Cruising to Genoa: Your Guide to a Day in Port

Cruise passengers arriving into Port Genoa are gliding through waters steeped in history and mystery. Some of the world’s most notorious explorers hail from this hearty seaport city, including none other than Christopher Columbus himself. In fact, an 18th-century reconstruction of the house in which he grew up now hosts a museum just outside the city’s ancient 14th-century stone walls.

Genoa Port is the second-largest seaport in the Mediterranean and forms a semicircular enclave of water dotted day and night with massive cruise vessels and ferry boats. It also harbors the historical Porto Antico , from which sailors-of-old launched brave new journeys to undiscovered lands. The once-tattered waterfront near the original port now brims with energy and excitement, making it the perfect way to start a shore-day in seaside Italian town.

Where to Start: Porto Antico

Upon arrival into Genoa Port, make your way around to Porto Antico , a short walk from any of the cruise-shop docks. Since the city’s main attractions are within 10 or 20 minutes by foot, there’s plenty of time to first enjoy the cafes, small shops and cultural spots that have sprung up in the old port area since its remarkable revitalization in the past few decades. It’s now a favorite spot for locals to meet up on a Sunday afternoon for cappuccinos, ice cream, jogging and dog-walking.

It’s easy to spot the Lanterna Lighthouse

Strolling the seafront is like literally walking into a maritime landscape painting from the Renaissance era. The Lanterna lighthouse from 1543 still stands guard over the port, welcoming travelers from near and far. Pretty pastel cottages, villas and trattorias spill up and down the hillside, painting the city in nostalgic ochre and pink brushstrokes topped with tufts of terracotta tile. To deep-dive into the water-centric nature of Genoa, stop by the Maritime Museum to see scientific reconstructions of ships, maritime voyages and transatlantic migrations.

Without question, the main draw at Porto Antico is the sprawling modern aquarium, known locally as Acquario Di Genova. It’s the largest aquarium in Europe, housing at least 15,000 animals and 400-plus species, including rare Antarctic fish. The Great Blue Ship sailing vessel complements the museum with reconstructed tropical environments.  

Photo: Acquario di Genova/Facebook

A Day in Genoa on Foot

One of the best things about a shore day in Genoa is that the main cultural and dining experiences are within easy walking distance of the Old Port. It’s also easy to catch a taxi, shuttle or bus from the waterfront up to the main plaza, Piazza de Ferrari, and make your way around from there. Here are some highlights of an afternoon or a full day onshore in Genoa.

  • Piazza de Ferrari  – If you do nothing more than snag a café table in the middle of Piazza de Ferrari and watch the city whirl and twirl in its daily rhythm, you will have truly experienced the heart of Genoa. Feed the pigeons at the massive bronze fountain, and then wrangle your way inside the Palace of the Doges or the Teatro Carlo Felice opera house for a jaw-dropping tour of its interior architecture.
  • Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – It’s hard to peel your eyes away from the stunning 12th-century white-marble and black-granite edifice of Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Inside the complex, you’ll find Roman ruins along with pre-Christian sarcophagi and a famous artwork by Lazzaro Tavarone titled “The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence.” A curious piece of history, if you know to look for it, is an unexploded artillery shell from WWII, fired on the cathedral by the British in 1941.
  • Palazzos Ducale and Spinola – Not far from the Cathedral, history buffs can explore a wealth of museum treasures and cultural exhibitions at Palazzo Ducale . Art lovers get a full immersion in classic Italian and Flemish Renaissance paintings at the 16th-century Palazzo Spinola .

Mangia ! Mangia ! Dining in Genoa

As in just about any Italian city, it’s all about the food in Genoa. As they say at every bistro, trattoria, osteria , ristorante , pizzeria or enoteca : Mangia ! Mangia ! – Eat! Eat! Sharing food and wine is at the heart of every Italian gathering, and it’s an imperative to indulge with gusto.

In a port city like Genoa, seafood is woven into every fold of a well-laid table. One of the most authentic local places to embrace the sea-centric dining scene is in the old-mariner neighborhood of Boccadasse . Nostalgic old-school fishing boats bob offshore, and the narrow streets are chockful of unpretentious fish-laden cafes.

Another specialty of Genoa cuisine is basil-based Italian pesto sauce, which was birthed in Genoa as far back at the 1500s . The genuine original pesto features olive oil, fresh basil, pine nuts, pecorino , Parmegiano cheese and green garlic. If you’re down in the port area, pop into Cavour 21 , a casual trattoria serving pesto the traditional way: with pasta, fagiolini beens and potatoes. It’s also the perfect place to pick up some Ligurian focaccia flat breads.

To experience ancient osteria dining in Genoa, head over the Toe Drue , which dishes out Lugurian and Piedmontese fare, including dry-salt codfish or Peidmontese beef ravioli topped with Castelmagno cheese. Not far from Piazza della Vittoria , you’ll find a classy vintage-style family-run ristorante known as Le Cicale . It’s one of the few places to try local dishes such as ravioli with black truffle or grilled squid with lemon-crème potatoes.  

Fine Dining at Toe Drue | Photo: Toe Drue/Facebook

Shopping and Souvenirs

Italy is known for high-end leather and trendy designer fashions as well as tiny alleys and winding cobblestones streets filled with jewelry and accessories. Genoa is certainly no exception.

Start with a blitz of shopping on Via XX Settembre , and then traverse the pedestrian-only roads zigzagging off from Piazza de Ferrari. Via Roma is where to go for well-known designer goods and shoes, and it’s paralleled by Galleria Mazzini , a collection of small boutique shops within a modern 19th-century glass structure. For an even more concentrated collection of local shops, find your way around the maze of tiny alleys in the affordable Maddalena district. When it’s time to pick up souvenirs or gifts to take home, check out the designer outlet bargains at Via Caffa .

Shore Excursions and Day Trips

When your cruise ships docks in Genoa, the concept of a “shore excursion” can easily mean heading to other nearby shores – and it’s well worth the effort. With some of Italy’s more picturesque villages and islands within a short glide down the Italian Riviera, you could find yourself in the heart of Portofino or the charming Cinque Terre . Your cruise ship can arrange excursions, or you can make your own itinerary through independent cruise-excursion companies such as Viator.

Private Day Trip to Cinque Terra

While plenty of group excursions offer affordable ways to experience the seaside villages collectively known as Cinque Terra, Viator goes an extra step by providing a private driver to take you and fellow travelers of your choosing to this charming UNESCO-listed region. You’ll get a personal pickup from your cruise ship and can focus on the things that you enjoy doing within the cobblestoned streets and beaches of Riomaggiore , Corniglia , Manarola , Vernazza and Monterosso .

Italy, from La Spezia – Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore | Photo: MSC Cruises

Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino

A full-immersion way to explore the city of Genoa as well as experience the sparkling coastal community of Portofino is to combine them with a planned Viator tour. You’ll spend the morning walking the historic center of Genoa, have some free time for lunch, and then board a small boat to the yacht-laden upscale village of Portofino . Along the way, there’s a stop at the color-clad village of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Tigullio Gulf.  

With any time to spare before re-boarding your cruise ship in Genoa, get a final glimpse of the city from the Bigo elevator. From 130 feet high, you’ll bid arrivederci to this sparkling city by the sea.

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What to Do in Portofino, Italy in Only One Cruise Day

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: April 12, 2021

What to do in Portofino when you only have one day to visit? With its usually gorgeous weather, a full day meandering ashore is perfect. Portofino is one place where you don’t need a ship’s shore excursion.

What to Do in Portofino on a Day in Port

A sky that matched a cerulean blue Crayola crayon. The breeze was just enough to keep a comfortable temperature, even in the sun. Our MSC Splendida western Mediterranean itinerary included a port call with a Portofino day trip. And here I was, on a bus from Genoa, zooming along the highway, towards Santa Margarita and nearby tiny Portofino.

From the looks of it, the highway seemed like any other highway in America. I had to keep reminding myself that I was in Italy. Italy! Only two years before, I learned that I was half-Italian so this trip had a special meaning to me. Not quite sure how I’d feel or what to expect when I set foot in the “old country,”  I kept looking out of the bus window hoping someone in my paternal family was from this part of Italy. I planned to just wander since I didn’t really know what to do in Portofino at that point.

