Portofino

Portofino, ITALY

Located southwest of Genoa on the Italian Riviera, Portofino has been the preferred holiday spot for the world's wealthiest since the first elegant villas and hotels were developed in this small fishing village in the early 20th century. In 1935, Portofino was declared a national monument, ensuring its continued success as an elite vacation destination by preserving the historic architecture and the lovely surrounding landscape.

The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning. Here you'll find some very attractive walking paths through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, walk from the Piazzetta (the central town square) up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you can walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.

You'll find the surrounding towns are often just as picturesque (and often less crowded). Northwest of Portofino is the small fishing village of San Fruttuoso, which features a Benedictine abbey from the 13th century, a 10th century church and beautiful vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. On a calm day you can take a boat trip into the harbor to try and spot the 9-foot tall bronze statue of Christ of the Abysses, the protector of divers, which stands 50 feet under water. Santa Margherita Ligure is another popular destination defined by its elegance. A building that sums up this graceful charm is the Baroque style Villa Durazzo Centurione, which dates to the 16th century. You'll also find a nearby 15th century castle, a palm lined promenade and the Riviera's hallmark pastel colored houses, chic cafÃÂÃÂ©s and fashionable boutiques.