(CEO_Magazine) – Since the 1950s and 1960s, when movie stars and other VIPs like Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Frank Sinatra, and Brigitte Bardot took vacations there, Portofino, which was once a small fishing village, has become a global emblem of la dolce vita.
As the rich and famous continue to frequent this lovely area of the Italian Riviera, yachts now replace the fishing boats that were once scattered throughout the marina. Some even have a villa there, including Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Of course, they are by no means the first or the last tourists to fall in love with this lovely region of Italy.
Portofino, which is situated on the tip of a point on the Riviera di Levante in Liguria, was formerly a Roman Empire colony before joining the Republic of Genoa in 1229. It has been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians over the years, and affluent Brits visited during the Grand Tour era.
Here are some ideas for how to spend the ideal day in Portofino, regardless of whether you’re starting your own extensive tour of Italy or just taking a short trip to this idyllic Mediterranean destination.
Morning
Like the locals, start your day with a coffee and a piece of Genoese bread. Even while focaccia is manufactured all throughout Italy, the variety from this region of Liguria is renowned for being tasty. Locals even dip chunks of the greasy bread in their cappuccinos since it is so thick and soft.
Panificio Pasticceria Tossini, which has locations in the adjacent towns of Rapallo, Recco, Sori, and Chiavari, is the best bakery to locate it. They also produce farinata, a flatbread made from chickpea flour, as well as the traditional focaccia di Recco, which is composed of melted stracchino cheese sandwiched between two thin slices of focaccia.
There’s no urgency because there isn’t much to do in the town itself. Il dolce far niente, or the bliss of doing nothing, is the main theme here. The gorgeous Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, or “piazzetta,” is the centre of activity in Portofino.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could walk to the lighthouse and make a stop at the mediaeval Castello Brown along the way.
The piazzetta is the centre of the action, and the streets branching off from it are lined with designer shops by brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Loro Piana as well as smaller, independent boutiques selling chic linen clothes, shoes, and trinkets. The piazzetta is surrounded on three sides by historic buildings painted in various shades of pink, orange, and yellow.
The marina is accessible from the remaining side. You may locate the Museo del Parco, an outdoor sculpture park with works by artists such as Man Ray, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro, by following the curve of the marina towards the Yacht Club.
If you’re up for it, you may walk to the lighthouse and pause at Castello Brown, a mediaeval fort that was later renovated. From 1870 until 1961, when it became accessible to the general public, it was in fact owned by the English consul in Genoa.
Afternoon
Reserve a table at the quaint Ristorante Puny on the piazzetta for a leisurely meal. You can watch everything happen from the front row of this 1853 opening.
The menu is straightforward and conventional, including starters like crab salad or prosciutto with melon. After one of those, order the pesto, green bean, and potato trofie pasta. This region of Liguria is known for its renowned basil, which is used to make the best pesto in the world.
You might rent a boat to transport you along the coast, or you could drive to Paraggi, the only sand beach in the area, which is in the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
In the late afternoon, you may rent a boat to carry you along the coast or go to Paraggi, the only sand beach in the region, which is in the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
A few charming small villages are close by, including Recco, where you can sample the aforementioned focaccia di Recco cooked with melted cheese, and Camogli, which has a picturesque pebble beach and a tonne of charming little stores, pubs, and restaurants that front out over it.
Evening
Check into the Grand Hotel Bristol in Rapallo, which is 20 minutes’ drive from Portofino, if you plan to stay a night or two nearby. It was constructed in 1904 in the opulent Liberty architecture and features an outdoor pool with a view of the seaside as well as a relaxing spa.
After a massage, unwind with a meal at Le Cupole on the top floor. Here, regional specialties are upgraded, including basil pesto over potato gnocchi with green beans.
The helpful concierge at the hotel can arrange reservations for you, recommend the best locations to visit, and let you know where to have an Aperol Spritz.
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