Portofino is undoubtedly one of the most famous coastal villages of Liguria in the world, it is located in the province of Genoa and hosts about 400 residents during the year, boasting the title of one of the smallest municipal areas in Italy.
Despite being historically and traditionally an ancient fishing village, its attraction derives from the beauty of its landscapes characterized by pastel-colored houses, sophisticated restaurants and high-fashion boutiques.
To fully experience the atmosphere, it is advisable to plan your visit to the town during low tourist periods, such as May or the second half of September and October, when the weather is mild and the hordes of tourists and paparazzi looking for celebrities and VIPs have now vanished.
Now let's see how to reach the gem of the Ligurian Riviera in a smart way from Milan and Genoa.
From Genoa to Portofino
The two localities are divided by a road distance of 32 km. Now let's see how to reach Portofino from Genoa.
By car
To get to Portofino from Genoa you have to take the A12/E80 highway and exit at Rapallo, then continue towards Portofino. Leaving from Genoa, you will reach Portofino by car in about 40 minutes.
By train
If you want to get to Portofino by train, get on at Genova Brignole station (Regionale, Regionale Veloce or Inter City) and get off at Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino station. From here you can take a taxi or the 782 bus (as regards the fares in force on the 782 line, the ticket price is 3 euros for one way and 5 euros for the return journey), you can pay by card even directly on the bus. Or on foot through a beautiful walk of about 5km.
By sea
Thanks to the boats, you will be able to enjoy the splendid scenery that only Liguria is able to offer. The service is offered by the Golfo Paradiso company (here you can find all the necessary information), the boats are active from March to October and the cost depends on the type of itinerary you choose. The boat is certainly a good way to plan a nice trip in the name of relaxation and good food.
From Milan to Portofino
Between Milan and Portofino the distance is over 150 km. For this reason, the only two ways to reach it are by car and by train.
By car
If you leave from Milan you can reach Portofino via the A7 (it is the shortest route), the E25 or the A26 highway. The A26 is the longest route ever. If you want to travel around Milano Portofino by car, traffic permitting, it will take you about 2 hours.
By train
A premise must be made: there are no direct trains from Milan Central Station to Portofino, but it is necessary to change at least once in Genoa Piazza Principe and from here take the second train to Santa Margherita Ligure (from Santa Margherita Ligure you can then take a taxi or the 782 bus to reach Portofino). The duration of the journey, including change, is approximately two and a half hours.
Which is the closest airport to Portofino?
The closest airport to Portofino is the Cristoforo Colombo airport in Genoa, which is 45 kilometers from the town. The way to go by car is the A12 highway with exit in the town of Rapallo. From here, follow the directions for Santa Margherita.
Ultimately, choosing between September and August comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer more moderate temperatures, less crowds and a greater opportunity to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the place, September will certainly be the best time to visit the beautiful village of Portofino.