We travelled to Portofino by train from Milan. Having only one day to spare, we woke up very early, determined to make the most of it. The train ride from Milano Centrale to Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino station took approximately two and a half hours. Once we arrived, we hopped onto a boat that transported us to Portofino (€9.00 per adult). The port was very easy to find and it wasn’t too crowded when we were there. Though there was an option to take a bus to Portofino from in front of the train station, we opted for the boat, which allowed us to savour the breath-taking views along the way. It was clean and had enough seats for everyone. We were lucky that it wasn’t too busy!
Town
As we stepped off the boat, we were immediately drawn to the captivating charm of Portofino. The town’s pastel buildings nestled against the hillsides, offering stunning views of the serene Ligurian Sea. Portofino’s small harbour was packed with elegant sailboats and luxurious yachts, creating a picturesque scene of the Italian Riviera.
Gelateria Gepi Portofino
Our delightful day in Portofino began with a refreshing treat at Gelateria Gepi Portofino (and we couldn’t resist returning for more before leaving in the evening too). Tucked away in a cosy corner away from the crowded port, this small gelateria offered a charming outdoor seating area with a handful of tables.
After the hard decision of choosing from the wide array of flavours they offered, each of us savoured the mouth-watering gelato. Daughter1 recommends the Cremino Di Portofino, which is made up of pistachio, orange and other nut flavours – so good that she actually ate it twice! The lemon granita was a particular favourite among us, which gave a refreshing burst of citrusy goodness on a hot day.
As we had indulged in the desserts, we couldn’t help but admire the picturesque surroundings of Portofino. The combination of treats and the town’s enchanting ambiance made for an unforgettable start to our day.
Baia Cannone
After our gelato pit stop, we walked to Baia Cannone, a stunning swim spot with the most wonderful Mediterranean charm. Being just a 10 minute walk from the town, it is easily accessible to visitors. Additionally, both the beach and the walk there make for many great photo opportunities! Being prepared, we brought along our towels and had swimsuits on underneath our summer clothing so we were ready to swim straight away. I highly recommend planning to visit earlier on in the day to take full advantage of the sunshine on the beach. Baia cannone becomes shaded pretty quickly – we found some parts were already dark around noon.
Baia di Niasca
Our next stop was Baia di Niasca, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk away from Baia Cannone. Finding access to this beach was easy, as there was a bus stop and designated parking spaces for bikes nearby. It’s a fun public beach, with a more open feel and better for families than the first!
There is a small shop where you can rent paddle boards and other beach sport equipment, as well as make use of their toilets, showers, changing rooms and lockers ((for those who have rented items). Daughter1, Daughter2, and Husband couldn’t resist the allure of paddle boarding and decided to rent a mega SUP for 30 Euro for one hour. They had lots of fun paddle-boarding over the shimmering waters, exploring the neighbouring beach, and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Despite the beach’s popularity, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded or noisy. Everyone seemed to be in their own world, savouring the serene atmosphere and the joy of being by the beach. Baia di Niasca exudes a tranquil charm that allows visitors to fully relax and relish the moment.
Whether you choose to bask in the sun, explore the waters on a paddle board, or simply unwind with a good book, Baia di Niasca offers the perfect setting to make lasting memories. It’s a place where you can truly connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Back to town
After spending a couple of hours at the beach, we headed back to the town. We took a foot path and enjoyed the view from above as we walked. We went back to Gelateria Gepi Portofino for another gelato and granita until our boat time. It was really hot and we needed it! We went to Rapallo by boat this time (€ 11,00 per adult) and stayed for the night.
We only spent money on gelato, granita and paddle boat rental (and for using toilet in Portofino town!) as stayed at the beaches for as long possible. The weather was beautiful, it was very hot so it was a perfect beach day for us. If you are planning to go to Portofino for swimming, I recommend that you bring enough drinking water and food as it is a very expensive town. All in all, our Portofino adventure was a resounding success, and we cherished every moment spent in this enchanting coastal paradise.
