The picturesque village set in the Riviera di Levante, a few kilometers from the city of Genoa, is an increasingly exclusive attraction, and much loved by celebrities. We are, of course, talking about Portofino, a delightful hamlet located in the western part of the Gulf of Tigullio, in a bay at the foot of the promontory of the same name.
A few years ago, the arrival in Portofino of Kim Kardashan and Megan Fox, the model who in 2006 entered the ranking of the sexiest women in the world (according to FHM), caused a sensation. In reality there are many VIPs who choose to spend a few days of vacation in this location, such as Chiara Ferragni and Fedez, but also Dua Lipa and many others.
The beauty of Portofino is that it is not only a destination for the jet set, but also a picturesque village close to splendid natural landscapes, a place where masterpieces of cultural and artistic heritage are set.
Let’s see why celebrities love to spend their holidays in this splendid Ligurian village and, above all, what are the most loved places by tourists from all over the world.
The beauty of the center and its premises
Portofino is an ancient fishing village, which in the imperial age was known by the name of Portus Delphini. The heart of the village still retains the Roman layout, with orthogonal meshes.
Its narrow streets are characteristic and it is a pleasure to get lost in the alleys, but the real jewel of this place is the centre. The main street, which reaches the sea, is Via Roma.
Walking through the streets of the village it is impossible not to notice the beauty of the fourteenth-century oratory of Nostra Signora Assunta, characterized by its carved slate portal.
The main street leads to Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, also known as “the small square”: under its arcades there are many shops and boutiques, but also delicious restaurants and ice cream parlors.
The main square is the heart of the village, as well as the most loved place by tourists from all over the world. It is the center of local social life and the place where the busiest cafes and restaurants are located. Very famous is the Caffè Excelsior, a historic venue founded in 1924. It was here that the famous ice cream called “paciugo” was born, made up of chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, fresh summer fruit, sour cherries in syrup and chopped hazelnuts.
But there are also many fascinating monuments, such as the Church of San Martino, built in the 9th century in Lombard Romanesque style; it owes its current appearance to a 19th century intervention.
Brown Castle
Another gem that makes Portofino a perfect romantic place for a couple’s getaway is the Brown castle. This ancient military fortress was built in the 15th century to protect the Gulf of Tigullio from pirates and enemies in general. The castle was the salvation of the village, which was protected by the fortress from the danger of the Venetian fleet in 1435.
The castle was rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries.
Its commanding position atop a promontory offers a splendid view of the entire gulf and its garden is the perfect place to take wonderful photos. It is no coincidence that this location is also often used for weddings and photo shoots. Do not miss the Mediterranean garden, the panoramic terraces, the original furnishings inside its rooms and its ancient majolica tiles.
Fabulous arrival
It is known that VIPs are very theatrical, and love a triumphal entrance. Portofino is the perfect place for a grand entrance.
The most spectacular arrival in Portofino is certainly by boat because it allows you to admire the coast from afar and enjoy the splendid scenery of the blue sea and the green hills with the small village in the centre. There are numerous ferries that cross the Gulf every day and connect Portofino to Genoa, but also to other towns along the coast.