Portofino

The picturesque seaside town of Portofino is part of the Italian Riviera on the Ligurian coast, an easy day trip from Genoa and even a port of call on smaller Italian cruises.
Like the villages of the Cinque Terre, Portofino was once a sleepy fishing town. Today, although fishing still takes place, the bulk of the town's revenue comes from the tourists who arrive in droves, unable to resist the allure of the pastel-painted houses lining the harbor. Unlike the Cinque Terre, Portofino is primarily a luxury resort destination today, more akin to the towns of the Amalfi Coast – this is one of the places where Hollywood stars can be seen on holiday.
The main items on visitor to-do lists generally include sunbathing, shopping, dining, and staring at the sea, but that doesn't mean there aren't attractions in Portofino, too. There's a 12th century church, a small 16th century castle, and an underwater statue of Christ known as “Christ of the Abyss,” installed in 1954 as a protective icon for fishermen and divers.

Practical Info

To reach Portofino from Genoa takes 1-1.5 hours. You'll need to take a train to Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure and from there, a bus to Portofino.