One of the most photographed and popular villages along the Italian Riviera, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has been a popular destination for the rich and famous since the 60’s, which was when visitors started coming to Portofino for its exclusive parties and breathtaking views. This usually quiet fishing village with just over 500 permanent residents is transformed into a high-luxury favorite in summer sun when Some of Europe's wealthiest drop the anchors of their enormous yachts in its quaint harbour, which the colourful town is clustered around. These elites usually stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.

Boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants line the tiny streets creating the perfect setting to wander about after experiencing popular local pastimes such as weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita, there is also a lovely hike up to Portofino’s Castello Brown, offering some of the best views of the the Portofino Marina. Visitors engage in activities such as diving to some spectacular nearby shipwrecks or the 2.5 meter bronze statue famously known as the Christ of the Abyss, or visiting nearby villages or cities such as Santa Margerita Ligure, Rapallo or even Genoa.

Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey.