Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a small fishing village that captures the hearts (and cameras) of visitors from all over the world. Known for its pastel-colored buildings, emerald waters, and Mediterranean charm, Portofino is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to capture Instagram-worthy photos without breaking the bank.
And Portofino can be visited as a day trip from Milan, if you find a spare day in your itinerary. And it’s well worth the journey!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best photo spots in Portofino – perfect for those postcard moments that’ll make your friends wish they were there. I’ve listed them in order of proximity and included Google Map location links, so you can follow this route for ease and efficiency!
Portofino’s Best Photography Spots
1. Baia Cannone
A hidden gem just east of the marina, Baia Cannone is a quiet, scenic bay ideal for photos of Portofino’s turquoise waters and surrounding hills. This serene spot offers a more private backdrop, perfect for those looking to capture the natural beauty of the Italian Riviera away from the crowds.
• Location: A short walk from the main marina, just off the coastal trail. Exit the bus from Santa Margherita and start your day in Portofino here to enjoy the beach in full sun and before it becomes busy.
• How to Get There: Along the coastal path, look for a metal staircase leading down from the main road, opposite Hotel Piccolo; the path is easy to navigate and free to access.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: Baia Cannone is a quieter, scenic bay with fewer crowds, making it a perfect place for capturing the turquoise waters and iconic Portofino scenery. It’s a small pebble beach, and a great location for a quick dip or sea glass hunting.
Along the path to Portofino’s main square, one of Portofino’s many viewpoints gives a breathtaking overlook of Portofino’s signature landscape, with a panoramic view that’s hard to beat.
• Location: Above Baia Cannone, along the main road to Portofino.
• How to Get There: From Baia Cannone, climb the stairs back up the main road and take a left – you won’t get far without stopping for snaps!
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: Known for its sweeping view of Portofino’s colorful buildings and lush hillsides, this Portofino viewpoint is ideal for wide shots that capture the essence of this picturesque village.
Located near the main square, this historic church is one of Portofino’s oldest, with a beautiful stone façade and captivating interiors. Its traditional Italian architecture and rustic charm make it a wonderful location for photos that capture Portofino’s cultural heritage.
• Location: Just steps from the main square in Portofino.
• How to Get There: From the view point, continue to follow the road around and you’ll see Chiesa del Divo Martino up ahead.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: This charming church offers a unique photo opportunity with its ancient stone façade and intricate architecture. The church exterior makes for a great backdrop, especially in the soft light of the morning or late afternoon. If you catch it set up for a wedding, it’s even more stunning.
The heart of Portofino, the marina is bustling with vibrant fishing boats, pastel-colored houses, and a lively waterfront atmosphere. Photos here capture the essence of Portofino’s charm, with colorful reflections and stunning views of the Mediterranean waters.
• Location: Portofino’s main marina, right in the heart of town.
• How to Get There: Simply walk down the stairs to the left of Chiesa del Divo Martino; you can’t miss it!
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: The marina, lined with colorful fishing boats and pastel-colored buildings, is quintessential Portofino. Take your time to capture the reflections of the boats in the water and the bustling charm of the area.
5. Main Square Shops and Restaurants
Around Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta and nearby streets, Portofino’s shops and cafes showcase classic Italian architecture with their colorful facades and intricate details. Great for street photography, these spots offer charming backdrops that capture the spirit of Italian coastal life.
• Location: Throughout Portofino, especially around Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta.
• How to Get There: Wander through the main square and nearby streets to explore the colorful shops and eateries.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: Portofino’s shops and cafes, adorned with vibrant colors and charming details, make for fantastic street-style photography. Try to snap a shot of a gelato or an espresso with the colorful buildings as your backdrop for a classic Italian photo. There are some eye-catching designer shops too, that would be perfect for some Italian vibe shots.
6. Chiesa di San Giorgio & Terrazza
Perched on a hill overlooking Portofino, this small yet picturesque church offers panoramic views of the town and the sparkling sea below. The church’s classic structure and vantage point make it an ideal spot for wide, scenic shots with an unmistakable Italian vibe.
• Location: Overlooking the town from a small hilltop.
• How to Get There: Walk up the path from the main square towards Castello Brown. Chiesa di San Giorgio sits along this path, and entry is free.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: This church offers stunning views from its terrace, along with colorful, classic Italian architecture. Capture a photo with the church in the foreground and the glittering Mediterranean in the background for an Instagram-worthy moment.
This medieval castle sits atop Portofino, with its stunning gardens and 360-degree views over the harbor and hills. The castle itself offers a majestic backdrop, while the gardens and terraces are perfect for photos that blend history with the natural beauty of Portofino.
• Location: Above Portofino on the hill, overlooking the harbor.
• How to Get There: Take the path from the main square. Entrance to the castle is approximately €5-€7, depending on the season.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: With medieval architecture, beautifully maintained gardens, and 360-degree views, Castello Brown is a prime photography location. Capture everything from the rustic castle walls to the panoramic sea views.
If you have a little longer in Portofino, then here’s a bonus spot for you.
Surrounding the town, Portofino Regional Park features trails through lush forests, scenic cliffs, and rugged coastal landscapes. It’s ideal for nature photography, with plenty of spots to capture the stunning contrast between the green parklands and deep blue sea.
• Location: The park surrounds Portofino, with various entry points.
• How to Get There: Start from Portofino’s town center and head to one of the many trails. The main trails are free to access.
• Why It’s Photo-Worthy: With its trails leading to incredible viewpoints and serene nature backdrops, Portofino Regional Park offers countless opportunities for those nature-filled, landscape photos that bring out the beauty of Portofino’s natural surroundings.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Portofino Photos
• Golden Hour: The best lighting for photos in Portofino is during the golden hour—either early morning or late afternoon—when the light is soft and warm.
• Plan Your Shots: Some locations, like the Portofino Viewpoint and Castello Brown, are more popular in the afternoons, so arrive early to avoid crowds and get unobstructed photos.
• Editing & Filters: For Instagram, consider enhancing the natural blues and greens of Portofino’s waters and foliage. A small boost in saturation can make the colors of Portofino pop even more.
Getting to Portofino from Milan
If you’re starting in Milan, the easiest route to Portofino is by train and bus. Catch a train from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure (about 1.5-2 hours). Be sure to pre-book as it can be sold out – I booked using the Omnio app, as you can validate your ticket before you depart (this is vital or you could be fined) From Santa Margherita Ligure, hop on the local 782 bus to Portofino which stops right outside the train station, it takes around 15 minutes and is budget-friendly compared to other travel options.
There’s a lovely view over Santa Margherita from the train station grounds, if you get chance to take a peek on your way in or out.
Another top tip – stand on the side of the road opposite Chiesa del Divo Martino to catch the bus back to the station. This way, you’ll be able to board and get a seat. The bus only goes one or two more stops before it turns around and continues to Santa Margherita, but it’s often full by this point and may not stop.
Portofino offers an array of beautiful photo spots that make for postcard-perfect and Instagram-worthy memories. So grab your camera, plan your shots, and capture the essence of this Mediterranean paradise, all without needing to splurge. Enjoy your photography adventure in Portofino!
