Guide to Portofino

Lying east of Genoa, Portofino was once an ancient Roman Colony and has been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, all contributing to the international atmosphere it still holds today. Little has changed since the sixties when Hollywood names such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra were among those gracing the glamorous shores which have long attracted the world’s elite. The world-famous Hotel Splendido is positioned high in the hilltops above the yacht dotted harbour and is the perfect place to spend a few days on your luxury yacht charter in the dazzling setting of Belle Époque grandeur and refinement.

Considered to be the yachting capital of the Italian Riviera, it boasts one of the most picturesque fishing ports in the Mediterranean with a fabulous array of superyachts returning each year. A little hub of village life, the harbour is lined with cafés and restaurants and the charming piazza embraces modern luxury with a range of designer boutiques. Portofino is a tender port, and tenders arrive at the yacht moorage at the centre of town but larger yachts can anchor off the coast of beautiful Santa Margherita, just two miles south.

Take to the hills for a scenic walk along flower-fringed stone paths leading you to the pretty church of San Giorgio, up to the 16th-century fortress, Castello Brown, and over to an old lighthouse. The gorgeous Museo del Parco offers unrivalled views of the harbour and is home to a breath-taking terraced sculpture garden filled with modern artworks. Dotted amongst the greenery of the hills are fabulous villas owned by the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and Giorgio Armani that emanate serenity amongst their picture-postcard surroundings.

If you're interested in experiencing the charms of Portofino for yourself, start planning your next luxury vacation by viewing the entire fleet of superyachts available for Italy yacht charters.