Genoa to Portofino by Ferry: How to Plan an Amazing Day Trip

Going from Genoa to Portofino by ferry is one of the best day trips you can take if you’re spending time in Genoa or the surrounding area!

So if you landed here because you’re considering it, I highly recommend it!

It’s the best way to spend time in Portofino, as well as see other gorgeous spots on the Italian Riviera including Camogli and San Fruttuoso. And by gorgeous, I want you to imagine water in shades of deep blue to turquoise paired with emerald green forests blanketing the rocky cliffs that only give way to clusters of pastel-hued houses and hidden, idyllic coves.

I live for part of the year about an hour from Genoa and have done this Genoa ferry to Portofino trip several times, in addition to spending time in Genoa and along many of the towns and villages along the Mediterranean coast of Liguria.

In the guide below, you’ll find a complete description of this fantastic day trip based on my personal experiences.

Genoa to Portofino Ferry Basics

The most popular boat from Genoa to Portofino is a seasonal route operated by Golfo Paradiso. You can seamlessly learn about and book this full-day trip here. (Please note that if you click on this link during the winter months, you may not find the tour. As it gets closer to spring, the tour will become an option again.)

Genoa is a fantastic city and perfectly situated to access the Italian Riviera. Take a look at the details below to understand the day’s logistics.

Departure

The boats depart from Porto Antico in the Port of Genoa. For easy reference, it’s near Eataly and the Biosfera designed by architect Renzo Piano along Genoa’s seaport promenade.

Look for the Golfo Paradiso kiosk along the water where the boats are docked. You might also see this indicated as Calata Mandraccio on some maps or brochures.

Also, it’s important to remember that the city is called Genoa in English, but Genova in Italian. So, Genova Porto Antico is the same as Genoa Porto Antico.

When

This ferry route runs seasonally from the end of March to roughly the third week of October. During March, April, May, and October, the boat for the full-day tour leaves Genoa at 10 am. During the other months, the boat departs at 9 am.

During the spring months, boats run on limited days. The dates are mostly weekends but some weekdays are added around holiday periods. In June, July, August, and most of September, boats run nearly every day except Mondays.

The last boats of the day generally return to Genoa departing Portofino at 4:50 pm, San Fruttuoso at 5:10 pm, and Camogli at 5:30 pm.

Planning Your Day

After departing Genoa Porto Antico, boats will stop at the coastal towns of Nervi, Recco, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino. The great thing about this ferry from Genoa to Portofino is that you can decide which stops you’d like to make and move freely according to the boat schedule.

Before departing Genoa, you’ll get a timetable to see when boats depart from each stop. From there, use the boats to jump from one place to the next with whatever amount of free time you’d like in each one. Aside from the boat trip, there are no guides or tour groups you need to follow for the day.

For example, you could skip one of the stops to have more time in the other places. Or maybe you want to stop in Camogli for a quick look before hiking to San Fruttuoso along the trails in Portofino Regional Park. Then afterward, take the boat to Portofino. Using the boat schedule, you can plan your day and stops according to what you want to see and do.

The below itinerary assumes you make stops in all 3 places. But at the bottom, I’ve included some different ideas to give you a sense of what’s possible.

Departing Genoa Porto Antico

Plan to arrive with plenty of time before the boat departs. This will give you plenty of time to check in, get a timetable for the boats throughout the day, and choose the best seat on the boat.

If you’re standing on the boat looking toward the front, you want to take a seat on the left side of the boat. This side will be closest to the coastline so you can take photos of the views and villages without getting the heads of other people in your photos.

If you need an espresso or cornetto for a quick breakfast, Caffe Vergnano 1882 is right next to Eataly along the harborfront. But keep in mind, you’ll also find plenty of cafes with seaside and beach views in Camogli, too.

First Stop: Camogli

After making a couple of quick stops at Genoa Nervi and Recco, you’ll arrive in beautiful Camogli.

Pulling into the harbor of this under-the-radar spot, you can’t help but immediately swoon over the colorful buildings with their painted facades. Maybe without ever hearing about Camogli before now, you’ll realize you’ve landed in your own slice of the Bel Paese.

Camogli is a fishing village at its roots and, for a long while, was skipped by most visitors to the Italian Riviera. And even though that’s changing, Camogli hasn’t lost its local vibe.

While you’re there stroll on the pedestrian thoroughfare parallel to the sea. You’ll find plenty of shops and cafes, perfect for buying a beachy souvenir or enjoying an Italian breakfast. Liguria is also known for focaccia. If you walk along the same seaside promenade until it narrows into in an alley, you’ll find U Caruggiu, my favorite place for focaccia in Camogli. Take away a couple of different kinds and sit along the beachfront enjoying the views.

Camogli has a larger beach compared to some other towns along the Ligurian coast. If you were hoping for a little beach time today, Camogli and San Fruttuoso are the better choices.

