{"id":9328,"date":"2026-05-11T16:51:42","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T16:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalyachtscharterandbrokerage.com\/yacht-charter\/italy\/portofino\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T14:17:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T14:17:02","slug":"portofino","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/internationalyachtscharterandbrokerage.com\/en\/yacht-charter\/italy\/portofino\/","title":{"rendered":"Portofino"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Yacht Charter Portofino \u2014 Liguria, Santa Margherita and Cinque Terre<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Portofino is Italy’s most photographed village \u2014 and one of the most sought-after yacht charter<\/a> stops in the Western Mediterranean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor, surrounded by colorful facades, its waterfront restaurants, luxury boutiques, and lush Mediterranean vegetation make it a unique destination \u2014 halfway between the French Riviera<\/a> and Sardinia<\/a>. <\/p>

From a superyacht, Portofino reveals a dimension that land-based tourists never see \u2014 the bay viewed from offshore, the colorful facades reflected in the water at sunrise, the coves of the peninsula accessible only by sea. It is one of the rare Mediterranean destinations where a yacht is truly the best way to arrive. <\/p>

International Yachts Charter and Brokerage XXIII<\/strong> offers superyachts available for charter in Italy<\/a> with a stopover in Portofino \u2014 STCW certified crew, full APA estimate within 48 hours.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Portofino \u2014 History and Character<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Portofino is a fishing village that has fascinated artists, writers, and the world’s most influential families since the 19th century. Guy de Maupassant, Friedrich Nietzsche, Rex Harrison \u2014 the list of those who have anchored their boats in this bay is as long as the history of Mediterranean yachting. <\/p>

What makes Portofino unique is not spectacular at first glance \u2014 it is a tiny port, a piazzetta with four restaurants, a yellow church, and colorful facades. But it is precisely this restraint that makes it the most desirable address on the Italian Riviera. Here, luxury is not displayed. It is lived. <\/p>

The village has fewer than 500 permanent residents. In high season, access is regulated \u2014 coaches have been banned for decades, cars are limited. The only truly good way to arrive in Portofino is by sea. <\/p>

Essential Destinations<\/h2>

The Port of Portofino \u2014 The Iconic Stopover<\/h3>

Portofino’s harbor is one of the most photographed in the world \u2014 its yellow, ochre, and pink facades are reflected in calm, clear waters. Superyachts moor at the central quay or anchor in the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure \u2014 a 5-minute tender ride from the village. <\/p>

Access to Portofino harbor is regulated \u2014 units over 40 meters must request prior authorization. Our captain handles these procedures in advance. In high season \u2014 July and August \u2014 berths are in high demand. Early morning arrival or advance booking is essential. <\/p>

From the quay, the village is on foot \u2014 the Piazzetta is two minutes away, the lighthouse path twenty minutes, and the medieval Doria Castle a ten-minute walk up the stairs.<\/p>

Santa Margherita Ligure \u2014 The Ideal Base<\/h3>

Santa Margherita Ligure boasts a modern marina capable of accommodating superyachts up to 60 meters \u2014 without the access constraints of Portofino. It is the natural base for exploring the Gulf of Tigullio \u2014 Portofino is 5 minutes by tender, Rapallo 10 minutes, Camogli 20 minutes. <\/p>

The town itself is worth half a day \u2014 its daily market in the square, its boutiques, its Baroque church of Santa Margherita Vergine, its lively waterfront. The value for money in restaurants here is significantly better than in Portofino, with an Italian clientele that guarantees authenticity. <\/p>

The Cinque Terre \u2014 From the Sea<\/h3>

The Cinque Terre \u2014 Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso \u2014 are UNESCO-listed for their colorful villages clinging to schist cliffs plunging into the sea. The view from a superyacht is the most beautiful way to discover them \u2014 without the crowds of land trails, without the hustle and bustle of ferries, with a perspective that walking tourists can never have. <\/p>

Vernazza and Monterosso have small ports accessible by tender. A stopover in Vernazza \u2014 coffee in the small square facing the sea, swimming from the tender, lunch of pesto and focaccia \u2014 is one of the most authentic experiences in all of Liguria. <\/p>

Practical note:<\/strong> the Cinque Terre are 35 to 45 minutes sailing from Santa Margherita depending on the wind. Our captain knows the periods of calm seas \u2014 early morning in summer \u2014 for a comfortable journey. <\/p>

