Portofino, Mediterranean Cruises Port Profile

Overview

A visit to Portfino is a must when you are undertaking a Sicily tour. The small Italian fishing village located in the province of Liguria on the Italian Riviera is a treasure trove, peppering visitors with captivating sights and sounds. The diversity and the vivaciousness will fill travelers with utmost satisfaction. The laid back village dazzles the senses with its splendid ocean views, warm weather and tree-lined cliffs. This quaint little fishing village has become the favorite tourist destination for travelers and also the rich and famous celebrities. It is known to be the popular resort town for many Hollywood stars and members of the European royal families for the peaceful ambience and the multitude of options for complete rejuvenation.

Arrival

As soon as you step into the beautiful, small quaint fishing town of Portofino, you will find yourself encircled with tree-lined cliffs. Warm weather soothes the senses and the vibrancy of the town enchants travelers from far and wide to explore the treasure trove hidden in this small town. Warm reception and friendly people of this town further makes the stay of tourists pleasurable. Upon arriving at this small town, it will not be difficult for visitors to find a suitable hotel for enjoying their holiday in close company to the sights and sounds. There are numerous hotels, including premium resorts, motels, budget hotels and luxury accommodation addresses designed to suit the budgets and requirements of various types of travelers visiting Portofino.

Transportation

There are several means to reach Portofino, located in the province of Liguria on the Italian Riviera. One can take a flight to Genoa and from the province one can drive down the coastline or even take the sea taxi. There are numerous operators that run taxis from Cinque Terre to Portofino. Train services can also be taken to reach the charming Italian village. Getting around the quaint little fishing village is not difficult as there are number of car rental companies that one can hire from the province of Genoa to explore the amazing attractions and beautiful sights of the city. Public transportation system can be availed for visiting one sightseeing point and then another. It is safe and also cost-effective to avail public transportation means. A large number of tourists also prefer walking on foot to explore the tourist attractions.

Telecommunication

Tourists in Portofino do not have to sweat it out in the streets to locate an Internet café as there are several cafes dotting the quaint little village.  There are telephone booths scattered across the town and present in abundance near the ferries and the terminal station. Some of the deluxe accommodations options in the Italian village also provide Internet facility and allows guests to make international calls while staying in their hotels. ATMs of some of the most internationally renowned banks are present in the province of Genoa and nearby places. Travelers can take out cash anytime from these ATMs without having to travel too much or waste too much time.

Shopping

Shopping tops the list of things to do when a visitor comes to the affluent resort destination of Portofino. This quaint village has some of the upscale boutiques featuring collections by internationally recognized designers. Shoppers can check out the various types of items housed in Portfino shops lining the waterfront of the natural harbor. Not only do the stores in the island city feature local items and artefacts made by village artisans but also house high-end designer labels such as Armani, Dior, Ferragamo, and Gucci. Three-block area surrounding the port has a vast majority of the shops in Portofino. Some of the shops in this area also feature wine, locally made art items and regional food specialties.

Attractions  

The half-moon shaped natural harbor of Portofino boasts of amazing sightseeing attractions that truly enchant the travelers to spend some time in this destination. Castello Brown is a picturesque sightseeing point and a central masterpiece in the seaside town. The spectacular castle is encircles by the Mediterranean garden having beautiful flowers such as roses, palm trees, arboretum, all of which create a very pleasant atmosphere.
Visitors to Portofino are also recommended to take a trip to the vibrant and charming city of Genoa located 38 km north-west to the natural harbor. The city reflects richness in art and is studded with wonderful tourist attractions that are bound to appeal to the senses of visitors from all corners of the world. Travelers looking to spend some beautiful and memorable moments in the lap of nature should never miss out on a trip to this city.
Besides these, travelers are also recommended to explore the Monastery of Cervara also known by the name of the Abbey of St. Jerome. The complex overlooks the coast of dolphins and can be reached easily from the main road leading from the Santa Margherita Ligure. The sacred structure of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso of Capodimonte is another addition to the list of architectural beauty of Portofino.

Dining

A tour to Portofino is incomplete without you sampling the exotic flavours and the local delicacies served in the fine restaurants of the town. Some of the most popular fine dining options are:
o Ristorante Delfino 
o Ristorante Puny 
o Ristorante Il Pitosforo 
o Hotel Eden
o Hostaria da 'O' Batti  
o Strainer - 
o Ristorante Taverna del marinaio 

Mostly Italian delicacies such as pizza, pasta and sausages are served in the above-mentioned restaurants. Travelers can also enjoy the finest seafood made with fresh ingredients in the eateries lining the natural harbor.  

Travel Tips:
It is best for first-time visitors to the seaside town of Portofino to hire a guide to help them plan their trip properly. Tickets to the nearby places like the province of Genoa can be booked in advance through a travel agent.

Original Article Written for www.mediterraneanfuncruises.com