Overview
Heaven on earth
Set within an exclusive enclave in the protected Portofino Regional Natural Park, this distinctive private villa enjoys an exceptional setting, bordering the neighboring property of Dolce & Gabbana. The Portofino promontory - a high, wooded peninsula, a ridge near the harbor of Portofino upon which the villa sits - is one of the jewels n Europe's crown and is among the most exclusive residential areas throughout Italy - this is where the most expensive square meter prices from all of Italy, perhaps from all of Europe, are concentrated. Combining Mediterranean seclusion, artistic character and a rare connection to the sea, Villa Portfino offers a truly distinctive Italian Riviera experience.
Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens and terraced olive groves, the villa enjoys panoramic views across the Ligurian coastline. Accommodating up to 10 guests in six air-conditioned bedrooms, it offers a private and individual setting for families and groups of friends seeking an exceptional Italian seaside sojourn.
More than a conventional luxury holiday home, this is a private artistic residence with a distinctive identity. Owned by a renowned Italian painter who lives between Venice and Berlin, the villa reflects its owner's creative sensibility through contemporary artworks, carefully selected objects and original decorative details. Its eclectic interiors combine contemporary design with Mediterranean character, creating an atmosphere that feels personal, authentic and far removed from standardised luxury accommodation.
One of the property's most remarkable features is its private access to a natural stone swimming platform by the sea, reached via approximately 150 steps. This secluded spot offers an remarkable way to experience the Mediterranean, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Portofino coastline with its dramatic scenery of high cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea.
The villa offers a series of private outdoor spaces overlooking the Ligurian Sea. A spacious terrace shaded by a century-old wisteria provides an inviting setting for al fresco dining, while furnished lounge areas, sun loungers and a panoramic solarium offer space to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Stone pathways and steps wind through the Mediterranean garden towards one of the property's most distinctive features: private access to a natural rock swimming platform by the sea, reached via a staircase of approximately 150 steps - just the place for sliding into the water to cool off after a sunbathe. This secluded spot offers a unique opportunity to swim and sunbathe along the Portofino coastline, away from the more crowded bathing areas.
Despite its peaceful setting, the villa is approximately a 15-minute walk from Portofino's iconic Piazzetta, picturesque harbour and waterfront restaurants. The pedestrian route includes a tunnel, a private elevator reserved for residents and a path of approximately 300 metres through olive groves, with steps along the way.
The location allows guests to enjoy Portofino on foot while returning to the privacy of an exclusive residence immersed in nature. A resident housekeeper provides daily assistance according to the agreed service schedule. Additional services, including a private chef, pre-arrival grocery shopping, porter assistance and private transfers, can be arranged in advance.
Accessability note: The villa is not directly accessible by car. The final approach includes a scenic tunnel, a private elevator reserved for residents, and a walking path of approximately 300 metres through olive groves from the elevator to the villa gate. Porter assistance for luggage is available. The private sea-access platform is reached via approximately 150 steps. Due to the pedestrian access path and the stairs leading to the sea, the property may not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Parking: Portofino is a car-free village. Guests arriving by car must park in a paid garage, which requires advance reservation and is subject to availability.
Local transport and getting around: The iconic Piazzetta, harbour, waterfront restaurants and designer boutiques are approximately a 15-minute walk away. Regular bus services connect Portofino with nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, where the railway station offers connections to Genoa and destinations along the Ligurian coast. Seasonal ferries provide scenic access to neighbouring coastal villages and the Gulf of Tigullio. For a more exclusive experience, private motorboat transfers and coastal excursions can be arranged on request, subject to availability and additional charges. Taxis and private transfers are also available. The nearest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) and Pisa International Airport (PSA). Genoa is generally the most convenient option, while Pisa offers an alternative depending on international flight connections. Private transfers from either airport to Portofino can be arranged on request.
Guests Reviews
Our Guests Reviews
The villa is a true gem of a vacation home - walking distance to the beautiful village of Portofino, with several terraces each with an unbelievable view of water, sailboats and mountains beyond, the house is modern and comfortable. It has all you need for a relaxing stay, without clutter or unnecessary items. Swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean is off a private platform down some steps. Be aware that access is only via pedestrian pathway from the village, but it is not far and the path also provides stunning views. Marta thoughtfully provided porters for our luggage (extra cost) and a housekeeper who kept the villa spotless and helped with cooking and shopping on request. We could not have felt better cared for and hope to go back soon.
