Useful Information before Staying in Portofino
How to Reach Portofino
It is not possible to arrive directly in the Borgo of Portofino by train. The nearest railway station is Santa Margherita Ligure. From there, you can comfortably reach your holiday home by choosing from several options: local buses, taxis available at the station exit, or a private chauffeur transfer (NCC) arranged by our team. For complete independence, you can opt for scooter rental, while for a scenic and unforgettable arrival by sea, regular ferry services or an exclusive private boat transfer are available.
Vertical
Terrain
Liguria is a land of slopes. Many properties are reached via typical steep stairways. We always notify you of any steps in advance: travel light or book our luggage transfer service.
Restricted
Traffic Zone
The Borgo is pedestrian-only. Car access is permitted only for loading/unloading at specific times or to reach the only public car park. Freedom here is experienced on foot.
Weather
and Sea
The sea rules. Ferry connections depend on sea and weather conditions. We monitor forecasts on your behalf to advise you on the best routes.
From Portofino to the Cinque Terre: Guide to the Perfect Excursion
Portofino is the ideal strategic base for visiting the Cinque Terre in complete exclusivity. Many of our guests choose to explore Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore by sea, a journey of around one hour that offers unique glimpses of the Ligurian coast.
However, navigating in this area requires careful planning: the National Park is a Marine Protected Area with strict rules. Only vessels with specific permits can access the villages or anchor close to the coast. Before setting sail, we invite you to consult our Concierge service for precise guidance on the regulations, ensuring your excursion is organised in full compliance and with complete peace of mind.
Where to Park in Portofino
Private Parking at Your Property
The gold standard. Some of our apartments include a private parking space, an absolute rarity that guarantees complete independence.
Public Car Park in Piazza della Libertà
The only covered public car park in the centre of Portofino (around 200 spaces). Rates are hourly/daily. In peak months it fills up quickly.
Parking in Santa Margherita
The smart choice. Leave your car in the larger car parks of Santa Margherita Ligure and reach the Borgo by ferry (15 min), bus or taxi.
All Services Available in the Borgo of Portofino
Pharmacy and Medical Assistance
The pharmacy is located directly in Piazza della Libertà. For emergencies, the nearest first aid point is in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Supermarkets and Grocery Shops
In Portofino you will find small shops and historic bakeries for daily shopping. For a larger grocery run, we recommend the supermarkets in Santa Margherita.
ATM (Cash Machine)
There is an ATM near the main square. We recommend always having some cash for small purchases in the historic local shops.
Waste and Recycling
Portofino is a nature park: waste management is strictly regulated. In every property you will find precise instructions for disposal and collection days.
FAQ: Logistics and Getting Around Portofino
It depends. Only properties along the main road or in Paraggi can be reached directly by car. For homes in pedestrian areas or in the alleys, the car stops at the car park and the rest is on foot.
We know that stairs can be a challenge. On request, we organise a porter service to carry your luggage from the car park or taxi directly into the apartment.
Taxis are available but limited in number, especially at night. It is essential to book or call them in advance. We can provide you with the direct numbers of our trusted drivers.
Absolutely. Portofino's tap water is excellent and regularly tested.
We advise against driving (traffic and parking are extremely difficult). The best option is the train from Santa Margherita Ligure station (reachable by bus or ferry from Portofino), or a private boat tour organised by us.
Yes, in Italy the standard is type L (3 pins) or type F (Schuko), with a voltage of 230V. For guests arriving from the USA or the United Kingdom, we recommend bringing a universal adaptor. The apartments do have modern sockets, but having your own is always useful for charging multiple devices at the same time.
Portofino is a historic village with cobblestone paving (risseu) and many steep steps. Moving around with bulky pushchairs or wheelchairs can be difficult. If you have specific mobility requirements, please contact us before booking: we will point you to ground-floor properties or those with easier access (such as those in the Paraggi or Calata area).
Small grocery shops open early in the morning and close for a lunch break (roughly 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm). Luxury boutiques in season stay open continuously until late in the evening. We recommend doing your food shopping in the morning or by late afternoon.