Portofino Local History

Several countries owned Portofino before it was part of Italy. In the 10th century Portofino belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of San Fruttusos di Capodimonte, in 1171 the Rapallo Jurisdiction and in 1229 the Genoses Republic.

Portofino is a typical fishing village and the houses developed near the church of San Martino and stretched along the quay. Portofino is an idyllic location where the water reflects all the pastel washed houses running along the harbour. During the 1930s Portofino enjoyed a reputation with artists and also became a celebrity hideout. Several famous names could be seen arriving by yacht to enjoy the coastal town of Portofino.

Portofino Attractions

Portofino Parks & Gardens

Santa Margherita Ligure Located five kilometers north of Portofino. The Villa Durazzo is a 16th century building and the grounds contain elegant gardens and a large park, which features exotic plants, statues and fountains.

The Park of Portofino The coast, which surrounds the promontory of Portofino forms part of a protected marine area for the conservation of the bio-diversities in the Mediterranean. The Regional Nature Park contains on of the greatest concentrations of flora in the Mediterranean, with a variety of birds and invertebrates. The Park of Portofino offers spectacular views of the Ligurian coast both from a naturalistic point of view, but also from a historic point of view.

Portofino Beaches

There are no beaches in Portofino. The only way to access the sea is to jump off a yacht into the warm Mediterranean.

Portofino Restaurants and Bars

Portofino Restaurants

Da U'Batti Located at Vico Nuovo 17, Portofino. Da U'Batti specialises in seafood, and this is quite obvious when you walk in the door, because you will find a pair of barnacle-encrusted anchors hanging above the entrance. The dishes are exquisite and there is a great selection of French and Italian wines to be enjoyed with your dinner. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 3pm and again from 8pm to 11:30pm. Da U'Batti is closed during December as well as January.

Delfino Located at Mollo Humberto 1, Portofino. Delfino is one of the most fashionable restaurants in Portofino. The décor is kind of rustic, but the food is great. Their speciality is fish. Delfino's is a great spot to go people watching, both the visitors and the villages alike will definitely amuse you. Delfino is open from April to October daily from noon to 3pm and again from 7pm to 11pm.

Ristorante da Puny Located at Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta 5, Portofino. This quaint little restaurant is set up on the stone square, which opens onto the harbour. Ristorante da Puny is the living room of Portofino because it is in sight of all the evening activities and has a beautiful setting among the yachts. At night the green painted tables are set under trees on the outdoor terrace. The food is great and the atmosphere makes this restaurant the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening in Italy. The restaurant is open from Friday to Wednesday from noon to 3pm and again from 7pm to 11pm. Ristorante da Puny is closed from the 15th of December to the 15th of February.

Portofino Bars & Clubs

La Gritta American Bar Located at Calata Marconi 20, Portofino. This bar is very attractive and very friendly, and less hectic. There is a floating terrace, which is the perfect spot for a sundowner. There is an interesting mix of clientele from celebrities, tourists and even Navy personnel. The bar is open daily from 9pm to 3am in the summer time and in the winter Friday to Wednesday.

Scafandro American Bar Located at Calata Marconi 10. Scafandro's draws the yachting crowd. This establishment is plush and comfortable with nautical engravings on all the walls. Scafandro American Bar is open from June to September from 10am to 3am daily, and October to May from Wednesday to Monday.