Castello Brown at a glance
The castle stands on the hill above the harbour, and the walk up is part of the visit. Park and castle share one ticket. You buy it at the entrance desk on the day, because there is no online sale and no reservation.
The ticket covers the park and the castle. The path ends at a viewpoint below the Faro, so plan on the view, not on a tower climb.
Portofino tours with Castello Brown and the harbour
Walking tours, boat trips and day tours around Portofino, with live prices and availability.
Opening hours by month
Hours for 2026.
| Period | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | Saturday and Sunday 10:30 to 17:30 | Closed Monday to Friday; last entry 17:00 |
| February and March | 10:00 to 16:00 | – |
| April and May | 10:00 to 19:00 | – |
| June to 30 August | 10:00 to 21:00 | – |
| September | 10:00 to 19:00 | – |
| October | 10:00 to 18:00 | – |
| November and December | 10:00 to 16:00 | – |
Entry closes 30 minutes before the castle does. Private events can change a day, and 31 August falls between the summer and September hours, so check the opening on the day. In January, plan for weekends only.
The walk from the Piazzetta
Harbour, church, villas, castle, lighthouse.
The route runs from the Piazzetta to the forecourt of San Giorgio, on along a path past villas and viewpoints to Castello Brown, then to the belvedere below the lighthouse. The whole walk takes about 30 minutes.
San Giorgio is a church on the cliff, and its forecourt has a wide view. Treat it as a viewpoint, and check the day if you hope to see inside. A side branch called Olivetta leads down to a small beach. Check the sea and the zone rules before you plan a swim there.
The lighthouse viewpoint
The Faro and what you can see.
The path ends at a belvedere under the Faro di Portofino. It offers a view of the headland and the open sea. Plan on the view only. Weather and the day decide how pleasant the viewpoint is. Do not plan around spotting dolphins from here.
The path leads uphill between villas and greenery. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and sun protection in summer. Stones can be slippery in rain. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so do not leave the return too tight. From the castle you walk back to the Piazzetta or on to the viewpoint at the Faro.
If you want more of the coast, combine the walk with a hike in the park. Start with the Portofino hiking guide.
A short history
Three stages in brief.
1867
Montague Yeats Brown, British consul in Genoa, bought the castle. He owned it until 1905.
1961
The municipality of Portofino bought the castle, and it has been in public hands since.
Today
The castle runs as a visitor site with park grounds. More on the village's past in the history guide.
Castello Brown: frequently asked questions
How much is the Castello Brown ticket?
€10 in 2026 for park and castle, bought at the entrance desk only. There is no online sale and no reservation.
Do children pay?
Children under 12 enter free. For a child of exactly 12, ask at the desk.
Can I climb the lighthouse?
Plan on the viewpoint below the lighthouse, which is where the walk ends. Do not count on a tower climb.
Is the castle open in January?
Only on Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 to 17:30, with the last entry at 17:00. It is closed Monday to Friday.
How long should I plan?
The walk from the Piazzetta takes about 30 minutes one way to the lighthouse viewpoint. Add time for the castle grounds.