Stand in La Piazzetta and you’ll see why so many people love Portofino. 

This commune on the Italian Riviera is as pretty as it is pricey, asking visitors to pony up quite a payday to spend a week eating, drinking, and staying on the Ligurian seaside. 

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to visit Portofino, though you certainly can if you’re trying to treat yourself. Here’s what you need to know about getting to Portofino, Italy by train.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Markus Gebauer Photography. Image Location: Portofino, Italy

Does Portofino, Italy have a train station?

No, Portofino does not have a train station in its village. This is a little confusing, as the Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station has “Portofino” in the name. Portofino is around 5 km (3 miles) from the train station. 

What’s the closest train station to Portofino?

The closest train station to Portofino is the Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino railway station located in Santa Margherita Ligure. Santa Margherita Ligure is easy on the eyes, too, and a tiny bit easier on the budget. With so many people arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure specifically to go onward to Portofino, you’ll see a little less tourist traffic around this harbor. 

How long does it take to get to Portofino by train?

Getting to Portofino by train can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on where in Italy you’re starting from. Here are a few routes to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino:

Image Credit: Getty Images, mikolajn. Image Location: Portofino, Italy

Is Portofino, Italy worth visiting?

Yes — Portofino, Italy is worth a visit in the eyes of most travelers. Even in a single day trip from Genoa or Pisa, you can tour the open-air Museo del Parco, scope out the antiques in the Castello Brown, and hike to the lighthouse at the tip of the town. 

Is Portofino on the Amalfi Coast?

No, Portofino is not on the Amalfi Coast (perhaps you’re thinking of the equally picturesque town of Positano?). Portofino is on the Italian Riviera, which is considered the stretch of Ligurian Sea shoreline between Ventimiglia (close to the French border) and La Spezia (near Cinque Terre). Portofino is just east of Genoa on the small peninsula juts out into the Ligurian Sea. 

Is Portofino very expensive?

Yes, Portofino might as well be called Priceofino. The businesses here know how prime their location is and they make sure tourists pay for it. That’s not a slight to them — plenty of places in Italy (and throughout Europe) know how to make a buck — but you should be prepared with a few extra Euros in your pocket.

Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Portofino, Italy

Why is Portofino so famous?

Portofino has a reputation as a hideaway for the rich and famous dating back to the 19th century. Before then, it was a humble fishing village — it’s still a small fishing village today, but it might flash the wad of cash now and again. 

How many days is enough in Portofino?

Prices, not your PTO, will influence how many days you stay in Portofino. Many visitors stay for at least two days; others roaming around the Italian Riviera will visit for a day-trip from Genoa or spend one relaxed night. The town is small, which means you can see and experience Portofino in a day-trip; however, if you want to truly relax while racking up credit card points, spend a weekend. 

What is the best month to visit Portofino?

The Italian Riviera is much farther north than the Amalfi Coast so these waters get much colder much quicker. Visit during mid-May or mid-September to soak up the sun without squeezing through heavy tourist crowds. Winter months are cold, but with only 500 or so people living in the village, a holiday visit to Portofino is as intimate as it is magical. 

Ready for a leisurely and lavish stay in Portofino? Download the Trainline app and we’ll help navigate the Italian Riviera by train. 

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes. Image Location: Portofino, Italy

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