Portofino's harbour-front piazza is one of the most photographed places on the Ligurian coast, and one of the least car-friendly — parking in the village itself is scarce, tightly regulated, and not something to plan around. The honest advice is to enjoy the drive there and leave the car outside the village itself.
The approach from Santa Margherita Ligure is the actual drive. The coast road out of Santa Margherita, hugging the cliffs above the water, is a genuinely good few kilometres — better enjoyed in something with the roof down, like our Ferrari Portofino M or Audi R8 Spider, than rushed through looking for parking.
Base yourself in Santa Margherita or Rapallo, not Portofino itself. Both have proper parking and hotel valet, and it's a short, pleasant drive or a boat ride into Portofino from either — a far easier plan than trying to bring the car all the way into the village.
Time the drive for the light, not the traffic. Late afternoon gives the best view back over the bay from the pull-offs along the approach road, and considerably fewer coach tours than midday.
Amara's Italy fleet is available on a two-day minimum, with delivery to Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, and the wider Ligurian coast.
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