Portofino

Portofino needs no introduction: a small harbour ringed by pastel houses, with yachts and fishing boats side by side. Yes, it’s famous and it can feel touristy, but there’s a reason people have fallen for it for generations.

Getting there: take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure (~35–40 minutes from Genova), then bus 782 (single ticket €5) or the ferry (~15 minutes, a lovely crossing). Portofino has no station of its own.

Don’t stop at the piazzetta. Climb to the church of San Giorgio and then to Castello Brown (€5, about a ten-minute walk up), with its gardens and a sweeping view over the harbour. Another ten minutes brings you to the Faro (lighthouse) on the point: you can’t go inside, as it’s still working, but the path and the view are worth the walk.