Portofino Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Portofino port is straightforward, and you’ve got several ways to get there, whether you’re coming on your own or with a cruise group.

The nearest airport is Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport, about 45 kilometres away. Once there, grab a taxi or book a private car to Portofino. If you fancy taking the train, make your way to Santa Margherita Ligure station, then hop on a bus or catch a taxi to the port.

1. By Air: Land at Genoa Airport and take a 45-minute taxi ride or book a private transfer
2. By Train: Travel to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station, then catch a bus or taxi (15 minutes)
3. By Road: Take the lovely A12 motorway, come off at Rapallo, and follow the coastal road SP227 to Portofino (mind you, parking’s a bit tight in town)

Port Parking Options

Parking in Portofino is quite tight, especially around the port. The main car park, Garage Portofino, is at Via del Fondaco 29, roughly a 5-minute walk from the harbour. Be prepared to pay between £25-35 per day, with prices varying by season.

If you’re watching your pennies, try parking at Santa Margherita Ligure, which sits 5km from Portofino. You’ll need to hop on a 15-minute bus or catch a water taxi to get to the port from there. It’s cheaper at £15-20 per day.

Got a large vehicle or motorhome? You’ll have to use the coach parking area in Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino’s narrow streets simply can’t handle big vehicles.

Local Transport & Transfers

Local transport in Portofino comes down to three simple choices: water taxis, public buses, and walking. You’ll spot water taxis at the main harbour, which zip you over to nearby spots like Santa Margherita and Rapallo. Public buses link up with the wider transport network, though they’re less frequent during quiet seasons.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, here’s what you need to know:

1. Water taxi from where you get off the tender to Portofino’s centre is £10 per person, running every half hour
2. Bus number 82 runs between Portofino and Santa Margherita railway station once an hour from 7 AM to 8 PM
3. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the tender point to the town centre along the waterfront path

No need to book ahead for any of these options, but keep some cash handy for water taxis and bus tickets.

Port Terminal Facilities

The port area in Portofino is fairly basic but has everything you need for tender boat operations. You’ll find toilets, a small tourist info desk and covered spots to wait for your tender boat transfer on the main pier.

The port itself doesn’t have many shops or places to eat, but you’re only a stone’s throw from Portofino’s lovely waterfront eateries and shops. When you come back to your ship, there’s simple security screening – nothing as complex as the bigger cruise terminals. If you need first aid, there’s a small station, and you’ll find a few seats whilst waiting for tender boats. Although the port doesn’t have Wi-Fi or cash points, you can find these in the town centre, which is just a quick stroll away.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Since most cruise ships arrive in Portofino early morning, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around this lovely Italian Riviera spot. Before hopping on your cruise, you can see all the village highlights without rushing about.

1. Go for a lovely stroll around the harbour to snap photos of the famous pastel-coloured buildings and posh yachts, then head up to Castello Brown for brilliant views of the Mediterranean and village below.
2. Browse the fancy shops along Via Roma and grab some proper Ligurian food at one of the waterfront restaurants – the local pesto or fresh seafood are brilliant choices.
3. Pop into the 16th-century Church of St. Martin (Chiesa di San Martino) in the town centre, then cool down with proper Italian gelato whilst watching the world go by in the Piazzetta.

Walks near the port

The small port of Portofino has lovely walking paths you can find straight from the cruise terminal. Fancy a bit of exercise? The trail to Castello Brown takes you uphill through olive groves to a brilliant 16th-century fortress, with lovely views of the harbour and Ligurian Sea. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the top.

For a nice coastal walk, follow the path to Lighthouse Point (Faro di Portofino), which meanders along the cliffs for roughly 1.5 kilometres. The Church of San Giorgio path is rather special – you’ll walk past colourful houses until you reach the yellow church perched above the bay. If you’ve got more time on your hands, the path to San Fruttuoso Abbey is brilliant – it’s a 2-hour walk through Portofino Regional Park, where you’ll see loads of Mediterranean plants and smashing sea views.

Dining and Shopping

The harbour area has three main shopping streets where you’ll spot both posh boutiques and small local shops. There’s everything from Gucci and Louis Vuitton to lovely little places selling handmade leather bits and local pottery.

When it comes to food, these places are brilliant:

1. La Terrazza restaurant – great seafood and amazing harbour views
2. Ristorante Puny – brilliant fresh pesto pasta (lots of famous people eat here)
3. Chuflay Bar Restaurant – serves both local and international food

Most restaurants are around the piazzetta, but you’ll pay quite a bit extra for eating in such a prime spot. For better value, wander down the side streets to find family-run trattorias. These smaller places serve proper Ligurian food at more sensible prices.

