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Square · Portofino, Liguria
Piazzetta di Portofino
The small square facing Portofino's port, surrounded by colorful houses, cafés and moored boats.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Piazzetta di Portofino
The Piazzetta is the centre of Portofino: a small, stone‑paved square open to the port. Around it, the narrow tall houses are painted yellow, pink and red, many with decorative window details and painted frames on the façades.
The village appears in ancient texts under the name Portus Delphini, the harbour of the dolphin, mentioned by Plínio, o Velho. For centuries it lived by fishing and, from 1229, became part of the Republic of Gênova. In the 20th century tourism replaced fishing as the main activity.
Boats leave the port for Santa Margherita, Rapallo and San Fruttuoso. Behind the square, lanes and steps climb between the houses, passing small churches such as San Martino and the oratory of Nossa Senhora Assunta.
The village is part of the Parque Natural Regional de Portofino, and the surrounding sea is a protected marine area.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the square, the port and the nearby lanes.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer visitors. From late morning to mid‑afternoon in summer, the square tends to get crowded.
How to get there
The bus from Santa Margherita stops in the upper part of the village, a few minutes' walk from the square. Boats stop at the port itself.
Tip
Cafés on the Piazzetta usually charge more for table service. For a simple break, look for the alleys behind the square.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piazzetta di Portofino
Where does the bus drop off in Portofino?
In the upper part of the village, a few minutes' walk from the Piazzetta.
How much time should I allow for the Piazzetta?
About 1 hour for the square, the harbor and the nearby lanes. Add time for the church, the castle and the lighthouse.
Where do the boats depart from?
From the port, next to the Piazzetta. There are connections to Santa Margherita, Rapallo and San Fruttuoso, with more departures in season.