When to Visit - Arts and Events

The patron saint of Portofino is San Giorgio and the annual village festa patronale is celebrated on the first Sunday in April. In nearby Genoa, there is the Salone Nautico Internazionale (international boat show) each autumn, the Premio di Violino 'Niccolo Paganini' violin award, Columbus celebrations and the internationally acclaimed 'Repubbliche Marinare' regatta every four years.

Portofino Dining

Ligurian cuisine has been described as an 'age-old discourse between land and sea', and the region has produced some of the finest and best-loved Italian dishes. It is the birthplace of pesto, minestrone, seafood risotto and pasta. Typical dishes include Trenette al Pesto (thread pasta with basil, Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil), Risotto a la Santa (rice with prawns and courgettes) and fresh fish, such as gamberi (king prawns), branzino (perch), spigola (bass) and orata (sea bream), prepared alla Ligure with olive oil, pine nuts and potatoes. There are many excellent restaurants in Portofino, with the majority serving Ligurian regional and local specialities.

Portofino Tipping Advice

Expect to tip 5% to waiters in restaurants, as well as a standard service charge. Taxi drivers should get between 5% and 10%, whereas chambermaids and bellboys should get up to EUR 0.50. Smaller tips to any other staff are sure to be appreciated, as tipping is widely practised in Italy.