Family Adventure in the Scenic Cinque Terre

Portofino's Embrace: A Day of Discovery

Today was a day of pure Italian magic! Leaving the familiar comfort of Cinque Terre for a day trip to Portofino felt like stepping into a postcard. The air was crisp, a typical January day on the Italian Riviera, but the sun shone brightly, promising a day filled with beauty and delightful experiences. I was excited to explore this iconic destination with my family, and Portofino certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Il Casello. It was a charming little spot, and the pastries were absolutely divine. Sophie, of course, opted for a pain au chocolat, a little piece of home in Italy, while Jean-Pierre enjoyed a strong espresso to kickstart his day. I savored a cappuccino, watching the town slowly wake up. It was the perfect way to prepare for a day of exploration. We even chatted with a couple of locals who recommended we visit Castello Brown for the views; they said it was a must-see, especially on a clear day like today.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we hopped on the train and made our way to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we caught a ferry to Portofino. The boat ride itself was a treat, offering stunning views of the coastline. The colorful buildings clinging to the hillsides looked like a painter's palette, and the gentle sea breeze was invigorating. Sophie was especially thrilled, pointing out every boat and seagull we passed.

As we approached Portofino, the harbor opened up before us, revealing a scene of unparalleled beauty. The quaint harbor, lined with luxury yachts and colorful houses, was even more picturesque than I had imagined. The water shimmered in the sunlight, and the air was filled with a sense of tranquility and elegance.

The beauty of Portofino is not just in its scenery, but in the way it captures the heart and imagination.

Our first stop was Castello Brown, a historic castle perched high above the harbor. The walk up was a bit steep, but the views along the way were worth every step. The path wound through lush Mediterranean gardens, filled with fragrant flowers and ancient olive trees. When we finally reached the castle, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Portofino and the surrounding coastline. The castle itself was fascinating, with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was once a military stronghold, later transformed into a private residence by an English consul, Montague Yeats Brown, in the 19th century. Wandering through its rooms, I could almost hear the echoes of the past.


Explore the historic Castello Brown in Portofino, where stunning views and rich history come together to create an unforgettable experience.

Sophie was particularly captivated by the cannons on the ramparts, imagining herself as a princess defending her castle. Jean-Pierre, ever the history buff, was engrossed in reading about the castle's past. I simply stood there, soaking in the breathtaking views and capturing photos to remember this special moment. It was interesting to learn that the castle’s origins trace back to the 3rd century AD when it was a Roman watchtower. Over the centuries, it was renovated and expanded, with notable contributions from figures like Giovanni Maria Olgiati and even Napoleon Bonaparte. It eventually became the property of Sir Montague Yeats Brown, the English consul in Genoa, who transformed it into the villa we see today. Since 1961, it has been owned by the Municipality of Portofino and used for cultural and museum exhibitions. The blend of history and stunning views made it a highlight of our day.

After exploring Castello Brown, we made our way back down to the harbor for lunch at Trattoria Via dell'Amore. Despite the name suggesting romance, it was a wonderfully family-friendly place with delicious food. We shared a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood pasta and pesto Genovese. Sophie, surprisingly, devoured a plate of anchovies, declaring them her new favorite food. It's moments like these, experiencing new flavors and sharing them with my family, that make traveling so rewarding.

With our appetites satisfied, we strolled along the harbor, admiring the luxurious yachts and soaking in the atmosphere. Portofino is known for its high-end boutiques and designer shops, but we resisted the urge to splurge, opting instead for a gelato from a local gelateria. As we enjoyed our gelato, we watched the world go by, observing the stylish locals and the international tourists who had come to experience the charm of Portofino. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with my family.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to indulge in a little aperitivo at Vertical Lounge Bar. This bar offered stunning views of the harbor, and the cocktails were expertly crafted. Jean-Pierre and I enjoyed a couple of Aperol spritzes, while Sophie sipped on a refreshing lemonade. We toasted to our wonderful day in Portofino, feeling relaxed and content.


Discover the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere of Vertical Lounge Bar in Riomaggiore, your perfect coastal escape.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the harbor. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. As we boarded the ferry back to Santa Margherita Ligure, we watched as Portofino faded into the distance, its colorful houses twinkling like stars.

Back at our cozy hotel in Monterosso al Mare, we recounted our favorite moments from the day. Sophie declared Castello Brown her favorite, while Jean-Pierre was most impressed by the harbor views. For me, it was the overall experience – the beauty of the scenery, the delicious food, and the joy of sharing it all with my family.


Experience the charm of Monterosso al Mare at Hotel Souvenir, your budget-friendly haven with comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our Cinque Terre adventure. We plan to dedicate it to exploring the Cinque Terre National Park, particularly the Ente Parco Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre. A final breakfast at La Cantina Di Miky is on the cards, before we head out for a day of hiking and immersion in nature. Lunch will be a casual affair at Il Gattaccio - Acciugheria & Street Food, and we'll celebrate our final evening with dinner at Ristorante L'Ancora della Tortuga. Before we leave, I plan to pick up a few souvenirs from Fabbrica D'Arte Monterosso to remember this wonderful trip. It's bittersweet to think that our adventure is coming to an end, but I know that we'll cherish the memories we've made in Cinque Terre for years to come.

As I reflect on our time here, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be able to share these experiences with my family. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about creating lasting memories and strengthening the bonds that connect us. And as we prepare to return to Lyon, I know that we'll carry a little piece of Cinque Terre with us in our hearts.

Goodnight from Cinque Terre!