Getting to Portofino From Your Cruise Ship

Located on the northwest coast of Italy, Portofino’s closest major city is Genoa. Most large cruise ships dock in Genoa. From there, it’s a 40-minute motor coach ride to Portofino. Luxury smaller ships simply drop anchor in Portofino Harbor and everyone comes ashore by tender. 

Another way cruise ships visit this charming town is to anchor off of nearby Santa Margherita. After a tender boat ride from your ship to the dock in Santa Margherita, guests may choose a 20 minute water taxi directly into Portofino Harbor.

There is also a scheduled bus that runs between Santa Margherita and Portofino, but since your ship will provide transport, there’s no need to get involved in public buses.

Many cruise (and non-cruise) visitors choose to walk the 3-mile scenic overlook path between the two towns. You’ll find signs pointing the way to the Pedonale per Portofino. Walk west to the shoreline and follow the path into Portofino.

But the most dramatic entrance is when your ship drops anchor just offshore from Portofino and within minutes, your ship’s tender boat is docked alongside the town’s sprawling Piazetta, filled with cafés and visitors soaking up the Mediterranean ambiance.

From Genoa to Santa Margarita by Motor Coach

Our bus drove about one hour, across highways and through the mountains until we finally reached the quaint city of Santa Margherita. We had about an hour to stroll around the downtown, visit a church, grab a late morning cappuccino or gelato before we boarded the small ferry boat for the half-hour ride to Portofino.

It’s such a small town that you can easily walk up, through and around it in one afternoon. Once you leave the port area and head over towards the shops and restaurants, there are several self-guided walks that you may choose. The streets are appropriately narrow and winding and of course quite cobbly, so be mindful of where you step.

Winding pathway in Portofino

Walk up the winding cobblestone path to a medieval castle

Be sure to walk up the path from the right side of the harbor (as you face the town) to see the 12th century Church of San Martino. Back in the Piazetta again, take the path on your left up the hill to the small, simple yet beautiful Church of St. George.

From there, continue along the walled path, past terraced gardens and beautiful overlooks to Castello Brown. This 17th century fortress has an impressive amount of historical artifacts and works of art. Y ou’ll need to pay a few Euros to see the grounds.

Walking to Castello Brown in Portofino Italy

On the way back to the ferry boat, I stopped at a small bakery to buy an assortment of sweets to bring back to the ship for the staff in the MSC Splendida Yacht Club .

A bakery in Portofino

Dining and Shopping in Portofino

Portofino and surrounding towns are known for their pasta with pesto sauce, a signature dish of the Liguria region. Being a fishing village, fresh fish is also very popular as well as their focaccia bread, served with olives, olive oil, herbs and cheeses.

Highlights to shop for in Portofino include delicate lace and lace tableware, leather accessories and jewelry. Bakeries line the pathways and you can always buy a box of Italian cookies and candies to bring back to the ship.

Keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss your ship. It’s never easy to say good-bye to Portofino.

This is the Portofino that I’ll take home with me.

genoa cruise port to portofino

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I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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genoa cruise port to portofino

September 23, 2023 at 11:13 am

Hi Lori, I don’t have an answer to that question. Either contact the cruise line and see if they offer e-bike shore excursions or Portofino Tourism. I’m guessing maybe not as you have to travel a bit just to get out of the famous port area. Good luck and have a fantastic cruise! Portofino looks just like a postcard.

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September 5, 2023 at 5:55 pm

Can we rent e-bikes in portifino? Here on cruise ship for the day.

August 28, 2022 at 3:52 pm

Hi John, Thank you for reading my Portofino article and I’m glad it was helpful. I’ve been there three times by cruise ship and it’s always exciting when your tender rounds the bend and you see what looks like a postcard.

Enjoy your cruise and be sure to find time to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers at one of the waterfront cafés. Thank you again.

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August 28, 2022 at 12:30 am

I will be in Portofino on September 24 as part of a cruise. You info has helped prepare us. Thank you.

March 4, 2013 at 9:02 am

Hi Pat, Thanks for reading the article. It is a spectacular place to visit. Sounds like your next visit to “Portofino” will be entirely more interesting. Sherry

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March 3, 2013 at 11:07 pm

What lovely images–both digital and your words. I will have a new appreciation of the Portofino restaurant near my home.

genoa cruise port to portofino

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Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer here .

If you’re staying in Genoa for a decent length of time, taking a day trip from Genoa to Portofino might be something you’re considering. It’s only a short distance down the coast and is a good opportunity to see more of those famously picturesque Ligurian coastal towns .

Some tourists might prefer to head even further down the coast and nail Cinque Terre in a day , and that’s totally cool too. But for others, Portofino is a much more manageable, stress-free day trip.  And you have the option of stopping off at one or two more coastal towns along the way.

I visited Genoa in August this year and stayed for a whole week. So, I had time for a day trip from Genoa to Portofino and another to Cinque Terre. Both day trips featured beautiful coastal towns and other positives and negatives. You really can’t go wrong with either.

Here’s all the information you’ll need to take an enjoyable day trip from Genoa to Portofino on a boat cruise.

Day Trip from Genoa to Portofino

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | Genoa Day Trip | Day trip to Portofino to Genoa | Visit Portofino | Genoa to Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino | almostginger.com

Take a boat cruise

The best way to take a day trip from Genoa to Portofino is by hopping on a day cruise .  Portofino is a bit of a pain to get to as it doesn’t exactly have a train station.  And I would imagine driving in Italy is only for tourists with a death wish. Or at least a parking/driving ticket wish. Plus, via boat, you can see all the coastal towns that you can’t see inland.

To check out the timetables and routes before you go, check out the tour company, Golfo Paradiso’s website.  Which I recommend doing if you’re travelling in the offseason as boats only depart on certain days March-September .

If you’re travelling in the peak season ( July and August ), like we did, head to the Tourist Office on Via Garibaldi the first day of your trip for a timetable. But you should be okay because  boats depart every day except Monday. 

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Where the boat departs

The boats depart from Porto Antico , the port on the far west side of the Genoa Harbour . You want to keep close to the edge and walk passed Eataly until you see a ticket booth with a flag that says , Golfo Paradiso.  The boats are docked right next to the ticket booth so that’s easy. The Tourist Office should also give you directions, but it’s not hard to find.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Tickets and prices

Boats depart at 9:00 , and try and get there as early as you can, no later than 8:30. Granted, we went in peak season so the line was super long. It might not be as busy off-peak but I still say get there as easy as possible.

Check your timetable brochure for prices, but it was  €24 return each when we visited Portofino. I know, it’s a little steep. Travelling by boat is definitely not the cheapest option.

The Tourist Office told us that we should head to the ticket office the day before as the boat may be full. But once we got to the ticket office, they told us you can only buy tickets on the day. So that’s something to know about in advance!

It makes sense to not sell tickets before the day because the cruises are weather permitting.  So, you don’t want to buy tickets ages in advance only for them to cancel the boat trip. You don’t get your money back! 

Top tip:  If you want to take photographs of the coast as you sail by, on the way from Genoa to Portofino  sit facing the back of the boat on the right-hand side (left if you have to face forwards). It’s always better to sit facing the back as you’ll see more. And if you are facing the back, the right will be closest to land. And hopefully, no people will ruin your photographs.

Of course, on the way back from Portofino to Genoa, you still want to face the back but it will be the left-hand side this time!

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Travelling by Train

If the boat prices aren’t worth the views and you’re not bothered about stopping off at other towns along the way, you can travel from Genoa to Portofino by train and then catch a bus. Take a train from Genoa Brignole train station to  S.Margherita Ligure Portofino  and then take the N. 82 bus 20 minutes to Portofino. The train timetable  will be easy to look up but it will be the bus that’s a pain.

When I tried to travel by bus around Genoa, it was only when I tried to hop on a bus I realised I needed a bus ticket before I boarded . A quick google search told me I could only buy bus tickets in newsagents and ‘other places.’ But I looked around and there were no newsagents or shops near my bus stop so… where was I supposed to buy my ticket?!

I guess you might be able to buy bus tickets at the train station , but I really wouldn’t know. It seems stupidly complicated.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

First Stop: Camogli

What the heck is a Camogli?! Is it a type of pasta? You’d be forgiven for thinking so, but no.

