Is Portofino Good for Kids? A Parent’s Insight

Is Portofino good for kids?” 

I asked myself this exact question before exploring this Italian Riviera city with my energetic 5-year-old and curious two-year-old in tow. 

Let’s face it: any place can look like a slice of heaven in photos, but the real question is, can it handle the whirlwind energy of our kiddos? 

While the Italian Riviera with kids is heavenly, how does Portofino stack up to other cities in the region?

So, if you’re sitting there, wondering whether to add Portofino to your family’s travel bucket list, read on.

In this post, I will give you the good, the bad, and the ugly on what works and what doesn’t for a family vacation in this famed spot so you can start planning.

Pros of Visiting Portofino with Kids

1. Natural Beauty

Imagine houses painted in every color of the rainbow, surrounded by green hills and the bluest sea you’ve ever seen. 

This is my number one reason for visiting Portofino.  

You won’t find a prettier scenery.

• Colorful Houses
  • Walking through Portofino, you can’t help but feel happy.  The colorful buildings and greenery are so bright and cheerful.  They make a pretty awesome backdrop for family photos.

• Boating and Cliffs
  • One of the coolest things we did? Hopping on a boat and cruising along the water. With the cliffs towering beside us and the open water ahead, the kids loved it.  It’s so peaceful out on the water, and seeing Portofino from this angle is something you won’t forget.

2. Outdoor Activities

My family found that Portofino was a great place to explore nature. 

Its location in the Italian Riviera provides the opportunity for nature walks and lazy beach days. 

• Hit the Trails
  • The hiking trails around here are perfect for families. They’re easy enough for the little ones but still pack a punch with some cool sights along the way. And the best part? The ‘wow’ moment is when you reach a lookout point and see the sea and the town spread out below you.

• Beach Days
  • There’s nothing like a day at the beach to make everyone happy, right? The beaches in Portofino are pretty special. They’re small and can get crowded but the surrounding cliffs and the clear water made the perfect location to spend an afternoon.

3. The Food:

While many of the restaurants have tourist price tags, my family found the food in Portofino delicious. 

My picky eaters were always able to find a dish they enjoyed in Portofino. 

• Local Cuisine
  • Don’t miss out on trying the local pesto; it’s a Ligurian specialty that’ll have you asking for seconds. And for the little ones? There’s always a variety of pasta dishes that are sure to be a hit.  Personally, I loved the fresh seafood. 

• Sweet Treats
  • Finding a gelato shop and letting everyone pick their favorite flavor can be a fun family treat during your stay in Portofino.  I know gelato isn’t specific to just Portofino, but there was something so fun about grabbing a cup of the famous frozen treat and sitting by the harbor to enjoy it with my little ones. 

Cons of Going to Portofino with Kids

1. Crowds and Accessibility in Portofino

Portofino is beautiful, but like all beautiful things, it tends to attract a crowd. 

While it’s all part of the lively atmosphere, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re exploring this picturesque spot with your little ones.

• The Crowds
  • With kids, navigating through the crowds can be a bit like herding cats. It’s doable, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t get swept up in the sea of people, especially on days when there are cruise ships at the port. 

• Stroller Struggles
  • If you’re traveling with tiny tots, you might be bringing a stroller along. While Portofino’s streets are charming, they can also be narrow, crowded, and steep, making it a bit of a challenge to maneuver with a stroller. Plus, the main square has those picturesque but pesky cobblestones that are not exactly stroller-friendly.

• Getting There and Getting Around
  • Portofino’s popularity means it’s not always a walk in the park to get in and out, especially during peak times. Whether you’re driving and trying to find parking or hopping on a bus, be prepared for a bit of a wait. Once you’re there, the town is pretty compact, so walking is the best way to see everything. 

2. Expensive

There’s no denying that this slice of Italian Riviera luxury comes with a price tag to match, especially for families.

• High-End Hotels
  • Accommodations in Portofino are often as stunning as the views they offer. But this level of luxury can mean nightly rates that might make your eyes water, especially when you’re booking for a whole family. 

• Gourmet Prices for Dining Out
  • The food is incredible, with fresh seafood, perfect pasta, and that legendary Ligurian pesto. But these often come with a bill that reflects the prime location, making every meal feel like a special (and pricey) occasion.

Alternative Places to Stay Near Portofino for Families

While the allure of Portofino, Italy, is undeniable, the crowds and costs might not be every family’s cup of tea. 

Luckily, the Italian Riviera is dotted with other family-friendly alternatives that offer a more relaxed vibe and friendlier prices for families. Here’s a closer look:

• Santa Margherita Ligure
  • How far? Just about 3 miles away, a quick 10-minute drive or a fun ferry ride.
  • Why it’s awesome for families: It’s got great beaches where you can chill, it’s not as packed, and finding a place to stay is easier on your budget. Plus, it’s still close enough to pop over to Portofino for a visit.

• Rapallo
  • How far? Around 6 miles away, about a 20-minute drive.
  • Why it’s awesome for families: Rapallo has so much to offer from its lively promenade, medieval castle by the sea and a fun cable car. It’s easier on the wallet and offers more kid-friendly activities that to keep the whole family entertained.

• Genoa
  • How far? It’s a bit further, about 22 miles away, so around a 45-minute drive.
  • Why it’s awesome for families: Genoa is an exciting city with tons of history and awesome things to see, like a huge aquarium that kids go nuts for. Bonus: you can find places to stay that are good for families and not too pricey.

Is Portofino Good for Kids? Here’s My Take…

Thinking about taking your family to Portofino and wondering if it’s a good idea? Well, from my experience, it’s kind of a mixed bag.

• With a Baby? Maybe: If you’ve got a little one, Portofino could work out. Little ones don’t need much more than a cozy corner and some basic baby gear, which means you don’t have to worry too much about space. Plus, strolling through the picturesque streets can be pretty relaxing, and the scenic beauty is always a win for those family photos. 

• With Older Kids? Not So Much: Now, if your kids are a bit older, it’s a different story. For my family, Portofino didn’t really hit the mark. The main reasons are the high costs and not having enough things to do in Portofino.  Plus, it gets really crowded, and there’s not much space for kids to run around and play. 

That said, I’d still say it’s worth checking out for a half day or as a day trip from one of the nearby cities. 

That way, you get to see the beauty of Portofino without the hassle of trying to make it a full-on family vacation spot.

Final Thoughts: 

While Portofino’s beauty is undeniable, its suitability for kids really depends on what your family is looking for. 

For the tiny tots, the pretty views and easy strolls might be just the ticket. 

But if your kids are like mine, always on the move and looking for space to sprint and explore, Portofino might not feel as family-friendly. 

Every family’s travel style is different, and while Portofino wasn’t the perfect fit for our active little ones, it could be the perfect Italian escape you’re looking for!

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