Peter
We had a wonderful week. The location was perfect, privately hidden away in the trees on the peninsula of Portofino. The villa is peacefully relaxed with everything that you need and has private access to the sea which is perfect. Tastefully decorated with beautiful art work and iconic furniture pieces. The house keeper, Karina was kind, helpful and discreet. We truly loved it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend and/or return. Thank you so much X
Sara
Fantastic location! Beautiful landscape and absolutely private.
Vilius
Absolutely Magical - A Hidden Gem in Portofino
This extraordinary home is pure magic! The views of Portofino's sparkling turquoise waters and colorful houses are absolutely breathtaking - every window frames a postcard-perfect scene that changes beautifully throughout the day.
What truly sets this property apart is the incredible artistic vision in every detail. The owner has created a sophisticated gallery meets intimate home, with original artwork, thoughtful sculptures, and carefully curated furnishings that perfectly complement both the stunning architecture and natural beauty.
The blend of modern comfort with authentic Italian charm is flawless. We spent hours on the terrace with morning espresso, feeling like we were living in a dream. Every artistic touch - from wood spoons to vintage furniture - shows a true creative soul at work.
Jean-Jacqes
Private, beautiful place to stay, amazing views and private access to the sea. Elena was a perfect host who prepared delicious food for us. Can’t speak higher of this place.
Paul
Amazing location and property with unprecedented private ocean access, which is rare in the area. For those with young children there is also a small rocky beach just a 5 min walk from the property.
The 15 minute walk from Portofino harbor (and 10-15 min further from the road) is not for everyone but it added to the exclusivity of the property and the private elevator helped a lot. We had a range in ages 4 to 83 and we did great. Just make sure to plan grocery shopping or use the delivery services suggested by host.
Marta was a great host, and very helpful and responsive when needed. All in all we had an amazing stay and can definitely recommend this property.
Anders
I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for a wonderful vacation in Portofino! We spent an unforgettable time in this wonderful house. The cozy atmosphere, the well-kept and beautiful grounds, and the private waterfront make this place truly unique. Here you can enjoy the peace, incredible views, and complete harmony.
Special thanks to Elena for her care, responsiveness, and assistance with all matters. Thanks to her attentive attitude, our vacation was as comfortable and carefree as possible.
This is a place you'll truly want to return to. We highly recommend it to anyone dreaming of a vacation in one of the most beautiful corners of Italy!
Lulia
This house suited us perfectly. We enjoy walking, so the distance from the town was no issue for us, nor were the 120 steps to the sea - we exercised off all the meals out! Marta was a very responsive host and we would definitely book through her again. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Petra
Dear Bettina and a magic Villa Portofino team,
thanks a lot for your wishes!
We wish your a soft landing in a New Year and hope to be your guests one day again!!!
Our hearts are still belonging to this place)))
Warmest regards from Switzerland,
Tatiana and Konstantin
The Villa sits on a hillside and is very peaceful with beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea. The pictures depict the rooms accurately. Elena, the housekeeper, was very accommodating and made us the most wonderful crepes as dessert after dinner. She is Ukranian and speaks very little English so we used the Google translate app to communicate.
The only caution to give is the Villa is not for people who have trouble walking or have mobility issues. It is a substantial walk from the pharmacy drop-off point to the Villa with cobblestone pathways, narrow pedestrian paths, steps and inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Janice
A lovely house in a cool and exclusive-feeling location. Loved the direct sea access, the view, the greenery, the airy and attractive house, and the proximity to the stylish harbour and seafront restaurants of Portofino. There is a live-in housekeeper. It’s a hilly area, which can be hot and bothersome in August, but there is use of a private lift down to the town.
Tessa
Amazing property! Second to none! A dream house in a dream location. Well curated art and furnishing in the house, well stocked kitchen and bathrooms. It’s a unique, one of a kind experience for anyone lucky enough to stay here. Marta and Karina are very kind, sweet, helpful, considerate and responsive hosts. We could not have wished for anything more. Our experience there will be remembered by my family throughout our lives. Thank you Marta and Karina!
Will
Amenities
HOLIDAY HOME AMENITIES
- Private sea access
- Swimming platform
- Use of the elevator from harbour to the hilltop
- Air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Internet WIFI connection
- Telephone for local calls
- Satellite TV
- Fridge with freeze
- Stove with oven
- Coffe machiene
- Toaster
- Hairdryer
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Iron
- Pergola
- Terrace
- Enclosed property
In addition, there are several lovely outlooks on the way down (approx. 150 steps) to the sea and the rock swimming platform. The Portofino harbor cannot be seen from the house.
