Portofino

Introducing Portofino

The best way to arrive in Portofino is by sea – not only because of the postcard-perfect views of the pink and yellow houses huddled around its little harbour, but because the wiggly road along the promontory to the village is death-defyingly narrow. (The bus is only slightly less scary than driving, but at least bus drivers are well-practised at navigating around it – and the oncoming Ferarris.)

Perhaps its tricky access is why Liguria’s most exclusive seaside resort has long been a hideaway for writers, including Guy de Maupassant and Truman Capote, and Hollywood luminaries, especially in its 1950s and ’60s heydays. These days Portofino is almost wholly given over to designer boutiques and ritzy café terraces, but there are some beautiful walks fanning out into the protected green surrounds, Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino.

Portofino’s tourist office (0185 26 90 24; www.apttigullio.liguria.it; Via Roma 35; 10am-1pm & 1.30-4.30pm Tue-Sun) has free trail maps for the park, and information on mountain-bike rental, as well as seasonal sail and motorboat rental.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009