Hotel Nazionale, Portofino

Hotel Nazionale, Portofino

Portofino has been the fashionable destination of choice on the Italian Riviera for centuries. And for nigh on a hundred years, the Hotel Nazionale, right in the heart of the town, has been managed by the same local family. Their experience ensures an atmosphere of professional yet friendly service. The rooms here are doubles, all with air conditioning, bathroom with shower and toilet, TV, phone and minibar. This Portofino hotel has room service, WiFi internet access, laundry, restaurant and bar, and 24-hour front desk.

Portofino itself was first 'discovered' by the English aristocracy on holiday in Italy in the late 19th century, the more intrepid journeying along the winding and sometimes treacherous 5km road from Santa Margherita Ligure, to discover this picture book fishing village, surrounded by green hills in its little bay and almost cut off from the rest of the region. It became a symbol of 'Dolce Vita' Italy in the middle of the 20th century when Bogart and Bacall, Burton and Taylor, and Princess Grace would vacation here.

It's still hard to get into, with that winding coast road now being jammed with cars at times, but it's worth the effort, with the terracotta-coloured terraces jumbled up alongside the quay. It's busy of course, but if you want some peace and quiet, take the coastal path out of Portofino to get a real sense of the lovely setting. South it leads to the Faro (lighthouse) and then the tip of the promontory. Head north and steep paths lead you through vineyards and orchards to Olmi and then San Fruttuoso. There are well marked paths and the view from the top, Monte di Portofino, is spectacular.

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Double room from €200