See, on the boat cruises from Genoa to Portofino, you have the option of stopping off in a couple of other places before you dock in Portofino for the day . This makes so much sense because, when I was researching Portofino, I was surprised by how small it is and there aren’t tonnes  of things to do. And considering Portofino is an  expensive  town, you couldn’t spend a day eating your way around the cafes and gelaterias without forking out hundreds of euros.

So, we spent an hour in Camogli before hopping back on the cruise to the next stop. Boats generally depart from each of the stops every hour, but  please listen to the announcements on the boat.  And ask a staff member if you think you missed something important. Most speak pretty good English.

It’s actually a really lovely, pretty, coastal town. If you fancied a day sunning yourself on the beach or a dip in the sea, Camogli would be the perfect place. There were lots of bars and restaurants on the seafront so you could feasibly stay the whole day.

We only walked around for an hour, but it was worth the stop-off.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Second Stop: San Fruttuoso

This tiny little place was next on the list of stops from Genoa to Portofino. I was interested in stopping off in San Fruttuoso because it was a filming location for the Colin Firth film  Genova  (2008).

In all honesty, if you don’t fancy stopping off in San Fruttuoso and want to get to Portofino earlier, then do it. It’s a tiny, tiny place with a rammed beach with a couple of restaurants/bars, an abbey and not really anywhere else to go. But I’m still glad we stopped there!

We visited San Fruttuoso’s Abbey (which was expensive to enter at €7 each) and it was okay if you’re interested in that kind of thing. You can see the church without buying a ticket so you might just want to do that. Again, the Abbey was a filming location so I was interested to see the whole thing.

Other than that, there’s not much else to visit. However, stopping off for an hour isn’t a long time anyway.

Please note:  The boat leaving San Fruttuoso to Portofino may not leave the exact port you arrived at from Camogli. It is a separate area over the steps. It’s super important you listen closely to the announcements when you arrive in San Fruttuoso. If you are unsure, it’s worth asking at the desk (literally a person sat at a table on the port) where you need to go.

Yep, only my dad heard the announcement and because me, my mum, and my sister didn’t, we missed the boat and had to wait another hour.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Final Stop: Portofino

The whole reason you’re on this day trip from Genoa: to visit Portofino!

Portofino was a holiday hotspot for the British upper class in the 1940s and 1950s , just as the French Riviera was for the Hollywood elite at that time. British Expats built expensive vacation homes in Portofino and the actor Rex Harrison (from My Fair Lady  (1965) moved to Portofino permanently. I’m sure the pretty landscape, harbour and warm climate had something to do with that decision.

Nowadays, since the celebrities scattered elsewhere, it’s overrun by tourists and it’s hella expensive. I’m talking  €8 a bottle of beer expensive.  Yeah, I know. Ex-pen-sive.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

What to Eat and Drink in Portofino (including Gelato!)

If you’ve got a few pennies tucked away for a nice meal,  Ristorante O Magazin is the one I’d pick. The restaurant is right on the seafront and they utilise seasonal ingredients.

For a budget option, Pizzeria El Portico is just off the main square and is probably the most reasonably priced restaurant in Portofino.

I sampled the gelato from Bar Gelateria San Giorgio . It was  €3.50 for a small cup and that was pretty nice. Price-wise, that’s only about €1.50 euro more than a small gelato in Genoa (though I think the ‘small’ sizes are bigger in Genoa). It’s got really bad reviews on TripAdvisor but I thought it served decent, authentic gelato and the price reflected the location. Some people got 3 scoops and had to pay €7  which is mad! But also, it’s Portofino sooo I don’t know what they expected. It’s just a really expensive place.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Things to do in Portofino

There aren’t  tonnes  to do in Portofino if you don’t have a passion for expensive boutiques . There’s Castello Brown that you can walk up to for a nice vantage over the town , though the Castle itself, I think, is only open on weekends.

You can also walk towards the church of St Martin’s which is a really nice looking church, then follow the road around to the east side of Portofino for a nice walkway . And, there are of course a lot of tourist shops near the main harbour.

Do you know what I would do? Grab a beer, coffee or gelato at a cafe/bar on the harbour and savour it for as long as possible and watch the world go by before going for a wander . Pidgins can be a problem so you don’t really want to eat food outdoors.

I’ve been quite negative on Portofino regarding the hoards of tourists and the prices. But actually, it is a really pretty place and worth visiting, along with Camogli and Sann Fruttuoso. And if you take a boat, you should have a nice, relaxing day trip from Genoa to Portofino and back again.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

Getting back to Genoa from Portofino

The last boat on our cruise departed Portofino at 16:50 , and if you didn’t get that you were screwed. The boat will then dock at some other towns along the way, but you will be dropped off in Porto Antico where you started. Check your timetable for up to date departure times, and of course, ask the boat staff once you dock in Portofino if you are unsure about pick up times.

Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip | almostginger.com

And that’s my guide to a day trip from Genoa to Portofino! If you have ANY questions at all, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you ASAP. 

Read next: 

What to do in Genoa, Italy: Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

18 thoughts on “ Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip ”

Pingback: Why You Should Visit Genova and Portofino, Italy's Best-Kept Secrets - HotDailys

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hello Rebecca, my family and I are headed over to Genova for 3 nights in June. Looking to soak up some sun on the beach and tour the area. Which beaches would you recommend?

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hi Mary! If you don’t want to go too far away then Boccadasse is the closest but Camogli is only 40 minutes by train from Genoa and I thought it was a beautiful, hidden gem of a beach town.

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hi rebecca planning this trip in February which I can see the boat companies only operate from march onwards, meaning train + bus is the only viable option?

Thanks for your comment, Evan! I’m afraid that’s probably the case unless there are any group trips via tour companies like Viator or GetYourGuide available. I hope you’re able to make it work and have a great trip! 😀

genoa cruise port to portofino

How large are the boats to Portofino? Is there plenty of seating. I get sea sick with saying. Was the ride smooth?

Errrm gosh I’m trying to think how many people the boat had on it… Maybe 70-100? Possibly more? They are a generous size and I do get sea sick on smaller boats and found this to be very smooth but obviously everyone’s different.

genoa cruise port to portofino

Rebecca thank you so so much for your response

I’m traveling to Genoa and need a place to stay for 4 of us that’s close to boat to go to portafino going to be there for 3 days then I need to know what train to take to go to Florence. My son will be studying at Florence university of the arts. I need help

Hi Denise! I really want to help you more with your query but I’m not a travel agent and I don’t know Genoa well enough. However, I can tell you that the boat leaves from Porto Antico and you can find apartments in Genoa on Airbnb, TripAdvisor or Expedia, which is where we found ours.

I also know that trains to Florence depart from Genova Piazza Principe and you can search for train timetables here: https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/italy Florence is a common destination from Genoa and you can find direct, InterCity (fast) trains.

Hope that helps and have an amazing time in Italy! 🙂

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hi Rebecca, Im headed over to Genova in September. Only staying 4 nights so was wondering have any recommendations on how to spend the time wisely. I definitely want to travel to Portofino either by boat or train not sure which yet. Side question, are there public restrooms around or do you have to purchase something before being able to use them? Thank You, First time Solo Traveler!

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you so much for your comment! 4 nights should definitely be enough time to explore the city and take a day trip somewhere else, and Portofino is a fantastic choice. So, there are definitely pros and cons to both train and boat. Train would definitely be cheaper and would allow you to have more time in Portofino if that’s what you want. Though you can’t get a train right to Portofino, you’d need to take a bus too. Boat will be more expensive but you’ll be able to see the beautiful Italian towns in the cliffs from the coastline. And actually, I’m not sure if you’d want to spend all day in Portofino. It’s *extremely* expensive (10€ for a bottle of beer, for example) and also very, very small. Taking a boat will mean you can see a couple more beautiful towns. But that’s up to you! You can also just go straight to Portofino on the same boat. Portofino does have at least two public restrooms (one right on the harbour, there’re signs) but they both charge a small fee (as most Italian restrooms do in touristy places!) so make sure you have a few 50 cent/1 euro coins just in case! Ahh good for you for solo travelling! That’s so awesome and you’re going to love Genoa and Portofino. I also have a 3-day itinerary for Genoa on my blog. It’s a bit jam-packed but you don’t have to do all the Palazzos, activities, etc. Just click on the search icon in my menu bar and search ‘what to do in Genoa’ to find it! 🙂

Thank you so much for your speedy reply! I appreciate all the advice, very helpful. I’ll be sure to have a look at that blog! Thank you immensely!