Accommodation near the port

Once you’ve had your fill of Portofino’s lovely restaurants, you’ll want a nice place to sleep. The port area has quite a few fancy hotels within walking distance, including the posh Belmond Hotel Splendido and the smaller, stylish Hotel Piccolo Portofino. If you fancy something mid-range, both the Hotel Eden and Albergo Nazionale are brilliant choices, with lovely harbour views and good facilities.

If you’re watching your pennies, staying in Santa Margherita Ligure might be a better bet – it’s just a 10-minute bus journey away. This neighbouring town has plenty of B&Bs and reasonably priced hotels, such as Hotel Minerva and Hotel Regina Elena. You can also find flats to rent on Airbnb and Booking.com, which give you a kitchen and more room to spread out compared to standard hotel rooms.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Planning your first cruise from Portofino? You’ll need to sort out a few things for an easy start to your holiday. The lovely port needs proper planning, and it’s best to come at least a day before sailing – those twisty coastal roads can be a bit tricky.

1. Get a private car from Genoa Airport or Santa Margherita train station – local taxis are hard to find in busy months, and buses won’t take you right to where the ships dock.
2. Bring bags you can easily carry – Portofino’s steep lanes and limited help with luggage mean wheeled suitcases can be a real pain to pull through town.
3. Sort out your cash beforehand – there’s an ATM in town, but it tends to run dry when cruise ships are in, and you won’t find any money exchange at the terminal.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Portofino’s cruise terminal is quite simple. You’ll want your passport, cruise ship card and filled-in customs form ready. During busy periods, it usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Italian border staff will look at your papers at their desks, and you must tell them about any items worth more than €10,000. If you’re travelling from outside the EU, they’ll pop an entry stamp in your passport. Remember to keep your cruise card where staff can see it – you’ll need it to get back into the port later.

To save time, sort out your customs paperwork before you reach the terminal. You can’t bring fresh fruit, meat or dairy products with you. If you’ve bought anything duty-free, make sure you mention it at the proper counter – otherwise you might end up with a fine.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need to sort out money matters when you arrive in Portofino. The euro (€) is what’s used in Italy, and whilst most places in Portofino take credit cards, it’s smart to have some cash for little purchases, taxis and tipping.

To make paying easier during your visit:

1. Get euros from cash machines near the port or in town – you’ll get better rates than at currency exchange places
2. Let your bank and credit card companies know when you’re travelling to avoid any card problems
3. Try to keep smaller euro notes (€5, €10, €20) for cafes, local shops and water taxis

Most fancy shops and restaurants take American Express, but Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted around town.

Emergency Contacts

Essential emergency numbers for your Portofino visit: Ring 112 for all emergencies – this connects you to police, medical and fire services across Italy. The Portofino police station number is +39 0185 269 100.

If you need hospital care, the closest one is Ospedale San Martino in Genoa: +39 010 555 1. For less urgent medical help in Portofino, ring the local clinic on +39 0185 269 227. Your cruise ship emergency contacts are listed on your cruise card.

British travellers can get help from the UK Consulate in Milan on +39 02 290 351. Need tourist information? Ring the Portofino Tourist Office on +39 0185 269 024.

History of The Port

The old port of Portofino has been a safe haven for boats since Roman days. This natural harbour‘s brilliant spot along the Ligurian Sea meant ancient traders and sailors would pop in whilst sailing about. What started as a humble fishing village in the Middle Ages turned into quite an important Mediterranean trading hub.

1. Back in 1435, the Republic of Genoa built Castello Brown to keep the port safe from pirates and other navies who fancied their chances
2. Come the 1800s, British naval ships made Portofino their regular stopping point whilst patrolling the Mediterranean
3. Things changed in the 1950s when Hollywood stars caught wind of the place, and nowadays it’s where you’ll spot massive cruise ships dropping anchor

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

The Port of Portofino means business when it comes to helping the environment – they’ve been cracking on with loads of green projects since 2015. They’ve got these brilliant power hook-ups so ships can turn their engines off while they’re moored, which cuts down air pollution by 60%. You’ll spot recycling points all over, plus special facilities that deal with waste from the boats.

Take a look around and you’ll see solar panels powering 40% of everything at the port, along with LED lights that use way less energy. There’s a proper clever water treatment plant that cleans the ships’ ballast water, keeping unwanted sea creatures from getting into local waters. A bunch of marine biologists keep an eye on the harbour’s wildlife and look after some man-made reefs. Fancy learning more? You can tag along on one of their eco-tours to see what they’re doing to protect nature.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

Getting around Portofino’s port is straightforward for visitors with disabilities. The terminal building and boarding zones have flat, even surfaces with no steps. If you need a wheelchair to go from your ship to the port exit, just let your cruise line know two days before you arrive.

