Are you planning your holidays in Portofino and are looking for more budget-friendly accommodation options than the 5-star hotels that characterize the most famous village in Italy
In this post, I will tell you about the best bed and breakfasts in Portofino; we will discover the nearest accommodation together which will allow you to visit the marina without spending a fortune.
B&B Portofino: the best cheap B&Bs in and around Portofino
Portofino, a name known throughout the world, synonymous with natural beauty and elegance and, since the nineteenth century, one of the most exclusive destinations in the world.
It is one of the most symbolic places in the Mediterranean, which is always associated with the idea of an unforgettable holiday in peoples’ minds.
Guy de Maupassant described it as “a small village that spreads like a moonbow around this calm basin“.
His description gives us a wonderfully peaceful and quiet depiction of the place (if you avoid the period of mid-August and weekends though!)
This ancient and evocative small fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera, surrounded by the greenery of the Regional Nature Park and the protected marine reserve, overlooks a crystal-clear sea of unique beauty.
The heart of the village, which is built around a bay, is its famous plaza, surrounded by typical Ligurian houses, high and colourful with bright colours that dominate the small port.
The colours of the houses are reflected in the water, together with the colours of the sky and of the surrounding nature, in the quiet sea that welcomes the ferries that arrive and depart and hosts the luxurious yachts that stop there, all in perfect harmony.
The port and the plaza look like the set of a film, perfect yet natural: enchanting.
Portofino is also famous for being a place frequented by prominent personalities from the world of entertainment, politics and finance, both Italian and international.
The “piazzetta”, the meeting point of the international jet set, is undoubtedly the symbol of Portofino, while the small port bears witness to the great maritime tradition of this village, which is still alive.
I suggest you reach Portofino by sea to start enjoying the idea of a trip and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place – travelling with the ferries that depart regularly from Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure, as well as from Camogli and Genoa.
Portofino, as famous as it is, is undoubtedly an expensive tourist resort, but in this article I will recommend some B&Bs to you, as well as some hotels and apartments, all of which would allow you to save a little money, yet have the opportunity to discover this enchanted place.
Where to sleep near Portofino to save money?
Portofino may be the end destination, but you can sleep in nearby and equally beautiful places, and then move during the day to the village of dolphins, as the inhabitants were called by the Greeks and Romans, for their skill in navigation.
Around Portofino, there are other small villages such as Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo.
Small gems along the coast where you can stay and from where you can travel around the whole area: along the steep streets, the perched villages and narrow rocky beaches that make Liguria one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.
Among other things, the scenic road between Camogli – Santa Margherita Ligure – Paraggi and Portofino is simply spectacular and is a tourist attraction itself.
Even in Camogli, you can admire tall palaces of a thousand colours, visit the interesting Marine Museum, the Garibaldi Promenade and the church of Santa Maria Assunta.
The Abbey of San Fruttuoso is undoubtedly a famous landmark, in front of which, in the waters of the sea, there is the statue of Christ of the Abyss, the protector of divers. Many actors and directors, as well as big names in finance, are more at home in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Here the seafront is a succession of restaurants and hotels, while further inland there are the characteristic trompe-l’oeil frescoed houses.
Here is a nice piece of information: here you can find a unique hotel because from its terrace Guglielmo Marconi was able to transmit, for the first time in the world, radiotelephone signals (in 1933).
Finally, Rapallo is famous for the art of embroidery, especially the lace made with pillow lace.
Bed and breakfast Portofino Italy
We start with the assumption that staying in Portofino is very expensive, especially if you opt for a hotel.
For this reason, in addition to some cheaper hotels, below I have recommended a B&B in Portofino to book as soon as possible for your stay.
Otherwise, my suggestion is to choose a solution not far from the city centre or to opt for a small apartment (later you will find the paragraph about the apartments on Airbnb).
B&B Tre Mari Portofino -nestled in nature-
In Portofino, I have only one B&B to recommend, but considering the price and location, you won’t need any more.
This is the B&B TRE MARI, and you can book it through the website booking.com.
It is perhaps the most comfortable B&B you can find for your stay.
