Things to do in Portofino

This easy kayak tour is suitable for all levels to explore the beauties of the Park of Portofino and its Marine Protected Area. In the company of a kayak instructor and marine guide, you paddle along the coast from Paraggi to the picturesque port of Portofino and beyond to the Olivetta and the Lighthouse. Be captured by the charm of these areas rich in history and curiosity. The beauty of Portofino as seen from the sea, will make you feel as though you are in a postcard. At the feet of the lighthouse where nature gets more "wild", take a refreshing dip in front of the breathtaking landscape is an experience not to be missed. Alternatively, pick the sunset option and enjoy the unspoiled coastline of Portofino Park at dusk, the best hour when crowds leave and the landscapes turn quiet again. Explore Portofino’s unique territory and hidden gems from the sea and land. Savor an excellent apperitivo with local natural wine and food. Upgrade for a kayak and snorkel combo in the Bay of Paraggi to explore the rich underwater flora and fauna.

Meet your guide in Niasca, a sandy beach nestled in the vegetation of the Mediterranean Sea, next to Paraggi Bay, famous for its  crystal clear blue water. After you're supplied with the necessary snorkeling equipment (all sizes available), you'll be introduced to your guide. Comfortably sitting on the terrace, you will be briefed with pictures on the great variety of fish species and marine plants you'll come across while snorkeling. After a quick explanation on how to use thew equipment, you'll be ready to dive. This bay, forbidden to boat traffic is completely safe for swimming.  Your guide will lead you underwater searching for hidden treasures in Portofino’s Marine Protected Area. During the first part of the excursion inside Niasca’s bay, you will swim above one of the most extended posidonia meadows in the area, which together with the near cliff, hosts many species, such as tube-worms, starfish, pinna nobilis, posidonia, sponges and mollusks. Then you will head to the second part of the journey, swimming towards Portofino, amidst a cross section of fish species, such as sea breams, gilt-head bream, sea bass, moray eel, damsel and many more. Crossing the bay, you’ll swim above different habitats, such as posidonia meadow and sandy seabed, housing many different species.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan on a full-day sightseeing tour of 3 gems of the Ligurian Coast. Departing by bus from central Milan, drive south to the capital of Liguria and the largest seaport in Italy at Genova (Genoa). Nicknamed “La Superba” ("Superb One"), due to its impressive landmarks, part of the old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Explore streets rich in art, gastronomy and architecture. The birthplace of Christopher Columbus, its role in maritime history is beyond compare. Once one of the "Maritime Republics,” along with Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi, the ornate buildings and monuments reveal a rich story of trade and shipbuilding. Next, relax at the pearl of the Ligurian Sea at Portofino, a small village that dates back to the Roman period. Its glittering harbor and colorful waterfront houses have made it a much sought-after destination among celebrities, while its Roman name of Portus Delphini (Port of the Dolphin) reflects the large number of dolphins that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. End your tour at Santa Margherita Ligure, where the maritime scenery and turquoise sea blends beautifully with the green of the Ligurian hills, colorful fishing boats bob in the harbor, and picturesque fishermen’s houses transport you back to a less hurried time.

Genoa, the largest medieval town in Europe, maintains the charm of the ancient maritime republic. Your day will start in the ancient harbor, renovated in 1992 by the architect Renzo Piano. Here, your friendly and professional guide will lead you through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways of the old town to discover the many attractions of this city on an inspiring walking tour. After free time for lunch, hop-on your air-conditioned coach for a scenic ride following the Tigullio Gulf, nicknamed the Dolphins Gulf due to the large school of dolphins that are often spotted there, to reach the colorful village of Santa Margherita Ligure. Here, take the boat for a mini-cruise to the charming fishing village of Portofino, a half-moon shaped seaside village whose beauty has been narrated across the millennia by writers and poets such as Guy de Maupassant. The journey will end with a return by boat to Genoa.

