A Stop in Portofino

Italy's most glamorous harbour village. Colourful palazzos, crystal-clear water and luxury yachts — a world-famous stop on the Italian Riviera worth every minute.

📍 Coastal Village ⏱ 1–2 Hours Stop 🚗 Private Chauffeur ✅ NCC Licensed since 2004

Why Stop in Portofino

Italy's Most Glamorous Harbour Village

Portofino is unlike any other village on the Italian Riviera. Tucked into a perfectly sheltered natural inlet, its colourful palazzos rise directly from the water's edge — a view so perfectly composed it seems almost artificial. Luxury yachts fill the harbour, boutiques line the waterfront piazzetta, and the hills above are dotted with villas half-hidden by pine and olive trees. It is small, exclusive and completely unlike anywhere else in Italy.

The village rewards those who arrive unhurried. Walk to the lighthouse at the tip of the promontory for views across the Gulf of Tigullio, explore the Church of San Giorgio perched above the harbour, or simply sit at the piazzetta and watch the yachts come and go. Portofino moves at its own pace — and that pace suits a private chauffeur transfer perfectly.

For the most memorable stop possible, we recommend combining your visit with lunch at the Hotel Splendido — one of the most celebrated hotels in Italy, perched on the hillside above the harbour with extraordinary views over the gulf. The terrace restaurant is one of the finest in Liguria, and a table here transforms a simple transfer stop into one of the highlights of an Italian journey.

⭐ Our recommendation — Lunch at Hotel Splendido The Splendido is legendary for good reason. Book your table well in advance — particularly in summer — and let us know when you plan to arrive so we can time your transfer accordingly. A two-hour stop in Portofino with lunch at the Splendido is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

1–2 hrsRecommended Stop

5★Hotel Splendido

RivieraItalian Riviera

24/7Available Year-Round

Transfer Routes

Journeys That Pass Through Portofino

Portofino sits perfectly along several key routes between Tuscany, Liguria and northern Italy. Here are the most popular transfers where a stop makes perfect sense.

Route 01

Milan Malpensa → Florence with stop in Portofino

Arriving at Milan Malpensa and heading south to Florence? Rather than taking the motorway directly, break the journey on the Ligurian coast. A stop in Portofino turns a long transfer into one of the most scenic drives in Italy — along the Riviera di Levante, down to the harbour and then south through the Apennines into Tuscany. Book lunch at the Hotel Splendido for an arrival you will never forget.

Milan Malpensa MXP 📍 Portofino · 1–2 hrs Florence

⏱ Total: approx. 5–6 hrs with stop 👥 Up to 6 pax · Mercedes Vito / V-Class

Route 02

Genova → Florence with stop in Portofino

Leaving Genova and heading south to Florence? Portofino is just 35 minutes from the city — a world away in atmosphere. A short detour to the harbour, a walk along the piazzetta and a coffee with views over the gulf before continuing into Tuscany. One of the most rewarding short stops on any transfer between Liguria and Florence.

Genova 📍 Portofino · 1–2 hrs Florence

⏱ Total: approx. 4–5 hrs with stop 👥 Up to 3 pax · Mercedes E-Class

Route 03

Forte dei Marmi → Milan Malpensa with stop in Portofino

Leaving the beaches of Forte dei Marmi and heading north to Malpensa for a flight? The Riviera di Levante is on the way — and Portofino is the jewel of the coast. Stop for lunch at the Hotel Splendido, walk the harbour and continue north through Genova to the airport refreshed and unhurried. A perfect way to spend your final hours in Italy before flying home.

Forte dei Marmi 📍 Portofino · 1–2 hrs Milan Malpensa MXP

⏱ Total: approx. 5–6 hrs with stop 👥 Up to 6 pax · Mercedes Vito / V-Class

Route 04

Siena → Milan with stop in Portofino

Travelling from the medieval hills of Siena all the way north to Milan? Breaking the long journey in Portofino is the obvious choice — a complete change of scenery from Tuscany's inland landscape to the glamour of the Ligurian coast. Arrive in the morning, explore the harbour, have lunch with a view and continue north to Milan in the early afternoon.

Siena 📍 Portofino · 1–2 hrs Milan

⏱ Total: approx. 6–7 hrs with stop 👥 Up to 3 pax · Mercedes E-Class

What to See in Portofino

Make the Most of Your Stop

One to two hours is enough to experience the best of Portofino. Here is what we recommend to first-time visitors.