Camogli and San Fruttuoso \u2014 Liguria’s Secrets<\/h3>

Camogli is a fishing village whose colorful facades rise six or seven stories directly on the seafront \u2014 spectacular architecture inherited from a time when sailors wanted to recognize their homes from offshore. Its church of San Prospero, its still active fishing port, and its authentic atmosphere make it one of Liguria’s most endearing stops. <\/p>

San Fruttuoso is a medieval abbey from the 10th and 11th centuries nestled at the bottom of a cove inaccessible by road \u2014 only by sea or by a two-hour mountain trail. From a superyacht, it is accessible by tender in 20 minutes from Camogli. The beach in front of the abbey, the crystal-clear waters, the silence \u2014 San Fruttuoso is one of the most memorable discoveries of a charter in Liguria. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Gastronomy \u2014 The Best Tables<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Ristorante Puny \u2014 The Legend of Portofino<\/h3>

Ristorante Puny is Portofino’s gastronomic institution \u2014 a family-run restaurant on the Piazzetta, managed by the same family since 1953. Trofie al pesto genovese, fresh catch of the day, homemade Ligurian focaccia \u2014 the cuisine is simple, precise, and impeccable. Reservations are mandatory several weeks in advance during high season. Our team handles reservations for our charter clients. <\/p>

Il Pitosforo \u2014 Port View<\/h3>

Il Pitosforo is positioned directly on the harbor \u2014 terrace with views of moored yachts, high-quality seafood cuisine, attentive service. It is the ideal address for an evening dinner overlooking the illuminated port. <\/p>

Da Puny \u2014 Ligurian Tradition<\/h3>

Da Puny completes the gastronomic scene of the Piazzetta \u2014 authentic Ligurian cuisine, generous portions, relaxed atmosphere. The seafood linguine and fritto misto are two must-try dishes. <\/p>

Trattoria Concordia \u2014 The Locals’ Secret<\/h3>

Trattoria Concordia is the place locals in Santa Margherita go when they want authentic Ligurian cuisine without paying Portofino prices\u2014homemade pesto, Recco focaccia (the real thing, with cheese inside), and fish from the morning market.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Activities and Excursions<\/h2>

Diving and Snorkeling<\/h3>

The Portofino marine reserve covers the entire peninsula \u2014 its seabed is among the best preserved in the Ligurian Mediterranean. Red gorgonians, groupers, nudibranchs \u2014 the underwater biodiversity is exceptional. Our crew can accompany passengers snorkeling from the tender. For scuba diving \u2014 our captain knows certified local centers. <\/p>

The Lighthouse Path \u2014 30-Minute Hike<\/h3>

From Portofino harbor, a path runs along the peninsula to the Capo lighthouse \u2014 a 30-minute walk, with 360\u00b0 views of the Gulf of Tigullio, the Cinque Terre on clear days, and Corsica on exceptional days. A one-hour round trip for a view that alone justifies the stopover. <\/p>

Visit to Doria Castle<\/h3>

Doria Castle has overlooked Portofino since the 14th century \u2014 accessible from the village via a 15-minute climb up stairs. Its terraces offer the best view of the harbor and the bay. Open seasonally \u2014 free or paid entry depending on temporary exhibitions. <\/p>

Excursion to Genoa<\/h3>

Genoa \u2014 capital of Liguria and former Maritime Republic \u2014 is 30 kilometers from Santa Margherita. Its UNESCO-listed old town contains Italy’s most beautiful Baroque palaces \u2014 the Palazzi dei Rolli, residences of Genoese patrician families. The old port of Genoa, redeveloped by Renzo Piano, and the Aquarium \u2014 the largest in Europe \u2014 are worth a full day from the Santa Margherita base. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Portofino as a Transit Stop<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Portofino is ideally positioned on the major Mediterranean routes \u2014 neither too far north to be diverted from the French Riviera, nor too far south to extend transit to Sardinia.<\/p>

French Riviera<\/a> \u2192 Portofino<\/strong> Monaco<\/a> \u2192 Portofino in 5 hours with ASCENSION<\/a> at 25 knots. The perfect stopover before heading south to Sardinia<\/a>. Cannes<\/a> \u2192 Portofino in 6 hours. <\/p>

Portofino \u2192 Sardinia<\/a><\/strong> Overnight transit of 15 hours \u2014 departure from Santa Margherita in the late afternoon, arrival in Porto Cervo the next morning. RILASSATA<\/a> with its 4,000 NM range handles this transit without a fuel stop.<\/p>