1. You can hire electric mobility scooters right at the terminal – pop by the accessibility desk between 7 AM and 7 PM
2. You’ll find accessible loos every 100 metres throughout, all with emergency alarm buttons
3. Special boarding lanes mean disabled passengers won’t face queues when getting on or off ships

The port runs a shuttle service to Portofino town centre using easy-access buses with wheelchair ramps and special spaces.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

The cruise port in Portofino has good medical facilities and you’ll need proper insurance to visit. You’ll spot a well-equipped medical centre at the terminal with doctors and nurses who can speak several languages and know how to handle emergencies.

You must show travel insurance papers with medical cover before you can board. Do make sure your policy covers things specific to cruises and medical evacuations, as normal travel insurance won’t include these. While the port’s medical team can sort out small emergencies, they’ll send you to San Martino Hospital in Genoa for anything serious.

You can get extra cruise insurance at the port’s service desk, but it’s usually pricier than if you buy it beforehand. Keep your insurance paperwork and medical records handy during your trip.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Planning a trip with kids? You’ll be pleased to know that Portofino’s cruise terminal is set up brilliantly for families. The place has family loos with baby-changing facilities, a watched-over play space, and plenty of child-friendly food choices in the terminal’s eateries.

The port has these useful bits for families with little ones:

1. A staffed Kids’ Corner with fun activities, video games, and craft areas for children aged 3-12
2. Family rest areas with comfy seats, places to charge your gadgets, and tellies showing children’s shows
3. You can borrow pushchairs and use storage lockers made especially for family gear and baby kit

If you need extra help or have special requirements for your children whilst at the port, just pop over to the family help desk.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Three brilliant cultural spots are right by Portofino’s port. The historic Chiesa di San Giorgio sits proudly on the hilltop, with amazing views and religious treasures from the 12th century. The grand Castello Brown, built in the 16th century, shows off its medieval style and houses a museum full of local sailing history.

The Portofino Classical Music Festival in July is a real treat, with lovely performances in the piazzetta next to the harbour. In summer, you can join the locals’ traditional celebrations like the Feast of San Giorgio in April and the Madonna della Lampada in August. These events are packed with processions, music and tasty regional food. Pop down to the Wednesday outdoor market to find handmade crafts, local wines and proper Ligurian goods whilst mixing with the locals.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When to Go on a Cruise from The Port

The best time for your Mediterranean cruise depends on the weather and how busy you want it to be. Most people sail between May and October when it’s warm and dry. If you travel in July or August, you’ll pay more and share spaces with lots of other people, but you’ll get lovely swimming weather.

1. Spring (April-May): The temperature sits at around 65-75°F, with flowers in bloom and fewer visitors about. It’s brilliant for wandering the town’s narrow streets and walking the coastal paths
2. Summer (June-September): Days are hot at 80-85°F, the harbour’s full of life, and evenings are lively
3. Fall (October): Days stay pleasant at 70°F, you can join autumn festivals, and cruise prices drop. The sea’s still warm enough for a dip

In winter (November-March), there aren’t many cruises because the sea gets rough and the weather turns chilly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Size of Cruise Ships That Can Dock at Portofino?

Portofino’s tiny harbour won’t fit big cruise ships. If your vessel is longer than 200 feet, you’ll need to drop anchor out at sea. Only smaller luxury yachts and boats can moor right at the dock.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Local Wine Back Onto the Ship?

Local wine is welcome on Pretty Portofino ships – you can bring 1-2 bottles per cabin when coming back from port visits. Just keep in mind they’ll usually charge you a corkage fee to open it aboard.

How Rough Are the Waters Typically in Portofino’s Harbor Area?

The waters in Portofino’s harbour tend to be quite gentle and sheltered, nestled in its natural bay. The hills around it and the breakwater work brilliantly to keep things calm, so even when it’s a bit windy, boats can float about without much fuss.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Before Official Check-In Time?

There aren’t any luggage storage spots right at Portofino’s port. You’ll have to hang onto your bags until it’s time to check in, or see if you can pop them into a nearby hotel or one of the storage places in town.

Are There Any Private Yacht Rental Services Available Near the Cruise Port?

Yeah, they cost quite a bit, but there are a few yacht hire firms right next to the port. Both Portofino Yacht Services and Belmond let you rent their boats for half or full days – they come with proper crews and all the fancy extras you’d expect.