Just a little over 25 miles south of the seaport of Genoa, Italy is a small peninsula that’s been a popular resort area for decades. Picturesque houses cling to the cliffs that rise from the azure Tyrrhenian Sea as people are drawn to the numerous pocket beaches. Welcome to the Italian Riviera. The charming coastal towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino provide spectacular waterfront walks, historic sites, and all the charm of the Italian seaside. Enjoy amazing seafood, upscale boutique shopping, and historic attractions.
Where Your Ship Docks
There are no large ship piers so most cruise ships will anchor offshore between Santa Margherita and Portofino and tender in. The anchorage location depends on the ships itinerary. Both towns feature good marinas with docking right in the town centers for receiving tenders.
Wheelchair Accessibility – As a tender port wheelchair bound passengers will encounter challenges both in getting on tenders as well as disembarking at the pier. Both ports have a moderate to steep geography where there are typically elevations and inclines to deal with. Otherwise wheelchair infrastructure is typical of European cities. The waterfront and near port area has moderate inclines in sidewalks but the city itself can be more difficult. Intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
Getting between the two towns has a couple of options, First there is a regular ferry that takes only 15 minutes for US$7–11. A taxi from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino is only 3 and a half miles, takes 6 min with fares running US$35–45. If you’re up for a hike follow the coast sidewalks/trails between Santa Margherita and Portofino with walking being about 3 miles. A great trip while you enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning views.
Genoa To Portofino
If you’re visiting or making a port call in Genoa it’s a short and very inexpensive train ride to visit Portofino for the day. From the Genoa Central Station at Genova Piazza Principe, Trenitalia train service to Portofino runs every 30 minutes. The train trip takes only 51 minutes with average fares costing US$3–5.
Local Currency
Italy uses the Euro and trying to use othe currency is not generally an option. Most credit cards are welcome and ATMs are readily available
Tipping
Tipping follows a general tipping culture similar to many European countries. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service charges are included in your bill, rounding up or leaving small change is customary. In restaurants, leaving between 5-10% of the bill is a common practice if you are satisfied with the service. Tipping tour guides is usually based on the tour cost with a few dollars being a minimum. For taxi drivers or service staff, rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is often sufficient.
Santa Margherita Attractions
Discover the charm of the Italian Riviera in Santa Margherita Ligure. Shop in trendy boutiques and dine on delicious seafood in local waterfront restaurants. Wander through the picturesque streets and discover historic landmarks, including the Church of Santa Margherita and the charming waterfront.
Day Tours Explore various tour options such as guided tours and skip-the-line tickets that help maximize your time visiting in Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino.
The Ferry – Take a ferry around to Portofino. Low cost and frequent service makes it easy to visit Portofino.
Castello Brown – This historic castle offers stunning views of Portofino and the surrounding area.
The Harbor – The picturesque harbor is perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the vibrant colored boats and lively atmosphere.
Beaches – Sun yourself and enjoy the waters of the Italian Riviera at numerous locl beaches.
Snorkel and Scuba Dive – Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino are great diving locations with a number of dive excursions available.
Portofino Attractions
The church of San Giorgio – builtin 1154 it has a Baroque style and the street (the San Giorgio climb) allows you to reach the church from the town’s main square. From the front of the church, are wonderful views of Portofino and the view of the promontory is spectacular.
The Abbey of San Fruttuoso – To get there you can hike the trail over Portofino mountain or take a boat to the abbey of San Fruttuoso, a thousand-year-old sanctuary. Originally a Benedictine monastery dating back to 1000 AD and later a fishing village; the Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a jewel nestled between land and sea.
Portofino Lighthouse – Active since 1910, at a height of 120 feet above the sea, the Portofino Lighthouse is located at Punta Faro, on the Gulf of Tigullio and the southern area of the Portofino Promontory,
Christ of the Abyss – Portofino is also famous for an underwater sculpture known all over the world: It’s the Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue placed in 1954 on the seabed of the bay of San Fruttuoso, between Camogli and Portofino. Popular with sport divers it’s in the protected marine natural area. It is located about 50 feet deep it was created by the sculptor Guido Galletti.
Portofino Regional Park – Th stunning park offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for boating and swimming along the coastline.
Before you leave take a moment and browse through some of our recent posts:
The Intentional Travelers 