5 Free Things To Do In Portofino And Surroundings
Portofino is a must-visit if you’re planning to experience the cinematic Italian summer aesthetic you imagine when you think about this country. However, you must be aware that Portofino is just as pricey as it is picturesque. Many celebrities own houses in this colorful, dream-like port, which has left its past as a fishing village to become a luxurious emblem of high-end Italian holidays.
Portofino can feel underwhelming if you don’t know where to look, but after years of exploring the town numerous times, here’s a list of unique, niche, and completely free activities you can embark on if you’re planning to visit on a budget while not missing out on the vibes.
1. Lana Del Rey 'Ultraviolence' Music Video Set
Not many people, even the most loyal fans, know the location of one of the most iconic videos from the American songwriter. The cinematography of the music video aligns perfectly with her music genre, taking us into a dreamy, timeless wedding scene set in the rustic, vintage San Sebastiano Chapel. This small chapel was recently renovated (the work was completed in January 2024), and unfortunately, the interior now appears slightly different, with a more modern and polished style. However, the exterior of the building, along with the beautiful surrounding nature, has remained the same, proving, with its tranquility, why Lana chose it as the background for her project.
Reaching this location requires some walking (about a half-hour hike up the hill) along a well-maintained path through local houses and quiet stretches under the trees. Starting your walk from the Portofino bus stop just outside the city center, you’ll need to follow the signs or input ‘Chapel of San Sebastiano‘ into your Apple/Google Maps. The walk is lovely; as you go up, you’ll reach a splendid panoramic viewpoint over Portofino, and eventually, you’ll also find a fresh, drinkable water fountain to refresh yourself.
2. Cemetery of Portofino
Chances are, you’re planning to visit or have already visited the Church of San Giorgio, which overlooks Portofino with its bright yellow façade. Venturing just a bit further behind the church will lead you to the Portofino cemetery, which, far from being macabre, offers a breathtaking view over the sea. You can visit by entering through the gates and climbing the labyrinth of stairs that will take you to a higher point, offering a panoramic view of the entire site.
3. Free Beaches
Renting a sunbed at Portofino’s beach clubs can cost up to 200 euros for a day during high season! So where do locals go to enjoy a beach day? Here are three different options, all easily accessible from Portofino, either on foot or by taking the 782 bus service that connects Portofino to Santa Margherita.
Baia Cannone
Nestled between the colorful, luxurious villas of Portofino’s cliffs, this bay is the most picturesque in the area. It can get quite crowded due to its small size, and the sun starts to set earlier in the afternoon because of its position.
To reach this location, enter “Hotel Piccolo Portofino” in your Apple/Google Maps. It’s a 10-minute walk from Portofino’s city center, and you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you see the bright yellow Villa Veldemeri in the distance. A steep staircase and some rock climbing will lead you here. I highly recommend wearing proper shoes when heading to Baia Cannone, as the ground is made of pebbles!
Niasca Beach
Accessible via a staircase located right next to the bus stop that connects Portofino to Santa Margherita (bus no. 82), you will easily find it since nearby there’s one of the very few motorcycle parking spots along the narrow road. This little bay not only offers the clearest blue water and a slightly less rocky ground compared to the classic Ligurian seaside formation, but there’s also a spot to rent kayaks or paddleboards for those who are more adventurous and prefer exploring to sunbathing.
Paraggi Beach
With its deep blue-green water, it’s no surprise that the Bay of Paraggi is home to a multitude of beach clubs that can charge sky-high prices for a spot under their umbrellas. However, there is still a small free stretch of sand that you can enjoy if you’re lucky (and fast) enough. You’ll recognize it by the absence of umbrellas and sunbeds, marked off by ropes, and by the locals trying to avoid the daily fees of the nearby private beaches.
4. Villa Durazzo Park / 5. San Giacomo di Corte Church
About a 10-minute bus ride from Portofino (or a one-hour walk following la Via dei Baci, which connects Portofino to Rapallo through a pedestrian bridge that runs along the cliffside), you can easily spend an afternoon visiting the lovely nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
This town is larger than Portofino itself and much less expensive in terms of restaurants and activities, but no less enjoyable. Villa Durazzo is a hidden gem that overlooks the city from above, offering its visitors elegance and scenic panoramic balconies.
Visiting the inside of the villa requires a ticket (€5.50), but strolling around the park is completely free, as is part of the villa on special occasions (such as Christmas time) when the organization plans social events for the festivities inside.
If you’re looking for a cute spot to take pictures for your social media or if you’re passionate about photography and want to capture old-fashioned Italian housing, this is the right location for you!
Just next door, once you complete the path inside the Villa park, you will exit onto the beautiful Santuario di Nostra Signora della Lettera, which embraces the elegance of the surrounding landscape with its candid white façade that hides an extravagant Baroque-style interior.