Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure

Portofino is the most glamorous harbor of the Italian Riviera: a tiny fishing village (450 inhabitants) with pastel-colored houses around a perfect little bay, surrounded by lush vegetation. Yachts sway in the harbor, the cafés cost a fortune, and the atmosphere is a mix of old fishing village and jet-set playground.

Worth seeing: The San Giorgio Church overlooking the harbor, the Castello Brown (7 €, garden and panorama), and the footpath to the Faro (lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, 30 min.) — one of the most romantic walks in Liguria.

Budget reality: A cappuccino at the harbor costs 7–10 €, a simple lunch 40–60 € per person. The alternative: Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure (10 min. by bus, half the price, equally charming) and visit Portofino as a half-day trip. Or: By boat from Santa Margherita (5 €, 15 min.) — the most beautiful arrival.

Santa Margherita Ligure ★★

The "little sister" of Portofino is the better choice for overnight stays: An elegant Riviera town with a promenade, a good city beach, authentic restaurants, and hotels that charge a third of Portofino's prices. From here, boats and hiking trails to Portofino and San Fruttuoso start.

San Fruttuoso ★★

A 10th-century abbey in a secluded bay, accessible only by boat or hiking trail. Underwater: the famous statue Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss), 17 m deep — perfect for snorkeling in clear water.