Portofino // Escaping life for an Italian dream
Have you ever wondered if you could escape life, where would you go? Well, I had this very conversation last week. And I have it all figured out. Portofino.
You may not know where Portofino is, but I can bet you have seen the postcard. Portofino is a little fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline. It is known for its charm and has become synonymous with elegance and understated luxury. It’s where Louis Vuitton sits next to a local Italian ristorante. Where the rich and famous park their superyachts in summer. And where I dream to own a little café that serves local tapas and has a communal table for my jigsaw puzzles.
But we arrived in March. Throughout the rest of Italy, it was the shoulder season. In Portofino, everything was closed once the sun set. It felt like we had the village to ourselves.
Being in Portofino, I felt like I was on an island. It may be because we arrived by boat from the nearby port of Santa Margherita. The boat dropped us off just by the small cobbled stone square, Piazzetta. All along the waterfront, pastel-coloured houses line the harbour. Rickety window shades that had weathered the winds. It was just like the postcard.
What to do in Portofino
I could do a lot of relaxing in Portofino. It may have been the time of year, where everything runs at snail pace. But I also get the feeling it may just be the Italian way…. La dolce vita.
You can stay active and hike up to Castello Brown for the best views in town. Castello Brown is now a house museum. It’s located on top of the hill overlooking the harbour, perfect for defence. It hasn’t been used since the 15th century. Continue hiking along the headland, past luxury homes and vegetation to the lighthouse.
You can also explore the village. Wander around the harbour’s edge. Stroll through the many laneways. Visit the luxury shops. Or just sit at the café and watch the world go by. One of my favourite holiday pastimes.
For now, I will look back with fond memories of Portofino. And one day I will return to continue my Italian dreaming.
If you like coming on a visual journey through some of my dream locations, don’t forget to check out my post on Santorini.
