Portofino lighthouse

Portofino Lighthouse (Faro di Punta del Capo) stands on the far tip of the rocky headland that closes off the bay of Portofino, on the Gulf of Tigullio, in Liguria. It's one of the most recognisable landmarks of this small but world-famous former fishing village.

Where exactly is it?

The lighthouse sits at the outermost point of the Portofino promontory, inside the Portofino Natural Park, which protects this stretch of Ligurian coastline — pine trees, Mediterranean scrub, and cliffs that drop straight into the sea. The lighthouse is still active today, guiding ships into the bay and warning them away from the rocky edge of the headland.

How do you get there?

Every route starts from the centre of Portofino — the small harbour square lined with colourful houses, cafés, and restaurants, from which paths branch out across the whole promontory. From there, a marked footpath follows the coastline. It doesn't require any special preparation, but comfortable shoes help, since parts of the trail climb and run over uneven ground. Along the way, the path passes Castello Brown before turning toward the far end of the headland, where the lighthouse stands.

There's no way to drive there — as with most of Portofino's attractions, vehicle access within the old town and along the coastal paths is very limited. The whole stretch to the lighthouse has to be walked.

What will you see once you're there?

From the terrace by the lighthouse, the view opens onto the whole Gulf of Tigullio and the Ligurian Sea. It's one of the most photographed viewpoints on this coast — from here you can see both the colourful harbour of Portofino below and the coastline stretching toward the nearby seaside towns. The lighthouse itself is a small white tower, still operational and not open for visitors to enter. Its real appeal isn't the structure but the surrounding scenery and the quiet found at the tip of the headland, far from the bustle of the harbour square.

Along the trail grows the Mediterranean vegetation typical of this coast — pines, olive trees, and dense scrub — protected as part of the natural park covering the whole Portofino promontory.

When's the best time to go?

The best time for the walk to the lighthouse is mid-morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn't at its peak and the temperature along the trail is more comfortable. In the middle of summer, it's worth avoiding the middle of the day, when the exposed sections of the path get the most sun. A clear day shows the coastline at its best, and sunset seen from this spot is one of the most highly rated moments visitors experience in Portofino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It's a working navigational structure and isn't open to visitors. The attraction is the surrounding viewpoint and the coastal walk itself.

How do you reach the lighthouse from central Portofino? The route is entirely on foot, following the coastline and passing Castello Brown on the way to the tip of the headland.

Can you drive there? No — the final stretch, like most trails within the Portofino Natural Park, is accessible only on foot.

Is it worth going on a cloudy day? The views are most striking on a clear day, but the path and surrounding landscape keep their charm regardless of the weather.