Portofino’s bay forms a perfect crescent and brings us straight into the famous Piazzetta. It feels like an elegant amphitheatre by the water.
The houses are tall and narrow, built close together to protect one another from the winter winds that enter the bay. Their façades are painted in the colours of the Ligurian Riviera: ochre, yellow, Pompeian red and pink.
The Piazzetta is completely traffic-free, and everything feels quiet.
Here is a small detail that says a lot about Portofino’s exclusive character: motor vehicles are not allowed in, not even for deliveries to the restaurants and shops. Instead, quiet electric carts arrive at set times, so the calm is not disturbed.
Around the square, you will find historic cafés and bars, ideal for an aperitivo, the traditional drink before dinner. You may want to try some local specialities, such as a Ligurian gin or a traditional-method sparkling wine aged underwater in the bay. And if you prefer something without alcohol, you can look for citrus drinks made with fruit grown nearby.
For wine lovers, here are three of Liguria’s best-known grapes: Vermentino, Bianchetta Genovese and Pigato.
 Now look at the water. It is hard not to notice the yachts and other luxury boats.
Portofino attracts an international high-end summer crowd. Celebrities, business leaders and footballers often moor just off the village.They come ashore for shopping in the boutiques and dinner in the restaurants around the square. And for many visitors, that is part of the appeal too: the beauty of the place, and the curiosity of who might be sitting at the next table.
Who knows, you might spot a familiar face in the crowd.
Or perhaps the star is you!