Portofino

Pastel fishing village turned glamorous harbour retreat

Portofino is a painter’s dream.

It’s the picturesque fishing village they see in their mind’s eye, but which, when awaking, vanishes back into the ether. A pleasing jumble of brightly coloured apartments, bars and restaurants rings the tight bay. Bold reds, oranges and yellows are accentuated by green shutters and white trim. Turquoise waters stretch back endlessly from the shore.

Dense mediterranean foliage sways in the gentle sea breeze, cooling and softening the hues on the bay. The rich and famous made Portofino, just along from Genoa, their haunt in the 50s. It’s still just as glamorous here today, with boutique hotels and stores popping out from amid local eateries.

All the fruits of Liguria’s cuisine are available. Rich green pesto. Focaccia. Fritto misto right from the sea. Once you sit down, it might be a while before you rise again.

“Focaccia col formaggio” (focaccia bread with soft “crescenza” cheese) is a local specialty that you won’t be able to get in any other part of Italy.

Aside from the sea-town vibes, there are a few sights in town worth seeing. Medieval Castello Brown watches all from atop its hill. The little Church of San Giorgio guards its crusader relics. And the Portofino Lighthouse projects out into the bay, giving it sweeping views out across the sea, and back on the coast in either direction.

You can reach Portofino from virtually every direction and with practically any mode of transport. Go by car, train, bus and boat. It’s about an hour’s drive from Genoa.

Come and see what all the fuss is about. Sunset has seldom looked as good.