What to Do in Portofino from a Cruise Ship

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Situated on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a charming fishing village that has become a popular tourist destination. With its picturesque harbor, colorful houses, and winding streets, it’s easy to see why people flock to Portofino year after year.

If you’re visiting Portofino from a cruise ship, you’ll have a limited amount of time to explore. But don’t worry, you can still see and do a lot in a short amount of time.

In this article, we’ll share our top tips for making the most of your time in Portofino from a cruise ship. We’ll cover everything from where to stay and eat to what to see and do. So whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, we’ve got you covered.

Activity Cost Duration
Visit the old town $10-15 1-2 hours
Take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre $30-40 3-4 hours
Go hiking in the Portofino hills $10-15 2-3 hours
Visit the Church of San Giorgio $5-10 30 minutes-1 hour
Have lunch at a waterfront restaurant $20-30 1-2 hours

Portofino is a picturesque Italian town located on the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its beautiful harbor, colorful houses, and charming shops. Portofino is a popular tourist destination, and it is often visited by cruise ships.

This article will provide you with information on the best things to do in Portofino, as well as how to get there from a cruise ship.

Things to Do in Portofino

There are many things to do in Portofino, including:

  • Visit the old town. The old town of Portofino is a charming maze of narrow streets and alleyways. It is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes. The old town is also the best place to enjoy the views of the harbor.
  • Take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a group of five villages located on the Italian Riviera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful scenery. There are many boat companies that offer day trips to the Cinque Terre from Portofino.
  • Hike to the top of Mount Portofino. Mount Portofino is a mountain located just outside of Portofino. It is a challenging hike, but the views from the top are worth it. You can see all of Portofino and the surrounding area.
  • Visit the Church of San Giorgio. The Church of San Giorgio is the main church in Portofino. It is a beautiful church that is worth a visit.
  • Enjoy the beach. Portofino has a small beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Getting to Portofino

There are several ways to get to Portofino from a cruise ship.

  • By cruise ship. Many cruise ships dock in Portofino. If your cruise ship is docking in Portofino, you will be able to explore the town on your own.
  • By ferry. There are ferries that run between Portofino and other cities in Italy, including Genoa and Pisa. The ferries are a great way to get to Portofino if your cruise ship is not docking in the town.
  • By car. You can drive to Portofino from Genoa or Pisa. The drive takes about 1 hour from Genoa and 2 hours from Pisa.
  • By bus. There are buses that run between Portofino and other cities in Italy. The buses are a great way to get to Portofino if you do not have a car.

Portofino is a beautiful Italian town that is perfect for a day trip from a cruise ship. There are many things to do in Portofino, including visiting the old town, taking a boat trip to the Cinque Terre, hiking to the top of Mount Portofino, visiting the Church of San Giorgio, and enjoying the beach. There are also several ways to get to Portofino from a cruise ship, including by cruise ship, ferry, car, and bus.

3. Where to Stay in Portofino

There are many great places to stay in Portofino, from luxurious hotels to charming B&Bs. Here are a few of the best options:

  • Hotel Splendido: This five-star hotel is located right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the harbor. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the hotel has a number of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • Hotel Villa d’Este: This historic hotel is located in a beautiful villa overlooking the sea. The rooms are decorated in a luxurious style, and the hotel has a number of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • B&B La Magnolia: This charming B&B is located in the heart of Portofino. The rooms are small but cozy, and the B&B has a lovely garden.
  • Apartments Portofino: This apartment complex is located just a short walk from the harbor. The apartments are fully equipped, and the complex has a number of amenities, including a pool and a playground.

4. Eating in Portofino

Portofino is home to a number of excellent restaurants, serving everything from traditional Italian cuisine to international dishes. Here are a few of the best options:

  • Trattoria da Pietro: This casual restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find delicious pasta dishes, seafood, and grilled meats.
  • Il Pirata: This seafood restaurant is located right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the harbor. The menu features fresh seafood dishes, cooked simply and seasoned with fresh herbs.
  • La Buca: This small restaurant is known for its pizzas, which are made with fresh, local ingredients. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, and they are absolutely delicious.
  • Gelateria 3 Archi: This gelateria is a Portofino institution. The gelato is made with fresh, local ingredients, and it is simply the best gelato you’ll ever taste.

Portofino is a beautiful town with a lot to offer visitors. With its stunning scenery, charming shops and restaurants, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

What are the best things to do in Portofino from a cruise ship?

  • Visit the old town. Portofino’s old town is a charming maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a group of five picturesque villages located on the Italian Riviera. A boat trip from Portofino is a great way to see the villages from a different perspective.
  • Go swimming or sunbathing at the beach. Portofino has a beautiful beach with clear water and soft sand. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun.
  • Visit the Castello Brown. The Castello Brown is a medieval castle that offers stunning views of the Portofino coastline. It’s also home to a museum with exhibits on the history of Portofino.
  • Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant. There are many excellent restaurants in Portofino that offer fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor.

How long do I need to spend in Portofino?

Most people spend between 2 and 4 hours in Portofino. This is enough time to visit the old town, take a boat trip to the Cinque Terre, and have lunch or dinner. If you have more time, you could also visit the Castello Brown or go swimming or sunbathing at the beach.

**How do I get to Portofino from a cruise ship?

The easiest way to get to Portofino from a cruise ship is to take a taxi or a water taxi. Taxis are available at the cruise ship terminal. Water taxis can be booked through your cruise line or through a local tour operator.

**What should I pack for a trip to Portofino?

You should pack comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, a hat, and sunscreen. You may also want to pack a light jacket or sweater in case the weather turns cool.

**Is Portofino safe to visit?

Portofino is a very safe city. The crime rate is low and the people are friendly and welcoming.

**Where can I stay in Portofino?

There are a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and apartments available in Portofino. Most of the hotels are located in the old town.

**What is the best time to visit Portofino?

The best time to visit Portofino is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

**Do I need a visa to visit Portofino?

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Portofino for stays of up to 90 days. Check with your local Italian embassy or consulate for more information.

Portofino is a beautiful Italian town that is a popular destination for cruise ships. There are many things to do in Portofino, including visiting the old town, taking a boat trip to the Cinque Terre, and enjoying the local cuisine. Whether you are on a short stopover or a longer cruise, there is something for everyone in Portofino.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Portofino is a small town with a population of just over 5,000 people.
  • The town is located on the Italian Riviera and is known for its beautiful scenery, charming old town, and delicious seafood.
  • There are many things to do in Portofino, including visiting the old town, taking a boat trip to the Cinque Terre, and enjoying the local cuisine.
  • Whether you are on a short stopover or a longer cruise, there is something for everyone in Portofino.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.