Portofino at a glance
Portofino, Italy, is a small harbour village on the Ligurian coast in the Tigullio area. The houses face a bay with a harbour and the Piazzetta, and Castello Brown stands on the hill above. Behind the village lies the Portofino nature park, with paths along the cape and down to San Fruttuoso.
This guide covers boat tours and ferries, the abbey of San Fruttuoso, the Christ of the Abyss, hiking, Castello Brown, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, beaches, and day trips to the Cinque Terre and Genoa. Prices are in euros and carry a 2026 date, and they can change.
Our picks: Portofino tours
For most people the boat from Rapallo is the well-rounded way to see Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli, and the Genoa boat is the low-cost start. Choose the kayak tour if you want to paddle, and the Cinque Terre day if you have a full day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat, walk, pesto class and lunch
- Return ferry to Portofino
- Pesto cooking class
- Light lunch
About three hours that combine the ferry to Portofino, a guided walk, a pesto cooking class and a light lunch on the harbour. The meeting point is at the ferry pier in Santa Margherita.
Check availability →
Cinque Terre guided day trip
- Cinque Terre card
- Park entrance
- Local expert guide
Eight and a half hours with a local expert and free time in Vernazza, Monterosso and Manarola. The train ticket to reach the park is not included.
Check availability →
Boat tour to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli
- Captain and boat
- Snorkelling equipment
- Drinking water
Five hours with a captain on a boat with a sundeck and shade, calling at three places along the coast. Bring a towel and food, as neither is provided.
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Small-group boat tour to San Fruttuoso and Camogli
- Skipper and assistant
- Snacks and drinks
Three hours with a skipper and an on-board assistant, with snacks and drinks included. A fuel surcharge of €10 per person is paid in cash when you board.
Check availability →
Sea kayak tour to Portofino
- Sea kayak and paddle
- Local guide
- Life vest and wetsuit
An easy paddle of 1.5 to 2.5 hours along the coast with a local guide. Snorkelling is optional, so ask before booking what gear is on offer.
Check availability →
Boat trip from Genoa to Portofino with free time
- Boat from Genoa to Portofino
- Two hours free time
A five-hour boat day that starts in Genoa, not in Portofino, with two hours of free time in the village. A low-cost way to see the coast from the water.
Check availability →Portofino boat tours and day trips
Boat trips along the coast, walks and Riviera excursions, with live prices and availability.
Planning Portofino holidays
The pieces fit together in a simple way.
Stay in the village or nearby
The village centre is a pedestrian area, so arriving with luggage takes some thought. Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli both have a railway station and are practical bases.
Where to stay →Go by boat
Seasonal boats link Camogli, Punta Chiappa, Portofino and San Fruttuoso. In winter there are fewer sailings and some days with no service.
Portofino boat tours →Walk the park
The route from Portofino to San Fruttuoso is 4.3 km one way and takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes. Some other paths in the park are closed.
Hiking in Portofino Park →All the Portofino guides
Pick the topic you need.
Things to Do in Portofino
Harbour, Piazzetta, San Giorgio, Castello Brown and the walk to the lighthouse.
Portofino Tours
Boat trips, walks and day tours, side by side.
Portofino Boat Tours
Ferries, private boats, coves and marine reserve rules.
San Fruttuoso
Abbey, bay, opening times and how to get there.
Christ of the Abyss
The bronze statue in the bay and the diving rules.
Hiking in Portofino Park
Routes, times and closed sections.
Castello Brown
Entry, opening hours and views over the harbour.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Station, bus, boat and the walk to Portofino.
Camogli
Harbour town and boats to San Fruttuoso.
Beaches near Portofino
Paraggi, San Fruttuoso and swimming limits.
Day Trips from Portofino
Cinque Terre, Genoa and Camogli.
Portofino from Florence
Where the rail journey ends and how to go on.
Weather and Best Time
Monthly climate and what each season means.
Where to Stay
Village, Santa Margherita or Camogli.
Getting to Portofino
Genoa airport, trains, bus, boat and car.
History of Portofino
From Portus Delphini to the castle.
A few things to know before you go
Details that change a plan.
Some park paths stay closed in 2026
The Passo del Bacio and the Via dei Tubi are closed. Do not plan a walk from Camogli to San Fruttuoso along them.
Hiking guide →Castello Brown sells tickets at the door
Entry is €10 in 2026. You cannot book or buy online.
Castello Brown →The abbey depends on the sea
Entry is €10 in 2026. When the weather stops the boats from Camogli, the abbey stays closed. There is no road to San Fruttuoso.
San Fruttuoso →The bus from Santa Margherita costs €3.50 to €5
That is the single ticket for line 782 to Portofino in 2026, depending on the ticket type. Check the fare when you buy.
Santa Margherita Ligure →Portofino: frequently asked questions
Is this the official Portofino website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the municipality, the nature park, the marine reserve, a ferry company or a tour operator. Check opening times and tickets with the operators before you go.
How do I get to Portofino?
Take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then the bus (line 782), a boat or a walk of about 1 hour 20 minutes. The village centre is a pedestrian area, and private cars need permission inside it.
How do I reach San Fruttuoso?
Only on foot or by boat. The walk from Portofino is 4.3 km, and boats leave from Camogli, Punta Chiappa and Portofino. There is no road and no parking for the abbey.
Can I visit Castello Brown?
Yes. Entry is €10 in 2026, paid at the entrance. Opening hours change by month, so check the season before you climb up.
Can I swim at Portofino?
Not everywhere. The marine reserve has zones where swimming is forbidden, and the harbour is not a place to count on for swimming. The beaches page explains the options nearby.