It is located in Via del Fondaco, 1 in the centre of Portofino.
The costs are low: ranging from €35 to €90 per night per person, depending on the tourist season.
It is a very charming accommodation (rustic with typical Ligurian colours) as well as comfortable because it is right in the city.
In fact, it is located on the promontory of Portofino, near the city and is surrounded by greenery.
It can be reached on foot from the centre of the village, thanks to a characteristic staircase that climbs into the green.
All rooms offer a view of the plaza and the terrace overlooking the village will give you a truly exciting experience during the tasting of an aperitif overlooking the sea.
Breakfast is included, there is also the use of the internet and in my opinion, is the ideal choice for a romantic getaway.
- Address: Via del Fondaco, 1, 16034 Portofino GE
- Phone: +39 0185 1636552
- Prices: from €119
- Distance from Portofino: 50 m
Trekking in Paradise
Among the best cheap Portofino B&Bs, I cannot fail to mention Trekking in Paradise.
The property is nestled in beautiful nature, in a paradisiacal corner with a direct view of Paraggi Bay. It can be reached exclusively on foot, after walking up a few steps.
The owner, Enzo, is an exceptional person, always helpful and attentive to every need and will really make you feel at home.
Among the different rooms available, there are some with two large windows overlooking the bay, from which you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view.
The rooftop terrace is simply enchanting, perfect for a romantic dinner or just to relax and admire the spectacle of the sea. The value for money is really great!
If you are looking for a place where you can completely retreat from the crowds, without having to give up any comforts; if you want to rest, breathe and indulge your eyes with distant views, surrounded by the beauty of nature and if you like walking, then this is the perfect place for you.
- Address: Locality Costa Mezzana di Paraggi, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure
- Tel: +39 347 574 5769
- Prices: from €109
- Distance from Portofino center: 1.1km
Airbnb and holiday apartments in Portofino Italy
Finally, another possible solution is to rent an apartment through the site of Airbnb and enjoy a more homely and independent arrangement.
My advice here is Margaret’s apartment.
The location is very convenient because it is located right in the ancient heart of Portofino, so you can walk around the village with great comfort and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the place.
There is a car park only 50 metres from the accommodation.
This is a very comfortable and romantic apartment, the main feature of which is the spectacular view of the plaza.
The accommodation is ideal for two people, but there is the possibility to accommodate a third person.
On the Airbnb website, you will find it listed as: “Romantic apartment with sea view! 010044-LT-0029”.
During the summer period, the price is around €127 per night.
The apartment is located on the first floor and is accessed via a small ramp because it does not have an elevator.
It consists of an open space, with a double sofa bed and the possibility of using a pouf, which if necessary, turns into a third single bed.
The kitchen is open-plan and is equipped with everything you need to cook and feel at home, the private bathroom has a shower, the Wi-Fi is included and overall this studio is very bright, with one of the two windows overlooking the sea.
From this strategic position you can reach all the local attractions:
- the Brown Castle
- the Church of San Giorgio
- the walk to reach the lighthouse
- as well as the “simple” but unique walks where, at every corner, the view is spectacular, as the paths overlook the sea and the mountain of Portofino.
Just below the building, all the ferries leave to reach nearby towns, such as San Fruttuoso, Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Finally, the owner, Margherita, lives in Portofino herself and is always available for every need and kind in giving tourist advice. In my opinion, it is a perfect starting point for an unforgettable holiday in Portofino.
Cheap hotels in Portofino
Let’s start with the hotels. I have found three that are really beautiful, but not excessively expensive.
Hotel Nazionale (3 stars)
This hotel has something special as it is located right on the port of Portofino and therefore offers a wonderful view given its location. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the service is excellent (including free wireless internet access), and the staff is trained and helpful.
- Address: Vico Dritto, 3 Portofino.
- Average price per night: €236
- I recommend it because: certainly for the unique location, the spectacular view and the romance of the place.
Eden Hotel Portofino
Just 100 metres from the harbour, this hotel is also located in the heart of Portofino. It is a family-run hotel with friendly staff who are willing to give tourist information. It has a small charming garden, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout the space. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature rustic-style décor and parquet floors.
