MANEBÍ TRAVEL GUIDE
A little charming fishing village set in the enchanted Gulf of Tigullio on the Ligurian coast, Portofino is rich in history, gastronomy and stunning landscapes.
With very ancient origins and known all over the world thanks to the many illustrious personalities who spent their holidays here, this sleepy village has become popular for its old-world charm.
This town just north of the Cinque Terre and tucked into a protected inlet features a small harbor and a cobbled Piazzetta with colorful houses, restaurants, cafes, shops, and green surroundings.
While it’s notorious for being incredibly expensive and a bit touristy, Portofino has different facets which this guide will make you discover, from enjoying the town’s relaxed atmosphere to exploring the lush promontory, finding restaurants known by locals and hiking for the best views.
Things to do in Portofino e Dintorni
• Stroll around the Piazzetta, also known as Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, which is the iconic symbol of Portofino.
- Stroll around the Piazzetta, also known as Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, which is the iconic symbol of Portofino. Here you will find high-end boutiques, restaurants and gelato parlours, with the marina as a background.
- Visit La Portofinese Eco Farm, located on the mount of Portofino. La Portofinese is a farm born out of the idea to preserve and implement ancient traditions. During your visit you can discover the vineyards, the honey and butterfly trail, have a tasting of local products with unforgettable views on the promontory or plan a lunch at one of their restaurants.
- Walk all the way to the lighthouse to take in a breathtaking view, stopping by the Chiesa di San Giorgio, a very small temple overlooking the cliff.
- Visit Castello Brown to take in the stunning Piazzetta and the harbour from above. This fortress was built in the 12th century and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
- Head over to the Cannone Bay, a tiny cove with rocks and calm green water, surrounded by glamorous villas.
- Check out the neighbouring Santa Margherita for a change of scenery and a more lively atmosphere.
- Take a boat tour or a 2 hours long hike to the beautiful Abbey of San Fruttuoso and don’t forget your swimsuits for a dip in the clear waters of the bay. Should you decide to rent a boat, make sure to go to the boat rental Giorgio Mussini, which has a wide choice of beautiful, traditional and historic boats.
Beach clubs and Hotels
- Bagni Fiore, the most exclusive beach club nestled in Paraggi. At this bay, you’ll find crystal blue water and a quiet atmosphere combined with great service
- Bagni Fiore, the most exclusive beach club nestled in Paraggi. At this bay, you will find crystal blue water and a quiet atmosphere combined with great service.
- Bagni Margherita, easy chic club located in Santa Margherita, 10 minutes away from Portofino. You will love the typical azure beach huts.
- Bagni Sillo, a locals’ favourite located in Sori and 30 minutes away from Portofino. This beach club boasts a few sunbeds on the surrounding rocks and a tiny restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine.
- EraOra, a summer bar in Recco set on a cliff, which is the best place for an aperitivo with sea views at sunset. They also rent a few sunbeds during the day.
- Piccolo Hotel, an affordable hotel located below the famous Belmond Splendido, benefiting from the same breathtaking views and only a few steps away from the Cannone Bay.
- Eight Hotel Paraggi, set in the exclusive Paraggi bay, this hotel is a completely renovated 19th century villa with only 12 sophisticated rooms and a private beach club.
Restaurants
- O Magazin, a historic restaurant first opened by Emilia in his father’s old warehouse for nets and fishing equipment. Overlooking the sea of Portofino - truly pieds dans l’eau - this restaurant has a simple menu with tasty fish dishes.
- O Magazin, a historic restaurant first opened by Emilia in his father’s old warehouse for nets and fishing equipment. Overlooking the sea of Portofino - truly pieds dans l’eau - this restaurant has a simple menu with tasty fish dishes.
- Langosteria Paraggi, a restaurant overlooking the sea of Portofino in the splendid bay of Paraggi, here you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama.
- Taverna del Marinaio, let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere of the iconic Piazzetta while enjoying the best "antipasto misto" you will ever have. After you've savored your exquisite meal, don't miss the chance to visit the Manebí store located next to this renomated restaurant.
- U Giancu, located in the hills above Rapallo, this family-run country restaurant features a summer terrace surrounded by olive trees.
- Da ö Batti, an iconic and traditional restaurant overlooking the Santa Margherita bay, where you can taste a fish based cuisine.
- La Cucina di Nonna Nina, set in a beautiful Genoese house from the early 19th century in San Rocco, this historic restaurant offers traditional Ligurian dishes.
- Trattoria Rosa, an absolute locals’ favorite in Montallegro, offering a typical cuisine that feels like home.
- Ü Caban, a place with only 15 seats, perfect for an aperitif overlooking Portofino’s harbor, offering tastings and selling products coming from La Portofinese farm.
Bars and Food Shops
- Faro di Portofino, a bar where you’ll get drinks with a side of breathtaking views. Open from morning until sunset, this bar is reachable only by foot following a pathway from Portofino’s piazzetta to the lighthouse
- Faro di Portofino, a bar where you will get drinks with a side of breathtaking views. Open from morning until sunset, this bar is reachable only by foot following a pathway from Portofino’s piazzetta to the lighthouse.
- Bar Enoteca il Castello, this bar located in Rapallo during summertime offers waterfront tables. No bookings accepted so make sure you get here early!
- Bar dai Muagetti, carved into the rock by the people of San Rocco di Camogli during the war, this bar is located along a romantic promenade overlooking the sea that leads to Punta Chiappa, with a view over the entire gulf of Genoa. Come here for aperitif, small plates for dinner or late evening cocktails.
- PinaMonti, a focaccia heaven in Santa Margherita Ligure.
- Fiordiponti, another favourite for focaccia in Santa Margherita Ligure.
- Focacceria, epic focaccia shop in the pretty town of Camogli.
- Pasticceria Arte Dolce, a pastry shop in Santa Margherita for those who have a sweet tooth.
Don’t forget to visit our store in Portofino and
Santa Margherita Ligure and more stores nearby.
PORTOFINO
SANTA MARGHERITA
ALASSIO
FORTE DEI MARMI
SICILY: A JOURNEY
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