No problem whatsoever 🙂 just reach out if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help!

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hi Lovely little blog – We are going there for the weekend and I will definitely use your tips on our Portofino trip. Thank you

Aw thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you have a fantastic time and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any more questions!

genoa cruise port to portofino

Hi and thanks for the info, that was a brilliant read, just what I needed. heading there next month solo and so excited. Def boating.

Ah I’m so pleased you liked it! Let me know if you have any further questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

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How to Get to Portofino by Car, Bus, Plane or Ferry: The Ultimate Guide

Portofino is a town in Liguria , located in the province of Genoa , with about 400 inhabitants. For this reason, it is the smallest municipality in Italy .

Although it is only a fishing village, it is renowned for its picturesque landscapes consisting of pastel-coloured houses, typical restaurants and high fashion shops.

To enjoy it to the fullest I recommend that you visit it in low season periods such as May or mid-September/October , when the climate is mild and the village is not yet swarming with tourists or paparazzi hunting VIPs.

Continue reading to discover all the useful information needed to reach Portofino from Rapallo, Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa or Milan .

How to get to Portofino by car, train or ferry: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Getting to Portofino from Genoa

Porto Antico Genova

Genoa and Portofino are 33.2 km apart , and the latter can be reached in the following ways.

To get to Portofino from Genoa you have to take the A12/E80 motorway and exit in Rapallo , then follow the directions to Portofino.

If you want to reach Portofino by train , you have to take one from Genova Brignole station (Regional, Regional Veloce or Inter City) and get off at Santa Margherita Ligure.

From here you can take a taxi or bus 82 .

To reach Portofino by bus, I recommend taking the open top bus that allows you to arrive in Portofino in the morning and return in the afternoon . It is also ideal for admiring, from the bus, all the coastal resorts between Genoa and Portofino.

genoa cruise port to portofino

From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus

Ferry from Genoa to Portofino

Thanks to the plentiful boats, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery that only Liguria can offer . The service is offered by the Golfo Paradiso company , the boats are in service from March to October and the cost depends on the type of itinerary you choose. The boat is definitely a good way to plan a beautiful trip out of town in the name of relaxation and good food.

If you wish to rely on an organized tour instead, you can opt for the round-trip boat tour from Genoa . The tour lasts 4.5 hours, departing from Genoa’s Porto Antico, arriving in Portofino, and after a stop for a few hours, you will be driven back to Genoa.

genoa cruise port to portofino

From Genoa: Roundtrip Boat Tour to Portofino

From Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino

santa margherita ligure

The two cities are very close together, so much so that they can be reached on foot with a nice walk. If you want to get there faster and more comfortably, all you have to do is choose between a car, bus or ferry .

If you move by car, you’ll be in Portofino in about 13 minutes . The road to follow is the Provincial Road 227 of Portofino .

The bus that takes you to Portofino is number 82 and passes every thirty minutes ( check the Portofino 82 bus timetable ).

The duration of the ferry trip is 15 minutes , has a cost ranging from 6 to 10 euros and is managed by the shipping company Tigullio-Marine Lines .

From Rapallo to Portofino

what to see in rapallo italy

Rapallo is not far from Portofino and can be reached in multiple ways, as I will show you in the paragraphs below.

If you want to reach Portofino by car from Rapallo , I have good news for you because in just twenty minutes you will be there.

The road to follow is the Provincial Road 227 of Portofino.

Please note: the municipality of Portofino is a pedestrian zone and motor vehicle access/transit is only allowed if authorised.

You can leave your car in the covered pay car park located in Piazza Martiri della Libertà , open 24 hours a day.

There is also free parking on Santa Margherita street, just in front of the disco Covo Nord Est.

From here you can reach the center on foot or by bus, it’s up to you to choose.

Have you decided to take a nice walk and get up to Rapallo, without spending any money?

You will reach this beautiful city with postcard-perfect scenery in about an hour and a half/two.

I recommend this excursion to those who have a passion for trekking because you can truly soak up the magnificent landscapes .

The travel itinerary includes the passage to Santa Margherita , where of course you can make a stop to recover from the long trek.

As far as the level of difficulty is concerned , this is not a particularly complex route, but it requires a minimum of training to face these eight kilometres with peace of mind.

In Rapallo, there are several bus routes that will allow you to easily reach Portofino , with the most common being number 7 and 82 ( check the Portofino 82 bus timetable ).

The duration of the trip is about 35-40 minutes and is very cheap .

You also have the possibility to take only the latter if you arrive at Santa Margherita Ligure FS by train .

The trip takes only three minutes and costs a maximum of 5€ , depending on whether you are on a Regional, Regional Fast or Inter City. At this station, you can then take bus 82, which runs every thirty minutes.

You can, of course, reach Portofino by sea by taking a ferry from Tigullio-Marine Lines.

To find more information about the timetables, I recommend you consult the cruise company through their website , or call 0185-284670.

The duration of the trip is about thirty minutes , and the price of the ticket is between 7 and 10€.

Taking the ferry is an excellent solution to avoid the stress of driving and looking for parking , especially during the period of July and August when Portofino is full of visitors.

How to get to Portofino from Camogli

what to visit in camogli italy

If you are in Camogli and want to organize a small excursion to Portofino , I will show you all the best options below.

From Camogli you can take two roads : Via Romana, SS1 Via Aurelia and Provincial Road 227 of Portofino or Via Aurelia and Provincial Road 227 of Portofino. The routes differ only by a few kilometers, but I suggest you consult your satellite navigator to reach your destination in a shorter time, as it will be able to indicate the fastest route at the moment and will help you avoid any traffic jams.

To reach Portofino from Camogli , you have to go to the station of Camogli S. Fruttuoso, get off at the stop Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino, make a change to Santa Margherita Ligure FS and take the bus number 82.

From Camogli you can take the bus number 71-73 or 73C to Santa Margherita Ligure and from there take the number 82 . The journey will take about fifty minutes and costs less than five euros ( check the Portofino 82 bus timetable ).

The ferry trip between Camogli and Portofino is organized by the Golfo Paradiso shipping company at a cost of 13€ per person , one-way. Reservation is required.

From Milan to Portofino

milan

Over 150km separate Milan and this town in Liguria. For this reason, the only two ways to reach it are by car and train .

From Milan to Portofino by car

If you depart from Milan you can reach Portofino via the A7 (the shortest road), the E25 and A7 or the A26 motorway, the latter being the longest route, as it requires more than three hours of driving time .

The bad news is that there are no direct trains between Milan Centrale and Portofino – it is necessary to make at least one change in Genoa Piazza Principe and from here take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino . The duration of the trip, including the change, is about two and a half hours .

If you are looking for a memorable experience , you can opt for the organized day tour from Milan to Portofino . This is a 10-hour excursion , departing at 7 a.m. from Milan , stopping in Genoa for a guided tour, after which you depart in the direction of Portofino, where you arrive by sea from Santa Margherita . At the end of the day, you return to Milan . In short, a unique and unforgettable day, ideal if you only have one day to spare and want to visit the two beautiful coastal resorts.

portofino - nearest - airport to portofino

Tickets for Genoa & Portofino: Daytrip from Milan

Portofino 82 bus timetable

Check the Portofino 82 bus timetable .

Click on the image to download it.

Portofino 82 bus timetable

Which airport is closest to Portofino?

The nearest airport to Portofino is Genoa , which is 45 km from the town .

The route to take by car is the A12 motorway , exit at Rapallo. From here, follow the signs for Santa Margherita .

In order to meet the needs of our guests, many hotels offer a transfer service to/from the airport .

If the hotel where you have decided to stay does not provide such a facility, don’t worry, because a new shuttle has just been inaugurated that leaves from the Genoese airport .

Where to eat in Portofino: the best restaurants

If you happen to be in Liguria, you can’t miss out on focaccia , because it’s a real delicacy here. You will find focaccerie almost everywhere and before leaving I suggest you stock up so that this treat can be tasted by your loved ones back home because it will certainly be a very welcome gift. As for the best restaurants in Portofino , I recommend the following:

Puny Restaurant: located in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta 4-5, its cuisine is renowned throughout the world. Its courses are simple but definitely rich in taste, for example, spaghetti with whitebait, pappardelle with tomato and pesto or octopus with artichokes.

