Portofino, Italy
Ideal for: Beach Lovers, Culture Cravers, History Buffs
A glittering seaside enclave, Portofino makes for an upscale stay along the Italian Riviera. The glamorous Belmond Hotel Splendido—housed inside a 16th-century monastery—offers up a slice of la dolce vita with sun-splashed balconies, a hillside pool, and a lush and private setting.
Perched on the northern end of the Italian Riviera, just 25 miles south of Genoa, Portofino is a luxurious seaside village known for its colorful architecture and bustling, yacht-filled harbor. Wander the Piazzetta, lined with a mix of high-end shops and local boutiques. Nearby, restaurants serve freshly caught seafood dishes, a mainstay of the local culinary scene. The Mediterranean is more than just a pretty backdrop—hidden treasures abound beneath the sea. On snorkeling and scuba diving excursions, keep your eyes peeled for underwater statues and decades-old shipwrecks. If you’re up for a drive, the five pastel-hued towns of Cinque Terre—arguably the most famous villages along the Italian Riviera—are a 90-minute drive away.
Quick Facts
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Suggested Airport
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) -
Currency
Euro -
Time Zone
6 hours ahead of New York -
Official Language
Italian -
Closet Big City
Genoa
Destination Highlights
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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Portofino is home to an array of world-class snorkeling and diving sites, including natural reefs and several shipwrecks. The most impressive site is the Christ of the Abyss statue, which sits 56 feet deep and depicts Christ offering up a benediction of peace.
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Castello Brown
Originally constructed for harbor defense in the 15th century, the Castello was purchased by the English consul in 1867 and transformed into a villa. Its stunning landscape inspired several great works of fiction. Now, the Castello is home to a lush garden and some of the best views of the harbor.
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Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Accessible by boat or a two-hour hike, the historical abbey is situated behind one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Most buildings date back to the 11th century. The abbey is named for the martyr bishop Fruttuoso, whose ashes still remain inside the church.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Portofino Vacation
Portofino’s proximity to the Mediterranean ensures a pleasant climate no matter the season. Summers are warm and clear, the perfect time for activities like relaxing by the beach, with breezy temperatures in the mid-70s and low 80s. The cooler months experience a bit more rain, with October being the rainiest on average.
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Map of Destination
Google Maps satellite images are not always up-to-date, especially in non-U.S. destinations. Some Inspirato residences are located in developments built after images were last updated. Our pin placements represent our best location estimates, but actual locations may vary.