San Giorgio Church
A historic hilltop church in Portofino offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
San Giorgio Church
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic hilltop church in Portofino offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea.
"The panoramic view overlooking Portofino and the Ligurian Sea was absolutely breathtaking."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk uphill involves steps, so comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Especially in summer, bring sunscreen and a hat for the sunny uphill trek. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Portofino Views
Hilltop overlooking Portofino
Breathtaking vistas of the colorful town, Ligurian Sea, and rugged cliffs. Absolutely stunning!
Peaceful Sanctuary
Inside the church
Admire frescoes, religious artifacts, and soak in the serene atmosphere. A tranquil escape.
Historic Cemetery
Adjacent to the church
Explore the unique Catholic cemetery perched on rugged cliffs, offering a poignant historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
The Uphill Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk uphill involves steps, so comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Especially in summer, bring sunscreen and a hat for the sunny uphill trek. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Entry (Usually)
Entrance is generally free, but check for special events that might have a fee. :ticket:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are incredible; don't forget your camera or phone! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk uphill involves steps, so comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Especially in summer, bring sunscreen and a hat for the sunny uphill trek. :sunwithface:
💰 Free Entry (Usually)
Entrance is generally free, but check for special events that might have a fee. :ticket:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are incredible; don't forget your camera or phone! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise San Giorgio Church for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Portofino and the Ligurian Sea, making the uphill walk entirely worthwhile. The peaceful atmosphere inside the church and the unique historical context, including the cliffside cemetery, are also highly appreciated. While the climb requires some effort, the rewarding scenery and serene ambiance make it a must-visit.
"We visited Chiesa di San Giorgio early in the morning around 7:30 am after arriving from our cruise ship, and it was such a peaceful experience. With hardly anyone around, we could fully take in the charm and history of this beautiful chapel. It’s a short uphill walk—about 10 minutes from the harbor—but well worth it. Learning about its past and connection to Saint George was fascinating, and the panoramic view overlooking Portofino and the Ligurian Sea was absolutely breathtaking. A must-visit for both history lovers and anyone who appreciates a stunning viewpoint."
Lovely S P.
"The views from the top are amazing. The walking is uphill but so easy. It was very hot in june better put sunscreen and hat. The views are rewarding. Also there are many souvenirs shops near it. Highly recommended"
melissa araigy
"Beautiful viewpoint in Portofino!
Chiesa di San Giorgio is definitely worth the walk uphill. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but the views are amazing—you can see the town on one side and the sea with rocky cliffs on the other. A peaceful spot with stunning scenery!"
Y A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Portofino's harbor, it's about a 10-minute uphill walk, involving approximately 185 steps. The path is scenic and leads you to the church perched on a ridge.
Parking in Portofino itself can be challenging and expensive. It's best to arrive by boat or public transport and walk from the harbor.
You can take a bus or ferry to Portofino and then walk to the church. The walk from the harbor is the primary way to access it.
The walk is uphill and involves steps, but reviewers describe it as 'easy' and 'rewarding.' It's manageable for most visitors.
Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience, or in the late afternoon for beautiful golden hour light.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to Chiesa di San Giorgio is generally free for visitors. However, special events or exhibitions might incur a fee.
The church is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Holy Mass is held on Saturdays at 6:00 pm and Sundays at 10:30 am and 6:00 pm.
The stunning views from the church's location are free to enjoy. There are no separate charges for the panoramic vistas.
You can visit during mass, but it's advisable to be respectful of the service. Check the schedule for Saturday and Sunday masses.
The church is located uphill and involves steps, so it may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots are from the church's terrace, offering panoramic views of Portofino and the sea.
Photography inside the church is generally permitted, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides a warm, golden hour glow for stunning shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like historic sites and coastal towns. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the coastline, detailed photos of the church's architecture, and portraits with the stunning backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capture wide-angle shots of the coastline, the charming town, and the dramatic cliffs. The church's architecture itself also provides interesting photographic subjects. Remember to bring your best lenses and be prepared for the uphill trek to reach these iconic vantage points. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Portofino's Hilltop Church
+1Inside, visitors can find a peaceful sanctuary adorned with frescoes and religious artifacts, offering a moment of quiet reflection away from the coastal crowds. The church's location is also significant, sitting halfway up the hill that leads to the historic Castello Brown, making it a natural stop for those exploring the area. Adjacent to the church is a Catholic cemetery, uniquely situated on rugged cliffs, adding a poignant layer to the site's historical narrative.
Many visitors highlight the panoramic views as the primary draw, describing them as 'absolutely breathtaking' and 'rewarding.' The combination of historical significance, serene atmosphere, and unparalleled scenery makes San Giorgio Church a must-visit for anyone exploring Portofino.
Navigating the Ascent and Views
Once you reach the church, the panoramic views are truly the star attraction. You'll be treated to sweeping vistas of Portofino's colorful buildings cascading down to the sea, the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, and the dramatic rocky cliffs that define the coastline.
These views are consistently praised in reviews and social media posts, often described as 'amazing' and 'worth the walk.' For the best photographic opportunities and a more tranquil experience, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended. This allows you to capture the soft morning light and enjoy the scenery with fewer people around.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit