This small cove is a place of sheer Italian indulgence. Located on a peninsular of Italian Riviera on the northwest coast of Italy’s Liguria, Portofino is about an hours drive southeast of the city of Genoa. Home to a mere 250 locals, the former fishing village is now a hotspot for tourists, artists, intellectuals, models and moguls. While there is no beach at Portofino itself, the inlet is enveloped by a dazzling harbour. There are a number of coves that surround the village where locals and tourists laze on the rocks and paddle in the glistening ocean. Paraggi, which is a five-minute drive from Portofino, is home to a beautiful beach, laden with colourful sun beds perfect for baking and bathing. For the devoted shopper looking for luxury, this place shamelessly caters to you. The central lane, Via Roma, is lined with lavish designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci and Hermes.
The jewel in the crown of Portofino is unquestionably the Hotel Splendido.
The jewel in the crown of Portofino is unquestionably the Hotel Splendido. A celebration of 16th Century elegance, it eclectically mixes Italian provincial and contemporary design. All rooms are decorated with plush Edwardian interiors and offer a garden or ocean view. A visit to Hotel Splendido is not complete without an evening at the hotel’s restaurant, La Terrazza. Here, looking out at the Mediterranean Sea, you will dine at the open terrace and taste some of the region’s most authentic cuisine.
Puny’s is not famous for being a formal restaurant, but rather for its delicious cuisine of local seafood and its remarkably friendly service. Located in the centre of the port, Puny’s is one of the oldest family businesses in Portofino, dating back to the 1940s. If you have a soft spot for fish you must try the Ligurian style ‘Pesce al sale’, a recipe of grilled fish baked with potatoes, olives and pine nuts. It. Is. Exceptional.
If you fancy adding a little bit of culture and history to your sunbathing and shopping, you can’t go past Castle of Brown. It was built during the medieval period for the purpose of monitoring the entrance into the small inlet; since 1961, has been owned by the municipality and is often used for exhibitions. The castle has timeless character, is filled with marble sculptures and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and old gothic windows that line the outside veneer like eyelashes.
Heidi Mortlock is an Australian travel and lifestyle writer who has spent the last five years travelling the globe and living in London, San Francisco and Amsterdam. Heidi will share travel stories from across the globe, and some travel gems that will help you navigate your favourite destinations.
Heidi is the Founder and Editor of her own blog, adrift, which chronicles her travels and features stories on inspirational women all over the globe who have at times found themselves on a road less travelled or unforeseen – they are making their mark on the world in disparate ways.
Heidi’s work has been published on a range of topics, including travel, restaurants & bars, architecture, art, design, lifestyle products, food and wine. Follow Heidi on Instagram @heidimortlock.adrift
