Portofino is the jewel of the Italian Riviera. The town has long since abandoned all pretences of being a fishing village and affluent tourists have flocked to its picture perfect shores since the mid 1800s. Synonymous with style and infinite glamour, it’s where Richard Burton first proposed to Elizabeth Taylor. Today, it’s a hot spot for the wealthy and glamorous; the town is dominated by luxury boutiques, high-end hotels and well heeled yachtsman. 

Whilst it might reek of refined luxury, it is still possible for those on even a shoe-string budget to enjoy the sights. Here’s my guide on how: 

You might not have heard of this Medieval Ligurian City. Perched between the promontory of Portofino and Mongelia, in the heart of the Gulf of Tigullio, this busy town is regularly skipped from guide books and hasn't really made a dent on Instagram.

It’s not as pretty as neighboring fishing villages like Camogli, it doesn't have enough galleries and museums to warrant a day trip for most tour groups and, (to date) it is one of the least aesthetically pleasing beaches I have ever seen. Great swathes of grey gravel in front of a busy road does not a dream seaside resort make. 

Yet, there’s something very charming and quintessentially Italian about this underrated town. 

The best hikes and walks from Camogli... proving it's not all about Cinque Terre

Portovenere is often considered the sixth village of the Cinque Terre (with less tourists), and it should be high up on your Ligurian hit-list.