- Address: Via Dritto, 20 Portofino
- Average price per night: €202
- I recommend it because: For the location, the very kind owner, the great breakfast served in the garden (great coffee), and the atmosphere, in addition to being very romantic (as well as comfortable, because of its proximity to the plaza).
Hotel Piccolo Portofino
This hotel is located on a hill on the seafront of Portofino, just 400 metres from the centre and is a historic villa with elegant design interiors and has a private rocky beach. The rooms are all very well furnished, and some have a balcony, others overlook the sea. Free Wi-Fi is available. The staff are friendly and helpful.
- Address: via Duca degli Abruzzi 31 Portofino
- Average price per night: €368
- I recommend it because: for the location; the sea view from the terraces of the hotel will make your holiday unforgettable.
B&B in Camogli
Camogli, a picturesque fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante, is a perfect place to stay and commute from to Portofino.
B&B Le Colline
This B&B is located on the hill above Camogli and is a small accommodation, surrounded by greenery.
From the windows and the garden, in the shade of the clementine trees from which it gets its name, the sea view ranges from the Portofino Promontory to the entire Gulf of Genoa.
The double bedroom with a private bathroom has a nice exclusive terrace where you can enjoy the view of the sunset over the sea or watch the starry sky in the evening.
- Price: from €119 per room 2 guests
- Distance from Portofino: 14 km
Stella Marina
Stella Marina is a guesthouse located in the centre of Camogli, in the area of “Castellaro“.
The location of Stella Marina is convenient if you wish to travel to Portofino, but also to spend a day here and go to the beach of Camogli or visit the Natural Park of Monte di Portofino.
Breakfast is included, and you can have it directly in your room.
The main feature of this option is the possibility to live truly immersed in nature and its colours.
- Price: from €93 per room 2 guests
- Distance from Portofino: 15 km
Un balcone tra il cielo e il mare
Il balcone di Giulietta is an apartment in a central area, a few steps from everything: the port, the historic centre, the promenade and the beach.
The apartment is on the sixth floor with an elevator and consists of a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room with a sofa bed.
The Wi-Fi is included, but the most interesting element is the balcony overlooking the Gulf of Paradise.
- Price: from €100 per room 2 guests
- Distance from Portofino: 15.9 km
B&Bs in Rapallo
We move to Rapallo, a city just as famous as Portofino, and a great place to stay while holidaying on the Ligurian coast.
Villa Mares
Villa Mares is a villa in the port area, overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, which offers an incredible view thanks to its panoramic position.
There are two rooms, both with an independent entrance, accessible from the garden of the villa.
Breakfast is included, and there is also private parking, very useful in summer.
Please note that this property does not accept children under 14 years of age.
- Price per night €160
- Distance from Portofino: 8 km
Frisenda
This accommodation is truly unique, in fact, the poet William Butler Yeats lived here from 1928 to 1930, and this historical fact certainly enriches the charm of the stay.
There are two large rooms, both with private bathrooms, parquet floors, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Here, too, the panoramic view of the Gulf is a great attraction.
Breakfast is included and is consumed in the common area.
- Price per night: €100
- Distance from Portofino: 7.6 km
B&B Portofino Maison
This B&B is located in Via Aurelia Ponente, 14.
It has large rooms with private bathrooms.
They are tastefully furnished, with a Jacuzzi and air conditioning.
The breakfast included is excellent and abundant and in summer is served outdoors in the garden.
I recommend this B&B for the reception: the owners are very kind and helpful, and you will feel at home (yet in a special place).
- Price per night: from €93
- Distance from Portofino: 7.9 km
B&Bs in Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is a small town on the coast, great for accommodation, leaving your car and taking the ferry to reach Portofino.
A piece of gastronomic advice: don’t miss the local focaccia!
B&B Il Timone
This property is also in an ideal location: Via Jacopo Ruffini, 50 metres from the port, 15 minutes’ walk from the nature reserve of Portofino and a short walk from the sea.
All this far from the chaos that comes with the summer season.
The rooms are all air-conditioned with private bathroom.
