What to see
The square acts as an architectural stage opening directly onto the marina. It is flanked by traditional arched houses, their facades covered in the colorful "alla genovese" painted style. This continuous architectural layout extends to the northeast along Calata Guglielmo Marconi. On the opposite side stretches Molo Umberto I, the primary pier where boats dock.
Visiting
As the most visited and worldly point of the municipality, the Piazzetta is the hub for Portofino's primary commercial and hospitality businesses. Because the village's small interior streets all funnel into this single open space, it is an unavoidable crossroads. The modern atmosphere reflects a long maritime heritage; since 1229, when the town became part of the Republic of Genoa, this natural harbor has served as a safe haven for merchant fleets.
Our editors' tip
Pay close attention to the painted facades of the arched houses enclosing the square. The brightly colored "alla genovese" decorations are an authentic Ligurian tradition, originally intended to make the buildings easily identifiable to sailors navigating back around the promontory.