The Ultimate Old Money Elegance Portofino Travel Guide
If you’re searching for a Portofino travel guide that captures the essence of old money charm, prepare to enter a world of quiet sophistication. Portofino is not a destination you stumble upon. It’s somewhere you arrive, ideally by boat, as pastel buildings and pine lined hills come into view.
This tiny Italian fishing village has long been a symbol of understated glamour. Fewer crowds, fewer cameras, and fewer distractions, Portofino rewards those who appreciate the art of leisure, not the rush of sightseeing.
The Ultimate Old Money Elegance Portofino Travel Guide
Arriving in Portofino
Portofino sits like a gem on the Ligurian coast, best reached by sea or via a winding cliff road from Santa Margherita Ligure. If you’re coming from Milan, a scenic train ride followed by a short drive or water taxi offers a graceful arrival.
From the moment you dock at the harbour, you’re enveloped by a world of colour, calm, and curated beauty. Yachts bob gently. Espresso is served in porcelain. Locals wear linen like a second skin. Portofino doesn’t need to try, it simply is.
Where to Stay in Portofino
Luxury here is subtle, personal, and storied. This isn’t about the newest hotel, it’s about the one that’s stood the test of time.
Belmond Hotel Splendido
Once a 16th-century monastery, now the benchmark of Riviera refinement. Overlooking the sea with terraced gardens, shaded walkways, and rooms that whisper quiet luxury. A place where legends have stayed and no one felt the need to announce it.
Eight Hotel Portofino
Tucked into a tranquil corner of the village, this boutique escape offers minimalist interiors, lush gardens, and a private beach shuttle. Ideal for those who want privacy with a hint of modernity.
If you’re piecing together the perfect Italian escape, don’t miss our Amalfi travel guide and Lake Como travel guide, both offer a similar tone of elegant indulgence.
What to Do in Portofino
This isn’t a checklist sort of place. Portofino invites you to be to notice the stillness, the sea spray, the quiet clink of glass at aperitivo.
Hike to Castello Brown
A gentle walk uphill rewards you with panoramic views of the village and harbour. The castle itself feels like a dream, terracotta tiles, ivy covered walls, and gardens that overlook the Ligurian Sea.
Boat to San Fruttuoso Abbey
A short sail brings you to a hidden bay where a 10th-century abbey meets turquoise water. It’s the kind of place that feels entirely yours, especially if you arrive early.
Swim at Paraggi Bay
Skip the busy beaches and head to this curved cove just beyond Portofino. Green water, shaded loungers, and no noise except for the sea itself.
Sit at the Piazzetta
Order an espresso, pull out your sunglasses, and watch the world float by. This isn’t just people watching, it’s art.
Where to Eat
Portofino dining is simple, seasonal, and sensory. Fresh seafood, Ligurian herbs, and long meals with no need to check the time.
Ristorante Puny
A local legend. Small, candlelit, and effortlessly elegant. Reserve in advance and order the trofie al pesto, made the traditional way, with love and olive oil.
La Terrazza at Splendido
Terraced dining with views that make you forget to speak. White tablecloths, attentive staff, and a menu that reflects Italian heritage at its most refined.
Trattoria Concordia
For a more casual affair, this hidden spot offers homemade dishes, family charm, and views over the hills. A favourite among those who summer here, but don’t need the fanfare.
What to Wear in Portofino
Portofino style is like the village itself, sun faded, polished, and ageless.
Bring
- Flowy white dresses or linen separates
- Wide leg trousers in neutral tones
- Leather sandals or espadrilles
- A silk scarf (worn as a headband or around your bag)
- A basket bag or vintage leather tote
- Delicate jewellery, perhaps a signet ring or simple gold chain
- A book, ideally something worn and poetic
Fashion here doesn’t try. It suggests.
The Rituals of Riviera Life
Portofino teaches you the art of slowing down. The wealth here is not just monetary, it’s found in the luxury of space, silence, and tradition.
- Wake early and watch the sun rise over the boats
- Swim before breakfast, wrapped in linen after
- Take long lunches that spill into afternoon
- Buy flowers or local wine from the same shop every day
- Say buongiorno to everyone, and mean it
Why Portofino is Eternal
Portofino is not interested in reinvention. It doesn’t follow trends or pander to popularity. It simply exists elegant, enduring, and exquisite.
It doesn’t shout for your attention. But once you’ve been, you’ll find it quietly lives in the back of your mind, a standard of beauty, simplicity, and soul that few places match.
