Portofino, Liguria

Portofino, with its villas and powerful summer inhabitants, is the Hamptons of Italy. Few normal people can afford the lodging here, but it is fun to gaze upon them—as well as the yachts in the harbor. View the pretty pastel houses and the pricey cafes and restaurants, and revel in the quiet, since cars are banned in the middle of the town..

Sights
There is a church, the Chiesa di San Giorgio, which is connected to a 16th century castle up the road. This castle also has a garden, and was once actually a fortress, during the brief period when Napoleon was occupying it.

At the Njaska beach, you can rent boats or do other watersports, but sunning is awkward given the rockiness of the beach. While Paraggi is a more comfortable, sandy beach, not much of it is free. Hikes in the nearby nature reserve features views of ruins and hills, are also free. The lighthouse is a one-hour trip away, but the view is worth it.

Transportation
Buses journey from Santa Margherita, and there are ferries to shuttle you among all the towns on this promontory, including Portofino.

Copyright 2005 © Italian Cooking and Living