The whole accommodation is equipped with free Wi-Fi and there is the possibility of parking at 50 metres from the B & B.
- Price: €113 per night
- Distance from Portofino: 4.4 km
B&B L’Ora BLU
This B&B is very nice and well-kept, is located in Corso Elia Rainusso, 500 metres from the beach and the centre of Santa Margherita.
The rooms have a private bathroom; some have a view of the garden.
The common areas are the kitchen, where you can have breakfast included (I recommend the delicious jams!) and the living room. The Wi-Fi is free of charge.
- Price: €123 per night
- Distance from Portofino: 5.3 km
PlanSea B&B
This property is also located a few metres from the beach, in a great location, quiet and central.
The rooms, all with private bathrooms, are all air-conditioned.
The property also has outdoor furniture.
The welcome is great, and the breakfast (which you pay for separately at a cost of €5 per person) is good and varied.
- Price: from €128 per night
- Distance from Portofino: 5.3 km
Bed and Bike Portofino
A really nice idea to visit Portofino is to book at a Bed&Bike: a place to sleep and have a bike available to go around every corner of this paradise comfortably and slowly (without worrying about parking problems during the summer!).
In Portofino there are no specific “Bed & Bike” accommodations but given the quiet and calm lifestyle of the place, you can easily ask the accommodation where you choose to stay if they have bicycles available to give you on loan for your stay.
This is because Portofino is an ideal place to visit on foot or by bicycle, to enjoy every corner at a calm and slow pace.
An excellent “Bed&Bike” near Portofino that I can recommend is located in Zoagli, about half an hour drive from Portofino.
You may choose to stay here and then move around by bike. Here is some useful information:
- This B&B is located in Zoagli, 13 km from Portofino.
- The address is Via Liggia 19F.
- Its characteristic is precisely that of offering bicycles for hire to explore the surroundings independently.
- It has a beautiful sun terrace, free Wi-Fi and boasts a wonderful view of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.
- The rooms with private bathroom are very specific, full of wooden details that will truly give you the sensation of being in a house by the sea.
- It is worth mentioning the excellent breakfast with buns and hot croissants, freshly baked.
If you are staying in accommodation that does not have bicycles to use during your stay, you can contact shops that rent them in the city.
The two places where I can advise you to do so are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli.
Santa Margherita Ligure is equipped with the bike-sharing service Portofino Park & Bike which provides bicycles and covers the municipalities of Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, with the possibility of reaching Portofino by bike and use a dedicated bike parking lot there, in Piazza della Libertà.
I highly recommend you use this service to make your holiday more pleasant on a human scale.
By leaving your car at your chosen accommodation, you can move with your bike in complete freedom.
You will discover the beauty of Portofino and the stretch of coast that includes it in the most pleasant way: cycling along the small and narrow streets, enjoying the pleasure of stopping whenever and wherever you want, without facing the inevitable queues of cars in summer.
You can find bicycles 24 hours a day at
Santa Margherita Ligure, in:
Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Calata del Porto – Piazza G. Mazzini – Piazza San Siro – Stazione Ferroviaria, Via Trieste
and at Camogli, in:
Largo Tristan da Cunha – San Rocco, Parking in Via Molfino
To use this service, you must have a membership card (weekly or daily, whichever you prefer) available at six points of sale located in the municipalities of Santa Margherita and Camogli.
I’ll also include the rates below to give you an idea of the cost:
- Daily ticket with 4 hours of bike included: 8,00 Euro
- Two-day subscription with 8 hours of bike included: 12,00 Euro
- 7-day subscription with 4 hours of bike included per day: 20,00 Euro
- Subsequent hours (as prior agreed): 1,00 Euro
- Personal insurance: 5,00 Euro
Conclusion
In conclusion, Portofino is a destination to visit once in a lifetime for its uniqueness and extraordinary beauty.
I hope I have intrigued you and that you can spend an unforgettable holiday in this piece of Liguria overlooking the sea, where the mountains reach the beach, and where you can find this village of colourful houses, set in a breath-taking landscape.
If you need more information, leave a comment below or read the article about the best hotels in Portofino.
Happy holidays,
Andrea
