While on our Mediterranean cruise this October, the ship stopped for a day in Genoa, Italy. In my excitement, the night before, I booked a 40 min boat ride to Portofino.

Portofino is a picturesque town located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. This charming town is known for its small harbor surrounded by colorful buildings. With just over 500 permanent residents, Portofino transforms into a bustling resort town during the summer season.

While strolling along the waterfront, I admired the colorful architecture and indulged in delicious Italian cuisine.

Arriving Portofino we were able to relax away from the hustle and bustle of large vacation spots. The beautiful harbor invited us to take a relaxing stroll, as did the narrow streets of the old town. As you can see below, the bay of Portofino resembles a postcard motif.

If I had more time I would enjoy activities such as shopping at high-end boutiques, swimming in the Mediterranean, and exploring the vibrant local culture.

The town features a scenic harbor, designer boutiques, and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the charm of the Italian Riviera. Portofino offers a tranquil atmosphere with its crescent harbor, olive groves, and vineyards dotting the surrounding hillsides.

Unlike in many tourist resorts in Italy, I experienced the Italian attitude to life in its most original form. Dolce Vita is very important in Portofino. The idyllic fishing village invited us to spend a relaxing afternoon there.

The harbor and the many small bays in the village are particularly popular with guests. The food prices are not cheap I have to say, nevertheless I ordered a 14 Euro ice cream cup. We had free appetizers for consolidation with our order, which we enjoyed.

The village quickly became popular as an exclusive resort for Europe’s richest people. Many notable families built summer residences in the area.

The town in the Italian province of Liguria has numerous historical sights, including the Church of San Giorgio and the Castello Brown. Between Mediterranean forests and olive groves, many celebrities have discovered the tranquility and seclusion of the fishing village of Portofino

Luxurious Villas can be found at the coast near Portofino

Portofino offered us a memorable experience and admiring the beauty along the Ligurian Sea..

We concluded our 4 hour adventure, and when we arrived late in the afternoon in the harbor of Genoa we walked back to retire in our room on the cruise ship