Touring ideas
Portofino in walking distance
S. Margherita Ligure 4 km
Rapallo 9 km
Genoa 30 km
Forte dei Marmi 113 km
Pisa 150 km
San Remo 180 km
Torino 200 km
Florence 216 km
Nice France 233 km
Photos
Activities
The Italian Riviera is a picturesque stretch of beaches, colorful fishing villages, and green hills that extends from France to Tuscany. The Portofino promontory is a nature reserve with a mild climate and a dramatic landscape of high cliffs that drop down into the sea.
As always with Portofino, it is best to arrive with a large yacht. If this is not possible, hire a driver, or take the train to Santa Margherita and then a taxi to Portofino. Trains on the Turin–Rome line stop in nearby Rapallo, from where buses run to Portofino. A local train connects Santa Margherita to the Cinque Terre, and buses run between Portofino and Santa Margherita every 20 minutes (the journey takes 10 minutes). A pick-up service at Genoa Airport can also be arranged (a reservation is required at least 14 days prior to arrival).
As for excursions, a private boat, a public ferry (with connections from Portofino to S. Margherita, Rapallo, Cinque Terre, Camogli, or S. Fruttuoso), or a water taxi is the best choice.
The Marine Protected Area is a delight for divers! The cliffs that drop steeply into the sea continue underwater within the Portofino Marine Protected Area—a zone renowned for its coral walls, gorgonians, and a seabed rich in biodiversity.
Portofino Piazzetta and Harbour: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the villa, Portofino’s iconic waterfront offers elegant cafés, fine-dining restaurants, luxury yachts and designer boutiques.
Portofino Regional Natural Park: Discover scenic walking trails, Mediterranean woodland and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Ligurian coastline.
San Fruttuoso Abbey: A beautiful historic abbey set in a secluded bay between Portofino and Camogli, accessible by boat or on foot via scenic hiking trails. Its picturesque setting makes it one of the most memorable destinations along this stretch of the Riviera.
Santa Margherita Ligure: A charming seaside town with an elegant waterfront, restaurants, boutiques and a railway station connecting the area with Genoa and other destinations along the coast.
Camogli and the Gulf of Tigullio: Explore colourful fishing villages, picturesque harbours and hidden coves along the Ligurian Riviera, with seasonal ferry connections to selected destinations.
Cinque Terre: A memorable day trip for discovering the colourful villages, dramatic coastal landscapes and traditional charm of this celebrated destination, accessible by train from Santa Margherita Ligure with connections depending on the service.
Private Motorboat Excursions: Discover the Ligurian coastline from the sea with a private motorboat excursion. Popular destinations include San Fruttuoso and its historic abbey, Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and secluded coves along the Portofino promontory. Private boat trips can be arranged on request, subject to availability and additional charges.
Explore lively Rapallo, which also offers excellent shopping opportunities.
Visit the superb museums and delightful markets of Genoa (30 minutes), where narrow alleys wind their way down to one of the most vital harbors of the Mediterranean.
Visit the popular resort of Forte dei Marmi or the Cararra marble quarries where Michelangelo got his pure white marble.
Map
Please note: the Google Maps are only approximative, the exact address will be given after finalized booking.
Choose your holiday home
Villa Portofino
- Sleeps 10+1 Guests
Main floor:
- 1 bright and spacious living room with sofas and sliding glass doors to the patio
- 1 dining room open to the living room
- 1 study room with small sofa
- 1 fully equipped kitchen
- 1 twin bedroom (beds can be joined) with en suite bathroom (with bathtub and hand shower)
- 2 twin bedrooms (beds can be joined)
- 1 single bedroom (80 x 185 cm)
- 1 bathroom (with bathtub and shower over the bathtub)
- 1 bathroom (with shower)
- 1 walk-in closet
Lower level:
- 1 bedroom with a fixed double bed (180 × 200 cm) with en suite bathroom (with shower)
- 1 twin bedroom (85 x 200 cm each, beds can be joined) with en suite bathroom (with shower)
- 1 laundry room
- On this lower floor is the bedroom and bathroom belonging to the housemaid.
The four twin bedrooms can be set up with either two single beds or one double bed, allowing the room configuration to be tailored to the guests' preferences. Please note that the fixed double bed cannot be separated into individual single beds. Please specify your preferred bed configuration at the time of booking to ensure that the setup meets your group's requirements.
