If you’re wondering what to do in Portofino and how to make the most of a long weekend on the Italian Riviera, you’re in the right place. With colorful seaside villages, crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails, and unforgettable boat excursions, the Tigullio Gulf offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Italian charm.

This 3-day itinerary is designed to help you experience the very best of Portofino and its surroundings, including an unforgettable Orange Wave boat tour, one of the most unique ways to discover the Ligurian coast.

Day 1: Discover the Timeless Beauty of Portofino

No trip to the Italian Riviera is complete without spending a day in its most iconic village.

Although Portofino is small, every corner feels like a postcard.

Wander Around Piazzetta Martiri dell’Olivetta

Start your morning in the famous waterfront square, where luxury yachts, colorful fishermen’s houses, and elegant cafés create one of Italy’s most recognizable views.

Take your time to enjoy breakfast overlooking the harbor before exploring the narrow streets lined with boutiques, artisan shops, and gelaterias.

Visit Castello Brown

One of the best things to do in Portofino is climbing to Castello Brown.

The walk takes around 15 minutes through beautiful gardens, and the reward is spectacular panoramic views over the harbor and the Ligurian coastline.

It’s also one of the best photography spots in Portofino.

Walk to the Lighthouse

Continue along the scenic path leading to Punta del Capo, where the Portofino Lighthouse sits dramatically above the sea.

Along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views and discover hidden viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.

Stop for an aperitivo at the small bar beside the lighthouse before returning to the village.

Dinner by the Harbor

In the evening, enjoy fresh Ligurian seafood while watching the sunset over the marina.

Try local specialties such as:

• Trofie al Pesto
• Seafood risotto
• Stuffed mussels
• Fresh anchovies
• Ligurian focaccia

Ending your first day here is the perfect introduction to understanding what to do in Portofino.

Day 2: Explore the Coast by Boat with Orange Wave

The best way to discover the Italian Riviera isn’t from the road—it’s from the sea.

An Orange Wave Portofino boat tour lets you experience hidden coves, secluded beaches, and spectacular coastal scenery that simply can’t be reached by land.

Whether you choose a shared excursion, a private charter, or a romantic sunset cruise, this is often the highlight of any visit.

Cruise Along the Portofino Marine Protected Area

Departing from Rapallo, you’ll sail through one of Italy’s most beautiful marine parks.

Along the way you’ll admire:

• Santa Margherita Ligure
• Paraggi Bay
• Portofino Harbor
• Cannone Bay
• Olivetta
• Punta Chiappa

Seeing these places from the water offers a completely different perspective.

Swim in Hidden Bays

One of the greatest advantages of an Orange Wave experience is the opportunity to stop in secluded coves with crystal-clear water.

Depending on the tour, you’ll have time to:

• Swim
• Snorkel
• Relax on board
• Sunbathe
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from crowded beaches

The turquoise waters around Paraggi and the Portofino Promontory are among the clearest in Liguria.

Visit San Fruttuoso

Many Orange Wave tours include a stop at San Fruttuoso, one of Liguria’s true hidden treasures.

Accessible mainly by boat or hiking trail, this tiny bay is famous for:

• The medieval Abbey of San Fruttuoso
• Crystal-clear waters
• The Christ of the Abyss underwater statue
• Excellent snorkeling

It’s one of the most unforgettable places you’ll visit during your stay.

Enjoy an Aperitivo at Sea

As your boat gently cruises back along the coastline, enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo with local wine while watching the sun reflect on the colorful villages.

Few experiences capture the essence of the Riviera better than relaxing on deck with the sound of the waves in the background.

For many visitors, this is the moment they remember most from their trip.

Day 3: Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli

Spend your final day exploring two of Liguria’s most charming seaside towns.

Morning in Santa Margherita Ligure

Elegant yet relaxed, Santa Margherita Ligure offers beautiful waterfront promenades, historic villas, palm-lined streets, and excellent shopping.

Visit Villa Durazzo and its gardens before enjoying a cappuccino overlooking the marina.

The atmosphere here is more local and less crowded than Portofino.

Afternoon in Camogli

Continue to Camogli, often called one of Liguria’s most authentic fishing villages.

Its colorful houses rise directly above the sea, creating one of the Riviera’s most iconic landscapes.

Spend the afternoon exploring:

• The historic harbor
• Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
• Castello della Dragonara
• Local bakeries famous for focaccia

Don’t miss fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants before heading back.

Other Things to Do in Portofino

If you have extra time, there are plenty of additional experiences worth considering.

Hike Through Portofino Natural Park

The trails connecting Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli offer spectacular coastal views and shaded Mediterranean forests.

Popular routes include:

• Portofino to San Fruttuoso
• Portofino to Camogli
• Portofino to Base O

The scenery is breathtaking throughout the year.

Visit Paraggi Beach

Just a short walk from Portofino lies Baia di Paraggi.

Its emerald waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the surrounding pine forest creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Go Shopping

Portofino is home to elegant boutiques featuring Italian fashion, handmade sandals, jewelry, ceramics, and local artisan products.

Even window shopping here is an enjoyable experience.

Where to Stay

For a three-day itinerary, you can choose between several excellent bases.

Portofino

Perfect if you want luxury, romance, and iconic scenery.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Ideal for families and couples looking for more accommodation options while remaining close to Portofino.

Rapallo

An excellent choice thanks to its convenient transport connections and the departure point for many Orange Wave boat tours. Staying here makes it easy to explore the entire Tigullio Gulf by both land and sea.

Why a Boat Tour Completes Your Italian Riviera Experience

Many visitors initially plan to explore Portofino on foot, only to realize later that the coastline reveals its true beauty from the water.

A boat tour allows you to:

• Reach hidden beaches inaccessible by road
• Swim in crystal-clear bays
• Admire colorful villages from a unique perspective
• Visit San Fruttuoso with ease
• Discover secret coves known mainly to locals
• Relax while an experienced skipper takes care of everything

With Orange Wave, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and authentic experience aboard a traditional Ligurian boat, guided by skippers who know every corner of the coast and love sharing its stories.

If you’re planning a short escape and wondering what to do in Portofino, three days is the perfect amount of time to discover the highlights of the Italian Riviera. Wander through the elegant streets of Portofino, soak up the atmosphere of Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the coastline by sea.

An Orange Wave Portofino boat tour transforms a beautiful holiday into an unforgettable one, taking you beyond the famous harbor to hidden bays, turquoise waters, and secluded gems like San Fruttuoso. It’s the perfect way to experience the Riviera from its most spectacular viewpoint—the sea.

BOOK OUR PORTOFINO BOAT TOURS!

You may also read:

Liguria’s Best Kept Secrets: Where Locals Go by Boat

Sunsets from the Sea: Where to Catch the Best Golden Hours on a Portofino Boat Tour

See Liguria, Swim Liguria: Snorkeling & Diving Adventures with Orange Wave