Portofino in 3 days: the most photogenic harbour in Italy, where 400 residents share one postcard with half a million annual visitors — and the cliff paths above remain surprisingly quiet.
The iconic harbour square — arrive early for the calm before the crowds.
16th-century castle with terraced gardens and the best elevated harbour view.
Classic trofie al pesto or frisceu fried fish in the harbour piazzetta.
9th-century church on the promontory tip, then 20-min walk to the lighthouse.
Vermentino and focaccia on the harbour terrace as the light turns the buildings gold.
5.5 km cliff path through umbrella pines, passing the clearest swimming cove in the area.
The un-glamourised working town nearby — market, bakeries, affordable cafes.
The bluest water near Portofino — snorkelling, loungers, calm cove.
20-min ferry back to Portofino as the harbour buildings glow in the evening light.
90-min coastal ferry to the northernmost Cinque Terre village.
The most photographed of the five villages — small castle, coloured harbour, one gelato street.
Terrace restaurant, fresh seafood pasta and the rare local passito wine from vertical vineyards.
Watch all five villages from the water — their colours brighter in the late afternoon light.