Explore the Liguria region on a half-day hiking trip through the stunning Portofino Park. Be amazed by the secret beach of San Fruttuoso. Meet your guide at the train station in Camogli and start your tour through the beautiful Portofino Natural Park. After 1,5 hours hiking through the Mediterranean forest, reach the first stop, where you can have a rest and admire an outstanding view. Continue to hike 2h through the beautiful Portofino Natural Park you'll reach San Fruttuoso Bay and relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Liguria. Here you can have a lunch in the local restaurant or bar. Your guide will show you how to get back with the local ferry, you can choose to enjoy this amazing beach as long as you like and back with one of the several ferries running daily back to Camogli. Return to Camogli by ferry and admire views of the natural park from the sea.

Embark on a journey between land and sea, and follow your guides on a different adventure to discover Italy's coast. Go coasteering from Portofino to Paraggi Bay on a fun and safe sea, rock, and coastline exploration, observing the natural beauty of the coastal area along your way. After your initial briefing, don your wetsuit and start your coasteering adventure. Learn a new sport. Coasteering involves diving into the sea, and climbing up rocks as you move along a stretch of coast in the intertidal zone — the coastal area that depends on the tides.

Together with a professional instructor, learn the basic techniques of the stand up paddle board in the bay of Paraggi which is an extremely safe area to learn in as it is closed off to nautical traffic. Enjoy a 45 minutes lesson which will teach you how to manage your board and use your paddle safely. After the course, put your new technique into practice. Explore the wonders of the promontory and protected marine area of Portofino from an unusual perspective. Thanks to the perfectly perpendicular position on the sea, you can enjoy breathtaking views, above and below the water. Paddle from Paraggi to Portofino and admire this charming little port, the Castle of Paraggi, San Giorgio's Church and Castello Brown. Get tips and local knowledge from your English-speaking guide.

Ride along scenic roads offering views of the ocean on a guided e-bike trip from the town of Camogli to the world-famous Portofino. Discover incredible panoramic viewpoints of the gulf from the hills and explore picturesque villages with colorful homes, with a stop for lunch. Start your journey in Recco and head over to the neighboring Camogli, one of the most beautiful villages of the riviera. Walk through its characteristic narrow alleyways, then visit the beautiful Baroque church and the charming Castel Dragone for a cultural experience. Ride up along the road that links Camogli with the surrounding hills. From the churchyard, you'll admire striking views of the gulf below. Enter Portofino Park and keep riding uphill before stopping for a well-deserved lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, ride through small paths carved in the rocks, completely surrounded by nature, to fully immerse yourself in the Ligurian landscape. At the end of the path, reach the elegant resort of Portofino, where you'll climb up to the Church of St George. On the way back, follow the coastal road to Santa Margherita Ligure to visit the town. Depending on your schedule and energy by the end of the tour, you can opt to head back to Recco by train, or ride back into town.

Take in the extraordinary views of Portofino and Camogli, two fishing villages nestled in the heart of the Italian Rivera Portofino in this private tour from your accommodation in Torino. Drive through Camogli, a romantic little seaside town with vibrantly painted houses stacked along an emerald shore. Next, head to Portofino, famous among the rich and famous for its charming houses, shops, and piazzetta overlooking the picturesque harbor. See the sailboats and yachts dotting the harbor.

Head out to Portofino National Park for a day on the trails on this hiking tour. Take in spectacular coastal views, swim in the sea, and snack on some organic ice cream. Depart from Santa Margherita Ligure train station and cross the national park into the heart of the mountains. Once there, hike through valleys dotted with ancient water mills and reach the top, 610 meters above sea level. Continue along the coast to and stop at some viewing spots along the way. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ligurian coast. Then, go down towards the village of San Rocco, passing by the tiny hamlet of Mortola. This out-of-the-way place can only be reached on foot or by motorcycle. From there a stairway will take you to down the enchanting ancient seaside town of Camogli. Take an invigorating swim in the sea and try some organic ice cream.