Taverna del Marinaio: also located in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta (but at number 36), this restaurant offers the opportunity to taste both seafood specialties and delicious meats – just think of a mixed appetizer platter and much more.

Ö Magazín: This restaurant, housed in an old fishing equipment warehouse, offers an impressive view of the port, located in Calata Marconi. Thanks to its location, you can enjoy your meal in absolute peace and privacy. Try the house starter, fish skewer or spaghetti with squid.

Where to sleep in Portofino: the best hotels

There are not many hotels in Portofino , but here are a few examples.

Belmond Splendido Mare: 4 star hotel located in Via Roma 2, offers visitors finely furnished rooms or suites. If you’re travelling with children, you can entrust them to the Smile Club, where they’ll have the chance to do a number of fun activities such as creating mosaics, cooking or taking part in exciting treasure hunts.

Hotel Nazionale: three star hotel located right in the square of Portofino, from which you can admire the port and all the characteristic corners of the city. Being family-run, it offers a very simple and friendly welcome. It is also connected with the restaurant da Nicola, where you can enjoy excellent fish dishes.

Hotel Piccolo Portofino: this hotel has been created from a period villa and its interiors have a modern design. Rooms are divided into three categories: classic, superior or deluxe. Pets are allowed, as long as they are small. The price includes: breakfast, WiFi connection, access to the private beach and a courtesy set of cosmetics.

Well, we’ve come to the end of this long article on how to get to Portofino .

Whether you have chosen to travel by car, train or boat , know that the view that awaits you at your arrival will be breathtaking , and will leave you truly speechless.

If you need more information, read the guide on what to do in Portofino , or leave a comment below.

Happy holidays, Andrea

Andrea Semonella

Andrea Semonella

Hey! I'm Andrea and I am a little bit obsessed with exploring the world and meeting people on the road. I'm in love with my city, and I'm happy to share with you all the best place and most incredible secrets of Genoa, Italy.

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Hello Andrea, Thank you for an interesting article. You mention a newly inaugurated transfer service from Genoa airport to Portofino, but I can’t find any details for it. Can you please advise if it is still operational, and if so, where I might be able to get more information.

Many thanks.

Neil Mortimer

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Unfortunately the transfer service from Genoa airport to Portofino isn’t available anymore.

Here you can find some options to get to Portofino from Genova airport: A) Taxi : 70-100€ B) Open top bus : from 40€ per person ( more info here ). The meeting point is in via Fanti d’Italia, so you need to take the Volabus to get there. C) Boat : from 18€ per person ( more info here ). The meeting point is in Via alla Calata Marinetta 2, so you need to take the Volabus to get there.

Wish you a lovely holiday in Genoa and Portofino, Andrea

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Hello Andrea… what is the best way to see Portofino from Arenzano?

Hi Guillermo,

To get from Arenzano to Portofino you have two options:

1) By car : you have to take the highway in Arenzano and exit at Rapallo, after which you continue to Portofino. The duration is about 1 hour

2) By train : you have to take the train from Arenzano station and get off at Santa Margherita Ligure, after which you continue on foot (if you like walking, you will have a lot of fun, as the walk is very picturesque) or by bus. The duration is about 1.45

Best Regards, Andrea

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Cruises to and from Genoa (Portofino), Italy

Genoa cruises: portofino, history and local cuisine.

Gateway to the Italian Riviera, the Port of Genoa is one of the most important (and one of the largest) in Italy, a strategic harbour since ancient times.

Cruises to Genoa offer the chance to explore its many sights, including Genoa Aquarium , designed by architect Renzo Piano, and the city’s picturesque Boccadasse district , a lakeside fishing village. Genoa excursions also offer the opportunity to taste signature dishes made from fresh ingredients, such as pesto Genovese and focaccia.

On a Genoa cruise, guests can also admire one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline or an excursion to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre . Its five fishing villages, perched on steep cliffs, offer superb sea views, small seafood restaurants, and a tableau of townhouses.

A short trip away from Genoa, Portofino beckons with colourful facades, boutiques and surrounding lush hills. Explore the Cinque Terre, Portofino and much more on a Genoa cruise with MSC Cruises.

Best Genoa (Portofino) cruises

Cruises from genoa (portofino) in 2024.

Dive into the Italian Riviera from Genoa , as well as countries across the Mediterranean and the Americas. Our cruises from Genoa in 2024 unlock the best of Italy : coastal towns like Sicily’s Taormina , Olbia  and the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Civitavecchia  for those seeking out Rome , Livorno for jaunts to Florence, or sail south to Naples . Some cruises from Genoa also stop at choice French coastal spots, including Marseilles (a perfect base for Provence) and Cannes for the Côtes d’Azur. For a change of scene, choose a route that stops at ancient Turkish ports like Kusadasi and Istanbul , or go further with MSC Grand Voyages  and sample North Africa by heading to Morocco, or East Africa by sailing to Kenya and Tanzania. If that puts you in the mood for exploration, other MSC Grand Voyages from Genoa can whisk you to Brazil’s enthralling Rio de Janeiro , sun-soaked Barbados , the Canadian wilderness and enough far-flung spots to last a lifetime. It’s all available from Genoa cruise port .

Cruises to Genoa (Portofino) in 2024

Take a cruise to Genoa to explore this centre of power and commerce in the Mediterranean , with its imposing churches and palaces, and brilliantly futuristic aquarium designed by Renzo Piano . Around the historic centre is a tangle of medieval streets known as caruggi, unique to the city.

Watch the skies light up around Lanterna di Genova , the city’s 12th-century lighthouse, or admire the pale-stone Gothic wonder of Genoa Cathedral . Guests on a Genoa cruise can see the wooded hills and pastel-painted villas on the Ligurian Coast , with excursions to coastal hideaways like Portofino , full of brightly painted medieval houses, and the seafront villages of the Cinque Terre .

Though you’ll never tire of Italy’s rustic villages and refined lifestyle, a cruise to Genoa can also cover some other, similarly inviting destinations. These include bustling, history-crammed Athens , the blissful beaches of Turkey’s Kuşadası  and the Balearic buzz of Spanish islands like Palma de Mallorca .

Find inspiration on a huge range of Genoa excursions

Genoa excursions further open up this enchanting city and its surroundings, offering the chance to see the Ligurian Coast and its fragrant citrus groves, or simply to delve deeper into Genoa’s maritime history.

Nearby towns like Portofino and its scattering of sea-facing restaurants are within easy reach, or a little further afield lie grander spots like the high-style capital of Milan.

Put simply, guests on Genoa tours  have a world of Italian culture to look forward to, from boat trips to archaeological adventures led by knowledgeable guides.

Book now and save up to 20% on Genoa shore excursions.

How to reach Genoa cruise port

Where do msc cruises’ ships dock in genoa.

MSC Cruises’ ships dock at Genova Cruise Terminal , located at Genova Ponte dei Mille/Ponte Andrea Doria .

These piers are located less than two kilometres west from the Genoa city centre and are conveniently close to the city’s main railway station, bus stops, Principe metro station and the SS1 freeway, meaning that it’s easy to reach whether you’re arriving by road or rail.

How do I reach the car park at Genoa cruise port?

There is a valet car parking service available to MSC Cruises passengers.

Whether you’re driving from Genoa’s city centre or from the airport, you’ll need to follow signs to ‘terminal crociere’, which is signposted from both directions. Approaching the terminal, there are MSC ship’s signs leading them to the luggage drop off, where the parking, by the car valet service mentioned above will withdraw guest’s cars as well.

Garage Ponte dei Mille

Tel. +39 010 24 62 613

E-mail: [email protected]

MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents

How to get to the Genoa cruise port from the train station?

If arriving in Genoa by train , you’ll likely find yourself at the city’s main rail station, Genova Piazza Principe , which is located around 500 metres from the cruise port, making it an easy walk to the cruise terminal.

To get to the cruise port, hold right hand as you get away from the station on to Via Andrea Doria. You will see some stairs leading down on your left hand, in front of Principe metro station. Go down the steps and across the square to the main road, turn right and then take the immediate left, where you will see the cruise terminal ahead of you.

How do I get from Genoa Airport to the cruise port?

Genova City Airport, also known as Christopher Columbus Airport , is located around 6 kilometres to the west from the cruise port. The easiest way to get to the cruise terminal from the airport is to request an MSC Transfer service, which you can do easily by contacting the MSC call centre or your travel agent. 

If using public transport, either take the Volabus airport shuttle that takes you directly to Genova Piazza Principe rail station in around 30 minutes, or take the train, which arrives at the same station in about 10 minutes. Note that the train station Genova Cornigliano, is around a 10-minute walk from the airport. Genova Piazza Principe is around 500 metres from the cruise terminal. 

If driving, leave the airport and follow signs to ‘centro’ to the SS1 freeway. Stay on the SS1 until you reach a fork in the road. Keep left, following the sign to ‘passenger terminals,’ then keep right until you reach the cruise terminal, following the MSC Ship’s signs you will find Ponte dei Mille and the luggage drop off point after around one kilometre. The entire journey should take around 15 minutes in good traffic conditions.

Does Genoa have a beach?

There are a number of great beaches nearby Genoa . In fact, the coastal area surrounding Genoa, known as the Ligurian Riviera , has some of Italy’s finest beaches.

One of the best beaches within the city limits is Spiaggia di Boccadasse , which is located in the former fishing village of Boccadasse, around six kilometres to the east of the cruise port. This beach here is small and surrounded by colourful Ligurian architecture.

Other beaches nearby worth visiting include Spiaggia di Vernazzola and Spiaggia di Sturla . Other great beaches in the region are located near Camogli, a town around 20 kilometres to the east of Genoa that can be reached in under an hour by train. A little bit further on is Portofino , one of the most stunning coastal towns in the country, surrounded by beautiful coves.

What should I do in Genoa in one day?

If you only have one day in Genoa, take time to explore the myriad narrow streets and alleyways of the Old Town . Here, you’ll find museums, ancient architecture and sprawling palaces. And don’t forget that the city is full of excellent restaurants, serving up plenty of local pesto Genovese on all kinds of pasta dishes.

Some of the most popular sights include the Christopher Columbus House , Palazzo San Giorgio , Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Piazza de Ferrari , Genoa’s main square. There are also hours to be spent visiting Genoa Aquarium (Italy’s largest aquarium), conveniently located close to the cruise port. Alternatively, explore Boccadasse , a beautiful coastal village. Wherever you choose to ear, make sure to try traditional pesto Genovese , as you’re in the birthplace of this famous sauce.

What is the weather like in Genoa?

Genoa has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The warmest months are typically July and August, with daily high temperatures usually averaging 28°C, while daily highs average above 20°C from May until October. The coolest months are usually January and February, with daily high temperatures averaging around 12°C. July is often the driest month in Genoa, with just two days of rain on average.

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Portofino (Italy Riviera)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Portofino cruise port

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-03-08 03:16

Port Portofino cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Portofino, Italy Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Portofino is port town and popular resort vacation destination popular for its scenic harbour and historical association with famous artists and celebrities. The town is part of the metro city Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town has population under 500.

Portofino is clustered around its small harbour, and is famous for the colourful buildings along its coastline. According to Pliny the Elder (AD 23-AD 79), the settlement was established by the Romans and named Port of the Dolphin (Portus Delphini), because of the many dolphins that inhabited Tigullian Gulf.

The city is picturesquely situated in a cove at the southeastern tip of a promontory of the same name. The port of Portofino owes its popularity to its splendid setting, agreeable climate and luxuriant vegetation. The "Pearl of the Mediterranean" has been known as an exclusive gathering spot for the wealthy, actors and artists. In 1935 the government of nearby Genoa declared it a national monument. Portofino's architecture has changed very little during the past 60 years as alterations have to receive approval.

Tourists are able to enjoy the unique ambiance, quaint cafes and chic boutiques that overlook the yacht harbor. Explore the surrounding coastline with its tiny villages tucked away in hidden coves. However, if your taste runs toward the clamour of big city life, Genoa is just a short drive away as is Santa Margherita and Rapallo.

One of the main sights in Portofino is the Statue of Christ of the Abyss, which on August 29, 1954 was placed underwater in the inlet at a depth of 17 m (56 ft). The statue, sculpted by Guido Galletti, was placed in memory of Dario Gonzatti, to protect scuba divers and fishermen. It represents Christ in the act of blessing, looking up to the sky with open arms.

Other notable sights include Castello Brown (16th century), the Church of St. Martin (12th century), the Church of St. George (which houses some saints' relics) and the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta (Gothic style).

Portofino cruise terminal

Portofino is a tender port, which means cruise ships anchor near the coast and their passengers are transported to the pier via the ship's tender boats.

Since 2016, Genoa Maritime Authority (the managing company of Marina di Portofino) officially allows cruise liners to anchor at a closer distance from the coast, effective from the beginning of next year's cruise season. The new port regulation (issued in October 2015) provided the installation of 2 buoys marking the limits of the new anchorage area. The new area is approx 560 m (1800 ft) from the coast, as opposed to the previous 1300 m (4300 ft). The new anchorage position reduced passenger tendering transit time from avrg 12 min to 5 min. This also resulted in improved logistics and safety, fuel cost reduction and better wind protection for the vessels.

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Portofino - user reviews and comments

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The cruise ships are not able to dock in this port , you will be tendered ashore to the center of town. Some larger ships visiting the area are required to tender off the coast of Santa Margherita, a little over two miles south, and are bussed into Portofino.

Be aware that in slightly rough conditions the tender operation will not take place. For this reason, ships scheduled to anchor at Portofino are often diverted to Genoa.

There is a shuttle bus to Santa Margherita Ligure (arriving every 20 minutes),

Portofino is a fairy-tale hamlet on Italy's Ligurian coast.

Map of Portofino.

Cruise calendar for Portofino.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Portofino Italy

Sightseeing:

Portofino is a very rich and well to do town, The yacht harbor, its beautiful homes, its magnificent backdrop makes it one of finest towns on the Riviera.

A nice stroll to Santa Margherita Ligure , along the boardwalk is a pleasant way to start your visit. About 2-3 km.

Santurario di San Giorgio: At the western end of the yacht harbor is a trail that takes you walking up the hill. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and the trail is easy. During the Roman period, the sanctuary had a dual role: church and observation fortress. Indeed, the views from here are spectacular, down to the town and to the sea, with the boats and yachts in the harbor and the hills covered in flowers, vines and trees. The church and its fortress are open daily until 7 p.m.

Castello Brown is a 16th century castle/fort, once used for the area's defense, but now primarily a museum with a fantastic view of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Take the bus to Santa Margherita, where the train station is. Trains go on a regular basis to Genua and La Spezia, stopping a most towns on the Riviera.

Camogli and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso: This is a boat tour from the pier in Portofino sailing around the promontory to the town of Camogli with its colorful houses, busy little harbor and the region's aquarium, and visit the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Fancy villas visible only from the sea will be identified by the guide as you sail along.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Portofino is well-known for its "macrame lace," which is created by women in the village and surrounding towns as taught by their mothers and grandmothers before them.

As is true in many italian resorts, you pay for the privilege: A drink on a terrace with a stunning view might be 5 times as expensive a the same drink on the market square. Pane e coperto (bread and utensils) is an extra charge always added to lunch or dinner receipt.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Language: Italian

For Internet service in Portofino, you can check out one of the hotels to see if you can buy time on theirs; otherwise, you have to go to Santa Margherita Ligure to find an Internet cafe or public library. Make sure you bring your passport for identification.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Opening Hours and Holidays: Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common.

Holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day) January 6 (Epiphany) Pasquetta (Easter Monday) April 25 (Liberation Day) May 1 (Labour Day) August 15 ( Ferragosto ; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) November 1 ( Ognissanti ; All Souls Day) December 8 ( Immaccolata ; Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) December 25 ( Natale ; Christmas)

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Set in the heart of the spectacular Italian Riviera and close to highly evocative destinations such as Portofino, Montecarlo and Milan, the fascinating, historic cities of Genoa and Savona have emerged forcefully as a market leader in the cruise port industry. Passenger throughput exceeds the 2-million threshold annually (second-ranking in Italy and fourth in the Med) and accounts for approximately 7% of total cruise traffic in the Mediterranean. In addition, the Ligurian ports continue to thrive as a holiday destination for passengers; in fact, today on average 36% of total cruise passenger throughput chooses Genoa and Savona as a cruise vacation destination. Within this framework, the  cruise market has developed into a major force in the local community, in terms of its significant economic contribution both to the port industry and to the tourism sector. Located close to Genoa’s International Airport and easily accessible from Nice and Milan both by road and by  rail, the world’s leading cruise lines have chosen to homeport, for itineraries in the West Med , at the state-of-the-art Genoa and Savona terminals which can cater for the operational and logistic requirements of the mega-cruise ships.

The ports offer four purpose-built cruise terminals :

  • Ponte dei Mille and Ponte Andrea Doria in Genoa, operated by Stazioni Marittime Genova SpA (4 dedicated docks, 340m, 290m and 2 x 300m in length)
  • Palacrociere Ovest and Palacrociere Est in Savona, managed by Costa Crociere (2 dedicated docks, 450m and 325m in length, plus a common user dock 235m in length

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Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up

genoa cruise port to portofino

  • Private luxury vehicle with driver for one-way transfer from Genoa to Portofino
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  • Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale, Via della Mercanzia, 2, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
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Cruises to Portofino, Italy

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Portofino Cruise Port Guide

There are few towns more picturesque than Portofino, an Italy cruise destination that rivals Cinque Terre, Florence, and Rome. This small and intimate vacationer’s haven offers Portofino cruise passengers the quintessential Italian experience. You’ll be tendered via boat to a land of sunshine, beach umbrellas, and fresh seafood, where you can scuba dive to see a statue of Christ underwater, or enjoy a challenging hike up Monte de Portofino for the afternoon.

Portofino begs you to turn off the notifications on your phone, order a cold drink or sip a cappuccino, and enjoy the finer things in life. The pastel homes and buildings against the glittering lure of the Ligurian Sea is a feast for the eyes. Sure, you could venture on to Genoa or spend a day in San Rocco, but Portofino has all the simple pleasures you could ask for. Portofino, oozing Italian charm and brimming with art and history, is proof that you don’t have to compete with Italy’s big cities for a great time.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to portofino, christ of the abyss.

Head to nearby San Fruttuoso via taxi or car to go diving to see Christ of the Abyss, a submerged statue of Jesus Christ at 55 feet below sea level. It’s a must-do experience for divers and adventurers on a Portofino cruise. 

Castello Brown

The Castello Brown, which dates back to the 16th century, is a great historical excursion for groups of all ages and interests. You’ll learn about the castle’s critical role in defense of the area throughout the centuries. From the top, there’s a breathtaking view of all of Portofino below. 

Portofino Lighthouse

Ever wanted to enjoy a cocktail at a lighthouse? Well, the Portofino Lighthouse is just the place. It offers yet another incredible view of the Ligurian Sea to one side and Portofino to the other. It’s a short hike to get to the lighthouse, so wear comfortable shoes.

Learn More About Portofino Shore Excursions

Top things to do in portofino, swim in the ligurian sea.

There’s nothing like a swim on a hot day, and Portofino has no shortage of beautiful waters to take a dip in. Dive into the Ligurian Sea off the coast of Portofino or head to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which is a popular spot for locals to swim in the impossibly blue waters.

Hike the Monte de Portofino

Hike up to an elevation of 2,000 feet for an incredible view of the Italian coast and countryside, where olive trees stretch out before you in an endlessly photogenic Italian vista. To make the most of your time here, bring a camera and pack a picnic. 

Take a Downtown Stroll

A Portofino cruise isn’t complete without a long, leisurely stroll through the piazzetta, where restaurants, cafes, bars, and vacationers flock together. There’s harborside views, plenty of window shopping, and bellinis waiting to be sipped solo or with good company.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Portofino Cruise Port

Address: Ristorante Puny, Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, 5, Portofino GE, Italy

Handmade pesto and pappardelle are par for the course at ‘Da Puny. Enjoy a homemade, authentic pasta dish at this upscale and intimate spot frequented by the rich and famous. Fresh fish from the harbor is a must-have.

Caffè Excelsior

Address: Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, 54, Portofino GE, Italy

Located on a quaint piazza in Portofino, Caffe Excelsior promises and delivers greatness. Sip on a bellini while taking in views of the water. Pasta, pizza, and light appetizers are standard fare.

Taverna del Marinaio

Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta 36, Portofino, GE, Italy

This is the spot for fresh seafood in Portofino, where you can sit outside with an aperitivo and enjoy pasta with scallops or mussels. It’s scenic and lively without getting too loud, making it an ideal lunch spot to visit during your cruise to Portofino, Italy.

Culture & History of the Portofino Cruise Port

The main reason people came and settled in Portofino as early as the 14th century was because of the town’s strategic marine position, making it an easy fishing harbor where the locals could both eat off their livelihood and make a living in town. Portofino existed in relative unknown to the outside world until the 1920s, when the Germans and the British began taking vacations here. Tourism is a staple of life in Portofino, which continues to attract visitors to this day. The locals remain friendly as ever, happy to share their slice of paradise with the world.

Portofino Port Facilities & Location

You’ll be tendered ashore when you arrive on a Portofino cruise. There’s a pier and a stretch of shops, restaurants, and cafes not far from the port, so you won’t have to venture far if you prefer to hang close to the ship.

Transportation in Portofino

Your best bet for getting around Portofino is on two feet or taking a taxi to sites that are farther away. Part of the fun of a cruise to Portofino, Italy is ambling through town and along the riviera that promises views of boats in the harbor and tiny cafes along the waterfront. Hopping on a water taxi is also a great way to see the beauty of the town.

Shopping Near the Portofino Cruise Port

From Luxury designer boutiques lining up neatly Portofino's cobbled alleys to the small shops of local artisans, passing through the iconic souvenir shops. Portofino is the ideal place for an unforgettable shopping experience in full Italian style.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Use the Euro when traveling in Italy. You’ll find ATMs readily available throughout Portofino, and many establishments will take credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. It’s always helpful to carry some cash, however, in the event you want to buy a coffee or a slice of pizza from a small neighborhood joint. Tipping tends to be included in most restaurant bills, so be sure to look and see if a servicio is already on your bill for dinner. When taking a taxi, leave behind a euro or round up.

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Beautiful sea coast with colorful houses in Portofino, Italy

Cruise to Portofino, Italy

Portofino shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in portofino.

Promontory in Portofino regional park overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in Portofino, Italy

Take a Hike

Promontory in Portofino regional park overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in Portofino, Italy

Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure through Portofino Regional Park. The park is home to an extensive network of lush trails and coastal paths that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. You can hike through this unique environment during both the winter and summer, making it the perfect year-round activity for outdoor enthusiasts.

iew of Church of St. George (1154), Portofino, Italy

Village Views

iew of Church of St. George (1154), Portofino, Italy

Stretch your legs and climb to the top of the hill above Portofino. Here, you'll come to the Church of St. George, where you can take in sweeping views of the vibrant village below. Continue walking an additional 10 minutes, and you'll find yourself at Castello Brown, which overlooks the stunning bay, making it the premier spot to watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.

Small bay in the natural marine reserve, cala dell'oro, in Portofino, Italy

Dive Right In

The Portofino Marine Reserve stretches across the city and is home to a variety of marine life and is a must-see for divers. Cruise to Portofino and explore shipwrecks, natural walls and drop-offs, and come face to face with the flounder and octopus that call this part of the Mediterranean home.

Pesto alla genovese, Ligurian style pesto spaghetti with basil, in an eatery in Portofino, Italy

Local Cuisine

Come hungry to Portofino — home to Ligurian cuisine, the originator of some of Italy's most popular culinary exports. Sample pasta dressed in pesto alla genovese, with basil, pine nuts, cheese and garlic. Try fresh focaccia, eaten here like a pizza straight out of the oven. During your Portofino cruise, sink your teeth into a piece of branzino (European sea bass) baked under a mound of sea salt.

Scarves and fabrics for sale in a shop in Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a dream destination for shopaholics. Luxury boutiques and upscale shops line the streets and piazzas. If buying Gucci or Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy isn't your thing, there are several lesser-known and less expensive shops in Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta selling beautiful cashmere, which is commonly found in Portofino.

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IMAGES

  1. From Genoa: Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino

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  2. Genoa (Milan, Italy Riviera) cruise port schedule

    genoa cruise port to portofino

  3. From Genoa: Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino

    genoa cruise port to portofino

  4. Portofino (Italy Riviera) cruise port schedule

    genoa cruise port to portofino

  5. Genoa, Italy Cruise Port

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  6. Boats Ships Docking, Departure Portofino Port, Genoa Province, I

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VIDEO

  1. Portofino Bay #universalorlando

  2. Port Of Genoa Transfers

  3. Portofino Bay, Italy

  4. postcards from Italy : Genoa and Portofino (italy vlog part 2!!)

  5. Genoa,Portofino,Santa-Margareta,Levante,Italy 2023,Khvicha Maghlakelidze&family

COMMENTS

  1. Genoa Port to Portofino

    Rome2Rio makes travelling from Genoa Port to Portofino easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Genoa Port to Portofino right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and ...

  2. Port of Genoa to Portofino

    Tickets cost €2 - €6 and the journey takes 1h 2m. Two other operators also service this route. Train operators. Trenitalia. Trenitalia Intercity. Nightjet. Other operators. Taxi from Port of Genoa to Portofino. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller.

  3. Cruising to Genoa: Your Guide to a Day in Port

    Genoa Port is the second-largest seaport in the Mediterranean and forms a semicircular enclave of water dotted day and night with massive cruise vessels and ferry boats. It also harbors the historical Porto Antico, from which sailors-of-old launched brave new journeys to undiscovered lands. The once-tattered waterfront near the original port ...

  4. Genoa cruise port to Portofino for the day?

    There are many hiking possibilities which make the area far more interesting. I would probably do a day cruise to portofino from Genoa. Or even better, simply stay in genoa instead of running away from one of the most beautiful city of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a bus to Boccadasse for a fisherman village taste inside the city.

  5. What to Do in Portofino Italy on a Cruise Day

    Getting to Portofino From Your Cruise Ship. Located on the northwest coast of Italy, Portofino's closest major city is Genoa. Most large cruise ships dock in Genoa. From there, it's a 40-minute motor coach ride to Portofino. Luxury smaller ships simply drop anchor in Portofino Harbor and everyone comes ashore by tender.

  6. Genoa to Portofino

    The cheapest way to get from Genoa to Portofino costs only €7, and the quickest way takes just 32 mins. Find the travel option that best suits you. ... Trenitalia operates a train from Genova Brignole to S.Margherita L.-Port every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €2 - €5 and the journey takes 51 min. Trenitalia Intercity also services this route ...

  7. Genoa to Portofino: Guide to the Perfect 3 Village Day Trip

    Here's all the information you'll need to take an enjoyable day trip from Genoa to Portofino on a boat cruise. Contents. Day Trip from Genoa to Portofino; Take a boat cruise. Where the boat departs; Tickets and prices; ... Please note: The boat leaving San Fruttuoso to Portofino may not leave the exact port you arrived at from Camogli. It ...

  8. How to Get to Portofino by Car, Bus, Plane or Ferry ...

    You can, of course, reach Portofino by sea by taking a ferry from Tigullio-Marine Lines. To find more information about the timetables, I recommend you consult the cruise company through their website, or call 0185-284670. The duration of the trip is about thirty minutes, and the price of the ticket is between 7 and 10€.

  9. Genoa port to Portofino is easy

    Level 3 Contributor. 13 reviews. 137 helpful votes. "Genoa port to Portofino is easy". Reviewed September 7, 2010. Portofino is an extraordinary place. It's what St Tropez should be but in a smaller more unspoilt way. We were a couple on a cruise which landed at Genoa port. We had a taxi to PF at €80 (although the driver chose to drop us ...

  10. From Genoa: Roundtrip Boat Tour to Portofino

    It's simply a return trip to Portofino from Genoa, stopping in Portofino for an hour and a half. Departed from Genoa at 11am, arrived in Portofino at 1240, departed Portofino at 1410. ... 10 Port of Genoa. 11 Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, Genoa. 12 Palazzi dei Rolli. 13 Lighthouse of Genoa. ... 18 Genoa Cruises & boat tours. 19 Genoa Good for groups ...

  11. Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Rapallo Excursion from Genoa 2024

    Private official tour guide for 8 hours in Portofino and Santa Margherita. Private pick up and drop off from Genoa Cruise Port, hotel or place of choice. Local Taxes. Private Tour. Ferry roundtrip tickets Santa Margherita - Portofino - Santa Margherita for groups of 12-15 pax. Entrance fees.

  12. Cruises from / to Genoa (Portofino), Italy

    Cruises from Genoa (Portofino) in 2024. Dive into the Italian Riviera from Genoa, as well as countries across the Mediterranean and the Americas. Our cruises from Genoa in 2024 unlock the best of Italy: coastal towns like Sicily's Taormina, Olbia and the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Civitavecchia for those seeking out Rome, Livorno for jaunts ...

  13. The Best Way To Experience Portofino And Its Cruise Port

    Portofino is found on the west coast of Italy, in the northern part of the country and just 40km from Genoa. It is a tender port, meaning that cruise ships cannot dock here due to its shallow waters. Instead, they anchor in the bay and passengers are ferried to the pier using the ship's tender boats. In 2016, the Genoa Maritime Authority ...

  14. Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino from Genoa

    3 hours 30 minutes. Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer. 40 minutes. Private full day walking tour through the Alleys and "Creuze" of Genoa. 0. 7 hours. Likely to Sell Out. Genoa and Portofino Private Full Day Tour from Genoa.

  15. Genoa Portofino Tour

    Starting from. $59.00. For those seeking an exciting getaway while traveling, our Genoa and Portofino tour is an excellent option. At 8.3 hours, it offers an all-day excursion with plenty to see and do. "Hi Tommaso + all, Italy is more beautiful than i remeber. we are having a wonderful time eating and drinking at every opportunity.

  16. Portofino (Italy Riviera) cruise port schedule

    Portofino cruise port schedule 2024-2025-2026, map, address, ship terminals, hotels, tours, shore excursions. ... In 1935 the government of nearby Genoa declared it a national monument. Portofino's architecture has changed very little during the past 60 years as alterations have to receive approval.

  17. Portofino Italy Cruise Port

    For this reason, ships scheduled to anchor at Portofino are often diverted to Genoa. There is a shuttle bus to Santa Margherita Ligure (arriving every 20 minutes), Portofino is a fairy-tale hamlet on Italy's Ligurian coast. Map of Portofino. Cruise calendar for Portofino. Watch a destination video. Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers ...

  18. Cruise terminals

    Set in the heart of the spectacular Italian Riviera and close to highly evocative destinations such as Portofino, Montecarlo and Milan, the fascinating, historic cities of Genoa and Savona have emerged forcefully as a market leader in the cruise port industry. Passenger throughput exceeds the 2-million threshold annually (second-ranking in Italy and fourth in the Med) and accounts for ...

  19. 2024 Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port

    Private Tour to Portofino and Santa Margherita from Genoa. 3. Historical Tours. from. $789.12. per adult (price varies by group size) 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal. 5. Historical Tours.

  20. Genoa Cruise Port

    The Genoa Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, is a popular family-friendly stop too, although shore excursions also leave Genoa Cruise Port bound for Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, the Cinque Terre, and Florence.

  21. Portofino Cruise: Best Cruises to Portofino, Italy

    Book your award-winning cruise to Portofino, Italy today! Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site. Favorites. 1-888-751-7804 CONTACT 1-888-751-7804. Need help ... you could venture on to Genoa or spend a day in San Rocco, but Portofino has all the simple pleasures you could ask for. ... Culture & History of the Portofino Cruise ...

  22. How to get from Portofino to Genoa by taxi, bus, train or car

    What companies run services between Portofino, Italy and Genoa, Italy? Trenitalia operates a train from S.Margherita L.-Port to Genova Brignole hourly. Tickets cost €2 - €5 and the journey takes 45 min. Trenitalia Intercity also services this route every 4 hours. Train operators.

  23. Cruises to Portofino, Italy

    The Portofino Marine Reserve stretches across the city and is home to a variety of marine life and is a must-see for divers. Cruise to Portofino and explore shipwrecks, natural walls and drop-offs, and come face to face with the flounder and octopus that call this part of the Mediterranean home. Pesto alla genovese, Ligurian style pesto ...