Portofino \u2192 Capri<\/a> and Amalfi Coast<\/a><\/strong> Sailing down the Tuscan and Roman coast \u2014 Elba, Giglio, Ponza \u2014 before arriving in Capri. A 4 to 5-day itinerary that covers all the coastal heritage of central Italy. <\/p>

Portofino \u2192 Balearics<\/a><\/strong> Via the French Riviera \u2014 Portofino \u2192 Ibiza<\/a> in 22 hours with ASCENSION<\/a>. The Italy \u2192 Balearics itinerary in one navigation. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Our Fleet in Portofino<\/h2>
Yacht<\/th>LOA<\/th>Draft<\/th>Highlights<\/th>Low Season Rate<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
ABELY<\/a><\/td>33 m<\/td>2.00 m<\/td>Unrestricted Portofino port access<\/td>\u20ac38,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
RAY<\/a><\/td>32 m<\/td>2.71 m<\/td>Explorer, Cinque Terre accessible<\/td>\u20ac90,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
ASCENSION<\/a><\/td>37 m<\/td>2.50 m<\/td>Monaco \u2192 Portofino in 5h<\/td>\u20ac100,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
ANNAMIA<\/a><\/td>43 m<\/td>3.00 m<\/td>12 passengers, prestige, Santa Margherita<\/td>\u20ac120,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
RILASSATA<\/a><\/td>49.8 m<\/td>2.25 m<\/td>4,000 NM range, Sardinia transit<\/td>\u20ac210,000\/week<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

View our entire fleet \u2192<\/a><\/p>

Portofino Yacht Charter Rates 2026<\/h2>
Category<\/th>LOA<\/th>Low Season<\/th>High Season<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Motor Yacht<\/td>20-25 m<\/td>\u20ac10,000 \u2013 \u20ac22,000\/week<\/td>\u20ac18,000 \u2013 \u20ac38,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
Motor Yacht<\/td>25-35 m<\/td>\u20ac22,000 \u2013 \u20ac60,000\/week<\/td>\u20ac40,000 \u2013 \u20ac90,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
Superyacht<\/td>35-45 m<\/td>\u20ac55,000 \u2013 \u20ac120,000\/week<\/td>\u20ac90,000 \u2013 \u20ac200,000\/week<\/td><\/tr>
Mega Yacht<\/td>45-55 m<\/td>\u20ac110,000 \u2013 \u20ac230,000\/week<\/td>\u20ac190,000 \u2013 \u20ac385,000\/week<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

Estimated APA:<\/strong> 25 to 28% of the base rate \u2014 port fees in Portofino and Santa Margherita are moderate compared to the French Riviera.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Best Periods<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

May and June<\/strong> \u2014 the absolute recommendation for Portofino. The vegetation is lush, the light is exceptional, the port is calm, and restaurants are available. Water temperature 18-20\u00b0C \u2014 perfect for snorkeling in the marine reserve. Low season rates. <\/p>

July-August<\/strong> \u2014 high season. Portofino is livelier but retains its elegance. Berths are in high demand \u2014 early morning arrival is mandatory. The Cinque Terre are crowded during the day \u2014 prioritize early morning visits from the tender. <\/p>

September<\/strong> \u2014 the connoisseur’s choice. Water still at 24\u00b0C, summer crowds gone, restaurants available, magnificent autumnal light on the colorful facades. The marine reserve anchorages are free. Mid-season rates. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
Can superyachts over 40 meters access Portofino? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Direct access to Portofino harbor is limited to units under 40 meters. For larger units \u2014 RILASSATA (49.8 m) and ANNAMIA (43 m) \u2014 anchoring is done in the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure, a 5-minute tender ride from the village. Our captain manages all logistics. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
What is the best season for a Portofino charter? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

May and June offer the best value for money \u2014 exceptional light, fewer crowds, low season rates, marine reserve at its best. September is the second recommendation for the same reasons. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
Can Portofino and the Cinque Terre be combined in one week? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Absolutely \u2014 it is one of our most requested itineraries. Santa Margherita as a base, daily tender excursions to Portofino, the Cinque Terre, Camogli, and San Fruttuoso. A full week without rushing. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
What are the anchoring regulations in the Portofino reserve? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Portofino marine reserve is divided into zones A, B, and C with different regulations. Anchoring is prohibited in the most protected areas \u2014 mooring buoys are available. Our captain knows the authorized zones precisely and manages all logistics. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t