Portofino is a tiny, glittering jewel nestled on the Mediterranean coast of North Italy. Does it have a beach?
Portofino may be famed for its almost secret and luxurious harbor area, but it doesn’t have a beach. There are beaches nearby, but not at Portofino, which is more famed for its picturesque port, nestled in a charming and colorful valley.
Read on to learn more about Portofino, why it’s so popular, and what you can do there if you decide to visit.
Portofino Is A Fine Port
There are plenty of desirable locations along the French Riviera, from the extreme opulence of Monaco to the gorgeous seafront of Nice. However, if you drive a little further down, and leave France, you’ll come across the Mediterranean coast of Italy.
Once you’ve gone past Genoa, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to pull into a little outcropping that protrudes from the side of the Italian nation. And, at the base of this outcropping, Portofino sits proudly, displaying itself in all its splendor.
It’s a small but mighty settlement, boasting an overall area of just one square mile, but it has plenty to offer. It’s one of the luxurious and coveted retreats of the super-rich that are often found dotted around the Mediterranean, and it has grown exponentially in popularity over the last century.
Before the turn of the twentieth century, Portofino was a relatively unknown locale, with only those who lived there really knowing it existed. However, by the time the twenty-first century swung around, Portofino had established itself as a hidden gem of a luxurious location.
It was made popular by many mediums, such as film, song, and literature, facts which helped to drive the popularity of this tiny town up ever higher. Although Portofino is so small it only boasts a population of some four hundred citizens, it’s intensely popular among tourists visiting the area.
Most people will flock to Portofino to soak in the Mediterranean sun while strolling along the waterfront there. The legendary harbor is lined with colorful buildings and sumptuous bistros, and the entire town sits comfortably within an attractive valley.
When you visit Portofino, you’ll often see enormous yachts and sailboats moored in the harbor, a clear indicator of the wealth present in the tiny location. It’s said that the finest way to arrive in Portofino is by boat, sailing up the inlet in full view of all those visiting the town.
Although it’s dramatically expensive, Portofino is one of those bucket list locations that simply has to be visited, especially if you’re a travel fan. Once you get there, what exactly can you do?
Make The Most Of Your Visit
Firstly, if you’re going to visit Portofino, you’ll need to take a substantial amount of spending money. It’s a seriously expensive place to visit, and everything from the accommodation to the food and drink will run you up a huge bill.
However, once you’re there and you’re checked in, you can start exploring and experiencing the minuscule, waterside town. If you’re hungry, you can pay a visit to one of the many fresh fish restaurants around the harbor, often rubbing shoulders with the world’s elite.
If you have a keen eye for yachts and fine boats, you can take a walk around the harbor and engage in a little ‘yacht-spotting’. Alternatively, you could take a stroll around the footpaths that line the rural areas for Portofino.
There’s a nearby Benedictine abbey within walking distance that offers a glimpse into the life of monks in the eighth century. It makes for a remarkably fascinating visit, particularly as the abbey succumbs to the impacts of time and nature as the years wear on.
Sadly, Portofino doesn’t have a beach, but you won’t have to travel far to find one. There’s a sandy cove mere minutes from Portofino known as Baia di Paraggi, a small beach located in an extremely similar setting to Portofino.
Ultimately, there are few beaches around that part of the Mediterranean, even at the larger settlements like Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo, a few miles down from Portofino. If you’re looking for a beach in this region, venture back toward the Riviera and visit places like Savona.
So, it certainly seems like Portofino is one to add to the travel list, being as it is so picturesque and luxurious. If you’ve got the upfront capital, perhaps you can pair it up with a visit to Monaco, or Saint-Tropez – they’re different names, but similar levels of luxury.