Portofino

The road to Portofino will forever remain etched in my memory. It winds along the mountainside, and at its highest point is more than 600 meters above sea level. It has numerous curves with mirrors to allow the drivers to see the oncoming traffic. It is a frightening trip, even in the hands of an experienced bus driver, but the view is magnificent. Every curve reveals a new panorama of sea, flowers, shrubs, and rocky cliffs.

Once you arrive in Portofino, you know that you are in the most well-known place in the Italian Riviera. And yet it is a small village of less 1000 inhabitants.

Portofino is built around a small natural port; it is in the Liguria region, in the north-west of Italy. It is located east of Genoa, in an area known as “Riviera di Levante.”

Portofino, according to the Latin Historian, Pliny the Elder, was founded by the Romans, who called it “Portus Delphini” (Port of the Dolphin) due to the many dolphins living in the Bay.

It is difficult to decide where its magic lies. Is it its brightly painted houses; its pure, dark emerald green sea; its vegetation that hangs from the hills and touch the sea; or the natural light show offered by the sunlight when it plays with the sea?

The small promontory of Portofino has the highest concentration of flora in the Mediterranean, and some of the most famous seascapes in the world. It includes a large variety of species. It is a complex ecosystem benefiting from many favorable conditions.

The “Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino” comprises the promontory that overlooks the Tigullio Gulf, on the top of which is “Monte Portofino” on whose summit you will find the small settlements of “Portofino Vetta” and “Rutta.” Walking through the park is a delightful experience for its beauty and its well- marked hiking trails and foot paths.

On the top the views are breathtaking: You can see the two bays around the promontory, from the Bay of Tigullio to Sestri Levanti, from Paradise Bay to the island of Bergeggi and, in the distance, is Corsica, one of the largest island in the Mediterranean.

This promontory has been protected since 1935. Actually, all of Portofino has been well protected; for despite the numerous tourists it attracts, its natural heritage has remained largely intact.

In summary, Portofino is the Jewel in the Italian Riviera Crown.

Many North American retirees would consider the whole Italian Riviera a welcome change from their traditional wintering spots. Keep in mind that the French Riviera is not that far away; thus you could kill two birds with one stone. Costs are reasonable in winter; but a word of warning, the nights are cool, and you may not find the heating sufficient. (Of course, always do your homework to determine what is adequate for you).

Packages (planes and hotels) are not difficult to find. Check with your travel agent. You can thank me later!

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