The Village of Dolphins

The small seaside village of Portofino is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Simply visit it to understand why: the colorful buildings, built one close to the other, on the shore of a colored crystal sea, together with the natural elements and landscape of the place, make Portofino a destination unbelievably fascinating.
The municipality is located on the Ligurian Riviera, in a protected location, favorable to human settlement, which began many centuries ago, probably during the Roman Empire. The place name, in fact, derives from the Latin words portus and delphini, as evidenced by the sources of Roman times in reference to the large population of dolphins that inhabited the waters of the place.
The marina is the oldest part of the village: Cala Marconi and Molo Umberto I are the two equipped and wharfed sides that compose it. Moored in the bay, in the past, ships of great renown such as, for example, the Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant. The beauty of the place is praised by the writer in these words: "I may have never felt an equaled sensation to what I felt upon entering that green bay, in an equal sense of rest, of fulfillment, of a break from the unnecessary turmoil in which life struggles."
Many are, in fact, the personalities who have formed a bond with Portofino since the fifties and sixties, not just actors, actresses and members of the nobility, names like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart, were impressed by the beauty of the place, but this infatuation, which has spread to many other well-known faces, continues to involve many stars of today.
The village, despite its glamor, it is also very suitable for a relaxing holiday in contact with nature, you can stop by the sea, even in the summer, or take a walk in the countryside, along the tracks surrounded by aromatic plants of the promontory. A nature trail is particularly beautiful during the summer, a period when the Mediterranean flora gives off scents of vigorous intensity.In this regard it should be noted Portofino Park, an area that includes the eponymous promontory and the three towns of Camogli, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. The floral diversity of the park, due to climate and territory of the zone, is really amazing as well as the fauna, rich in species of birds and invertebrates. Many are also the rivers that cross the Monte di Portofino and have ensured, in the past, the operation of the mills, now abandoned and disused, apart from someone converted into a bed & breakfast.
Portofino is an ideal destination for those who enjoy shopping luxury: boutiques and exclusive brands provide unique and unmistakable style of the garments. To satisfy the most refined tastes provide a number of internationally renowned Italian designers, jewelry, handmade shoes and showcases of all kinds.Among the most important, a very heartfelt celebration is that of the bonfire of San Giorgio, a pagan festivity that falls on April 23 and anticipates one week the religious celebration of the patron saint of the city. During the bonfire is ignited a large fire on which roasts the fish, in the meantime music, lights and public contribute to make the evening enjoyable and addictive.