Portofino is a beautiful village along the Ligurian Riviera, considered by many one of the eight wonders of the world. It’s a small town of no more than 500 residents in the middle of a small bay that has become famous all over the world.

Portofino is a picturesque fishing village with multicolored houses facing a harbor with crystalline green water. It became famous for its “Dolce Vita”; in fact, many actors, actresses, pop stars, and rich nobles began to frequent it for its sunsets, breathtaking views, and exclusive parties.

The origins of Portofino date back to Roman times. The bay of Portofino in fact was one of the few safe shelters on the Ligurian coast. Even today, you will find that it is so well sheltered that it looks like a lake. In addition to being safe and beautiful, the bay also was populated by dolphins and the name Portofino derives from Latin Portus Deplhini, the port of the dolphins. Fortunately, even today, thanks to the establishment of the Marine Reserve, the area is rich in fish fauna and is perfect for diving and snorkeling.

The village itself is very small. Portofino looks like a crescent of colored houses gathered around the small harbor. The beating heart of Portofino is the famous “Piazzetta” (small square) that overlooks the water. It is a place to enjoy minute by minute, without rush, and savoring the special atmosphere that pervades it.

Portofino is famous for its unique beauty that combines the quintessence of Mediterranean nature with one of the most picturesque landscapes on the Italian coast. But Portofino is also known as VIP’s resort. Thanks to its privileged but somewhat isolated position (easily reachable by yacht), at the end of the 19th century, the village was “discovered” by some English aristocratic who made it their “buen retiro” building the first luxurious villas such as “Villa Altachiara “.

Shopping in Portofino revolves around high-end boutiques. Wander the small alleyways and you’ll find Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Missoni, plus others. This town is quite baffling. Either everyone is mega wealthy, or they go elsewhere to shop. Restaurants in Portofino can be pricey too. There are a variety of lovely restaurants fronting the port offering that, ‘Ah, we are in Portofino’, feel. And Most restaurants require reservations.

Ristorante Puny at Piazza Martiri dell Olivetta, 5 is a highly rated best restaurant in Portofino. It’s on the left side of the port. There are about 15 tables on the terrace and the same inside, and you may be grappling with an A-lister to get a table. Their menu is simple, Genovese fare with lots of homemade goodness. They offer a variety of more moderately priced seafood and pastas. This is a great local hangout where you can feast on gamberi, sole, calamari and salty anchovies. Be sure to go when the fish is in season, or ask them what is fresh, because not all fish will be fresh all year long. They also have a sister restaurant in Santa Margherita Ligure.

The best time to visit Portofino and the Cinque Terre are April and May. The next best time to visit Portofino is September and October. You avoid the heavy summer months, but the staff at the hotels, restaurants and bars are the most refreshed in April and May. Their season is beginning, and they are happy to see you.

The months of July and August in Positano are chock full of tourists and the staff in Positano are there simply to serve you, take your money and get you out… Then it tapers off in September and October, but they are exhausted… Plan your trip for the late spring months and you’ll have a better time.