Portofino, Italy

Spectacularly perched on Italy’s stunning north-west Ligurian coastline, Portofino has long been regarded as the hot spot jewel of the Italian Riviera, renowned for its picturesque fishing village harbour and old world glamour. A magnet for Europe’s fashionable beau monde, images of Portofino’s picture perfect pastel coloured houses tumbling down the hillsides to the yacht-speckled emerald waters below, make it one of the most photographed and iconic villages in the Mediterranean. Yet, despite its opulent allure, authenticity prevails. Portofino exudes an irresistible down-to-earth charm which lures seasoned jetsetters back year after year. It is undoubtedly one of Italy’s chicest seaside enclaves which effortlessly keeps the dolce vita dream alive with its maze of cobbled streets and enchanting Piazzetta. Eat fresh fish down at the harbour, explore the northern shore and tiny bay of San Fruttuoso where a Benedictine abbey was built in the eighth century or simply savour the convivial buzz in the air and watch the world go by.