Outdoors:
- Shaded terrace
- Private way down to the sea
- Solarium
- Rock swimming platform
- Use of the lift from Portofino harbour to the hilltop
25 Sep 2027 - 23 Oct 2027
18700 EUR €
20000 EUR €
Weekly rates in €
| Villa Portofino | 27 Mar 2027 - 29 May 2027 25 Sep 2027 - 23 Oct 2027 |
29 May 2027 - 25 Sep 2027 |
Availability | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Villa Portofino
10+1
PAX 10
|
18700 EUR € | 20000 EUR € | N/A | Request Booking Villa Portofino |
Check availability
-
Please complete the following form so that we can provide fast service in checking availability.
All fields marked with * are required. - Click the green Submit button below to send your inquiry.
- If the villa/apartment is available, you can make your reservation after having received our response.
- Please also read How To Make A Reservation.
RENT INCLUDES
- Bed, bath and kitchen linens: towels changed twice a week, bed linen changed once a week.
- Water, electricity, air conditioning, gas
- Internet WIFI connection
- Porter service: Assistance with luggage upon arrival and departure, subject to the agreed service hours. Maximum 10 pieces of luggage; any additional luggage will incur an extra charge.
- Welcome grocery package
- Resident staff: A discreet staff member resides within the villa in a separate area with independent external access and no internal connection to the main living areas. She is available outside regular housekeeping hours upon request, except on her day off.
- Daily housekeeping: Approximately 5–6 hours per day, six days a week. Schedules can be customized by prior arrangement, with enhanced privacy available on request.
- Single bed: The use of a single bed is free of charge for up to 10 guests.
- Baby cot, please enquire when booking: Free of charge for bookings where the total number of guests, including babies, does not exceed 10.
- Final cleaning
EXTRAS
- Tourist tax
SECURITY DEPOSIT
EUR 2000 cash deposit are due on arrival.
SERVICE ON REQUEST (please enquire with us when booking)
- Italian breakfast buffet: EUR 30 per person, per day. The housekeeper prepares and sets up the breakfast buffet, lays the table and clears away afterwards. Breakfast time must be agreed in advance.
- Private chef
- Cooking classes
- Grocery shopping
- Laundry and ironing
- Airport and railway station transfers
- Excursions
- Additional towel or linen changes available by prior agreement and charged separately.
- Heating: Bedroom heating is available at additional charge of EUR 250 per week.
- Additional bed if maximum capacity PAX 10 is exceeded, please enquire when booking: EUR 250 per week, even if the 11th guest is a baby.
- Pets allowed: EUR 150 domestic pet supplement per week. Please note that the villa does not provide a kennel. If you plan to bring your dog, please send us the completed and signed form Declaration of Accepting Responsibility for Your Pet together with your booking form.
NOTES
- Reservations from Saturday to Saturday
- The villa is not available during the cold season. It is only possible to provide a slight amount of heating in the bedrooms; however, this should not be considered a full-fledged heating system.
- The Portofino Regional Natural Park is a protected area of exceptional natural beauty and ecological sensitivity. To preserve its fragile environment, specific regulations established by the relevant authorities must be strictly respected. The lighting of any fire is strictly prohibited. For this reason, the use of barbecues, fireplaces, and candles is not permitted anywhere on the property.
- Smoking: Not permitted indoors. Outdoors, please take extra care in windy conditions. We kindly ask all guests to respect these regulations and help protect this unique natural environment.
- Privacy and security: The Portofino area, including the exclusive enclave in which the villa is located, is monitored by security cameras to help ensure the safety of residents and guests. To protect guests’ privacy, no surveillance cameras are installed inside the villa or within its private gardens and terraces, ensuring that these private spaces remain exclusively for guests’ enjoyment.
- Portofino is a car-free village. Guests arriving by car must park in a paid garage, which requires advance reservation and is subject to availability.
- Accessability note: The villa is not directly accessible by car. The final approach includes a scenic tunnel, a private elevator reserved for residents, and a walking path of approximately 300 metres through olive groves from the elevator to the villa gate. Porter assistance for luggage is available. The villa is situated approximately 20 m above sea level; the private sea-access platform is reached via approximately 150 steps. Due to the pedestrian access path and the stairs leading to the sea, the property may not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
- PLEASE NOTE: For this property the check-in time is between 4:30 and 7:00pm; the check-out time is between 8:00 and 10:00am.
- Upon request and approval of the owner a late arrival is possible between 7:00 and 9:00pm for an extra fee of EUR 100.
CIN IT010044C2F2PLC5TC
Similar Houses
-
As fromElegant family mansion on the famous Bolgheri coastline with private beach access
€ 11525
per week- Sleeps 12+2 Guests
- Bedrooms 6 Bedrooms
- Bathrooms 7+1 WC Bathrooms
- Floor area sq m 600 m2 m2