For some sightseeing, admire the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta with its sparkling chandeliers and Castel Dragone overlooking the sea. Camogli is also famous for its annual fish festival every May when they cook up tons of fish in gigantic frying pans. You can see a monument that honors this heritage here while you’re in town.

Lastly, if you want to do some hiking from this point, you can walk past the beach and up toward San Rocco, you’ll find trails in the Portofino Regional Park leading to San Fruttuoso.

Second Stop: San Fruttuoso

When you’re ready, catch the boat to San Fruttuoso which is only possible to reach by boat or on foot via the hiking trails in the regional park on the steep cliffs.

As you enter this tiny cove, your eyes might not believe what’s in front of them. The turquoise water laps along the pebbly shoreline and small beachfront. Sitting strikingly on the beach is the 10th-century Abbey of San Fruttuoso while the lush greenery of the nature park above completes this stunning scene. If you’ve been in search of La Dolce Vita, look no further.

Today, the Abbey is a cultural monument and museum. You can visit the collections inside, as well as see the cloisters and the crypt holding the tombs of some of the Doria family, a powerful Genovese family dating back to the 12th century.

The abbey is protected by Torre Doria, the tower just alongside it built in the 15th century to defend against pirates. Today, you can climb the stairs inside the tower for birds-eye views of the cove. You can also take a short stroll to see the few fisherman cottages of San Fruttuoso.

The beach here is small but it’s nearly impossible to resist going into the water for a swim, especially during the peak summer months. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented but fill up quickly. Otherwise, bring a towel and find your own spot in the sand.

If you’re hungry, San Fruttuoso has a couple of restaurants and cafes depending on whether you want lunch or just drinks and snacks. Da Giovanni serves classic Ligurian dishes and takes reservations if you want a guaranteed table.

If you’re interested in a hike from here, trails lead back to Camogli and onward to Portofino where you can soak up the beautiful scenery from the cliffs above.

Third Stop: Portofino

Posh Portofino needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular Italian Riviera towns whether you’re a daytripper or in search of a glitzy place to stay.

As you spy the picturesque town from the boat, you can’t help but be swept up in the romance of the colorful houses lining the harbor full of boats and yachts of all sizes bobbing on the gentle waves. Villas and the 15th-century Castello Brown sit above nestled in between green forests.

Portofino’s main town center is a pedestrian zone. Together with the charming streets lined with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, Portofino is a great spot for gelato, an afternoon drink, or, if you make it in time, a late lunch. (Some restaurants close the kitchen after 2:30.)

If you get to Portofino before 2:30 and want lunch, I suggest doing that first. I really like Trattoria Tripoli located in La Piazzetta, the main square along the harbor and Ristorante Taverna del Marinaio, also in the square.

With a couple of hours in Portofino, you can walk up to see the Church of San Giorgio, Castello Brown, and if you’re up for it, the lighthouse (Faro di Portofino on Google Maps). You’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of Portofino’s harbor and the Mediterranean.

Return Journey to Genoa

Wherever you are at the end of the day, keep an eye on the clock for the last boat departure. Once aboard, reflect on an unforgettable day and enjoy the breeze from the Ligurian Sea on your back to Genoa.

Day Trip Tips

I love this day trip because you can decide how to spend your time. It’s a completely self-guided day trip except for the boat rides.

I recommend visiting all 3 places, especially if this is your only day to see the Italian Riviera.

Be sure to check the departure boat times to Portofino from San Fruttuoso. Depending on the time of year you travel, boat departures might be limited and not arrive in Portofino until later in the day. If this is the case, I recommend doing 2 things.

First, unless you plan to spend a couple of hours on the beach at San Fruttuoso or hike to Portofino from there (2-2.5 hours), spend more time in Camogli. There’s plenty to enjoy in this authentic Italian village and some of the most life-changing pesto you’ll ever eat.

Second, be aware that other boat companies run ferries at different times. If you’re in San Fruttuoso and don’t want to wait for the boat to Portofino included with your ticket, you can buy a supplement ticket at San Fruttuoso to get to Portofino quicker.

Ideally, you’ll need roughly 2 hours in Portofino to see the main sights. More if you plan to eat there.

Lastly, if you’re staying in Genoa and would like to spend a bit more time in Camogli, you can take the train from Camogli back to the center of Genoa. I did this once when I wanted to have dinner in Camogli before returning to Genoa. Because it’s not a guided tour, no one is checking to make sure you’re on the last boat. You can make your own plan.

Ready to Plan Your Day Trip to Portofino, Camogli, & San Fruttuoso?

Getting to Portofino from Genoa by ferry is a great way to experience part of the Italian Riviera. Plus, you get to include beautiful spots like Camogli and San Fruttuoso, too. All of these are worth visiting on a day trip, especially when you’re trying to make the most of your northern Italy itinerary.

I hope can take advantage of the useful information in this guide and plan a fantastic and hassle-free Genoa day trip to Portofino!