How to get to Portofino: roads, ZTL, and parking

Famous for its colorful harbor, discreet luxury, and postcard-perfect scenery, Portofino is one of the most picturesque destinations on the Ligurian Riviera. However, reaching it by car can be challenging, especially during peak season. In this article, we explain how to get to Portofino, the traffic restrictions in place, and where to park your car stress-free.

Why visit Portofino

This small fishing village, nestled between cliffs and the greenery of the Regional Park, is perfect for those seeking sea, relaxation, and scenic beauty. Must-see stops? The famous Piazzetta overlooking the harbor, Castello Brown, the Church of San Giorgio with its panoramic terrace, and the Lighthouse Walk. Beyond hiking in the natural park, visitors can enjoy snorkeling, boat trips, or simply relax at one of the seafront restaurants. In short, it’s an ideal getaway from urban life, even for just a day, given its proximity to Genoa and La Spezia.

How to get to Portofino

By car, Portofino can be reached from Genoa in about an hour or from La Spezia in just an hour and a half via the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway, exiting at Rapallo or Santa Margherita Ligure, and then continuing along the SP227. This last stretch is very scenic but also narrow and winding, so caution is advised, especially in summer when traffic is heavy.

Alternatively, you can reach Santa Margherita Ligure by train, well-connected from Genoa, Milan, and La Spezia, and then continue by bus on line 82, taxi (about 10–15 minutes), or ferry, which runs from March to October from various Ligurian towns. Finally, you could walk via the coastal scenic trail connecting Santa Margherita to Portofino in about 1 hour and 15 minutes: if you want to combine your trip with a bit of trekking, this could be the ideal choice.

Getting around Portofino: ZTL and village access

Portofino is an almost entirely pedestrian village subject to a permanent ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): car access is restricted to residents and authorized vehicles, monitored by cameras operating 24/7. Private cars cannot enter the center without a special ZTL permit.

Additionally, the SP227 may be closed to traffic during events, landslides, or high tourist influx, so it’s always advisable to check road conditions in advance through the official Portofino Municipality or local Police channels.

Where to park in Portofino

Portofino has a single paid covered parking lot located just a few steps from the center in Piazza della Libertà. It has high rates (around €5–7/hour), limited spaces, and high demand on weekends and in summer. If possible, it’s recommended to reserve a spot in advance.

If you’re looking for free parking in Portofino, unfortunately, there are no free options within the village. However, you could leave your car in Santa Margherita Ligure, where some free or low-cost parking is available (such as Via Garibotti or Via Favale), or choose less expensive paid parking and then reach Portofino by bus, taxi, or ferry.

If you can, avoid driving to Portofino, especially on spring and summer weekends. Narrow roads, heavy traffic, and limited parking can make the experience stressful. The most convenient, scenic, and relaxing option is to arrive by sea or public transport from Santa Margherita.

Check all our car rental options in Liguria to best organize your summer travel.