Marina di Portofino

Introduction

Marina di Portofino is a tiny natural harbour on the Italian Riviera, where pastel houses curve around a postcard bay and the famous Piazzetta meets the water — chic, romantic, and minuscule by superyacht standards.

What You'll Feel

You enter a near-circular cove ringed by ochre and rose façades; only a handful of yachts fit, so a berth here is rare and the whole village seems to lean over the quay to watch you arrive.

What Makes It Unique

It is fame in miniature: one of the most photographed harbours in the world, with just a dozen-odd berths at the foot of the Piazzetta — scarcity is the point.

The Story Behind

Portofino was founded under Rome as "Portus Delphini" — port of dolphins — for its sheltered bay; over centuries the fishing village became a byword for Riviera glamour, appreciated by everyone from Napoleon onward.

Local Life

The Piazzetta is the stage — luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and trendy bars around the little square, with the hilltop castle and church of San Giorgio above.

Best Time to Visit

The Ligurian season is late spring to early autumn; summer is busiest and berths scarcest. Book far ahead — there are very few.

Fun Facts

• Founded by the Romans as "Portus Delphini", the port of dolphins.
• A natural harbour at the foot of the famous Piazzetta del Borgo.
• Only about 14 berths, with a couple of mega-yacht moorings in Cannone Bay.
• Takes superyachts up to roughly 60 m on the main stretch.
• One of the most photographed harbours on the Italian Riviera.
• Overlooked by Castello Brown and the church of San Giorgio.