Things to do in Portofino

Portofino

Portofino is a tiny fishing village on the Riviera Ligure, perched on a headland extending into the bay, surrounded by lush green hills and azure waters, showcasing exquisite Mediterranean scenery. The essence of the town is concentrated in the curved harbor area: orange and lemon-yellow houses are lined up along the harbor, and the water is filled with yachts, complementing the surrounding natural landscape. Walking up the steps from one side of the harbor, the church terrace on the hillside and the castle on the heights offer vantage points overlooking the entire fishing harbor and the blue bay. The intertwined scenery of mountains and sea gives it a unique coastal sightseeing experience. Stroll along the mountain trails or take a boat to shuttle between the surrounding bays, where the quaint architecture and clear waters complement each other, embodying the unique artistic and natural charm of an Italian coastal town.

Castello Brown

Built in the 16th century for the defense of Portofino, it fell to Napoleon and was destroyed and abandoned in the early 19th century. In 1867, the British diplomat Brown bought it, and after several changes, it was converted into the current exhibition hall. Visitors can tour several of these rooms, where some of Brown's furniture and temporary exhibits are displayed.

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso is located in a secluded cove on Italy's Ligurian coast and can only be reached by boat or on foot. The monastery was built in the 10th century and combines Romanesque and Byzantine styles. It is backed by green mountains and faces the blue sea, with peaceful and charming scenery. It was once a place for monks to practice and the tomb of the Doria family. Now it has become a unique attraction that perfectly combines history, architecture and nature.

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Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is located on the Riviera Ligure and consists of five fishing villages built on cliffs: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Travel between the villages is mainly by coastal railway, ferry, and hiking trails, which has helped preserve the old appearance of the fishing villages: red, yellow, orange, and pink houses are stacked layer by layer along the steep slopes, extending all the way to the rocks by the sea. Each of the five villages has its own highlights: Monterosso al Mare is nestled in a bay and features a rare, expansive sandy beach in this area, perfect for swimming; Vernazza embraces a natural small harbor, and looking down from the Ruins of Doria Tower on the heights behind the village, the entire bay is in full view; Corniglia is the only village of the five that is not directly on the sea, sitting alone on a cliff top about 100m high; the colorful houses of Manarola are embedded in dark rocks, and at dusk, the village and the sea in the same frame make for a classic photo opportunity; Riomaggiore is located at the southern end of the five villages, with its main street sloping down to a harbor filled with small boats. The hillsides also hide another aspect of this coastline: over hundreds of years, ancestors built extensive dry-stone walls on the steep slopes and created layers of terraces to grow grapes, turning the cliffs into arable land. The sweet wine Sciacchetrà, made from air-dried grapes, is produced in small quantities and is a representative local sweet wine; paired with Monterosso al Mare anchovies, Genoese-style pesto, and focaccia, it makes for an authentic Ligurian seafood meal. The classic coastal hiking route connecting the villages offers an overlook of the entire colorful coastline from above the cliffs.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Aquarium of Genoa

The Aquarium of Genoa is a relatively large aquarium in Italy and one of the important aquariums in the world. It was built for the 1992 World Expo and is a center for education, scientific research, and culture. It officially opened to the public after its complete construction on October 15, 1993, and was expanded in 1998. The aquarium covers an area of 10,000 m² and houses approximately 70 tanks. These large tanks are home to over 600 species of marine animals and plants. Among the many marine creatures, the larger ones include sharks, seals, and penguins. Many of the tanks at the Aquarium of Genoa attempt to recreate real-world marine environments, including those of the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Amazon River, and the Indian Ocean as faithfully as possible. One of the most distinctive is the Caribbean coral reef. The Aquarium of Genoa was designed by two architects, Renzo Piano and Peter Chermayeff. Many people say the aquarium's exterior looks like a batch of cargo containers neatly arranged on a ship. The 1998 expansion added a 100 m long ship behind the aquarium, connected to the Aquarium of Genoa by a passageway. The walls on the ship's deck are actually virtual aquariums, and visitors passing through here will hear the huge sound of ocean waves.

Baia di Paraggi

Faro di Portofino

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Ligure

Porto Antico di Genova

Porto Antico di Genova sits right against the edge of the old town and has long been the city's vital gateway to the sea. Following comprehensive planning and renovation, the former freight terminals and shipyards have been revitalized into a cultural and leisure area that blends modern design with coastal scenery, becoming a core landmark that showcases the city's vitality. The port area features a unique landscape, with various facilities that blend modern architectural aesthetics scattered throughout. From the uniquely shaped panoramic elevator to exhibition venues that combine technological flair with natural ecology, these buildings complement the vast waters. Heading towards the western shipyard, the Galata Museo del Mare recounts the history of this seafaring city. Moored beside the museum is the old submarine Nazario Sauro, now converted into a museum, and on the water floats the galleon replica Neptune, built for Roman Polanski's film 'Pirates'. Strolling along thewaterfront promenade, you will find vibrant leisure and commercial spaces on one side and the sparkling marina waters on the other.

Spiaggia Baia del Silenzio

This attraction is a beach known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. With its picturesque scenery and laid-back environment, this bay has become one of the most popular seaside destinations in Italy. The beach is nestled in a natural bay, surrounded by colorful houses and lush trees on both sides, forming a sheltered harbor where the water is crystal clear and displays a charming blue-green hue. The sand is fine and soft, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. Due to its relatively secluded location, the beach is usually quieter than other more well-known beaches, offering a relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle. Beyond its natural beauty, the architecture and small-town charm surrounding the bay add to its unique appeal. The town of Sestri Levante is famous for its narrow streets, traditional Ligurian architecture, and laid-back pace of life. Visitors can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in the town's cafes and restaurants, especially fresh seafood and local specialties.

Baia Cannone