Portofino Days 2026: where the sea, cinema, and Tom Ford’s fragrance come together in one unforgettable experience

There’s a place in Liguria where time seems to follow a different rhythm, set less by the hands of a clock and more by the salty tang of the air. Portofino isn’t just a village—it’s an idea. And right now, that idea becomes even more vivid, more tangible, almost a symphony for the senses. As the sun warms the little square and boats bob gently in the gulf, the village prepares for its most vibrant season: Portofino Days. A fixture that now marks the start of spring by the sea like the first coffee on the waterfront.

Walking through the alleyways during these days means breathing in a truly unique atmosphere. It’s not just the elegant crowd or the sparkle of the shop windows—it’s something deeper. It’s the scent of the sea mingling with the fragrance of orange blossom, an aroma that here has a name and a surname: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino. It’s no coincidence that this fragrance, which has so perfectly captured the sunny, carefree soul of this corner of paradise, lingers more strongly than usual. It’s as if the air itself wants to remind us that Portofino isn’t just a place to see, but an experience to wear, to live on your skin.

The highlight of the week was the ribbon-cutting that officially kicked off the celebrations. There’s a buzz among those in the know, whispers of major projects looking at the region with fresh eyes: Liguria is ready to tell its story, and what better way to do so than through the lens of a camera? This is the land that has inspired generations of artists, and today more than ever, it proves itself a natural open-air film set. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of living a movie scene, perhaps right here at the Hotel Portofino, with its terraces perched above the sea that seem made for storytelling?

Speaking of four-wheeled dreams, it’s impossible not to think of the Ferrari Portofino. It’s not just a car; it’s a distillation of Italian style that carries the name of this village around the world. You see it speeding along the road from Santa Margherita to the gulf, wind in your hair and the engine’s roar echoing off the cliffs, and you immediately understand there’s no finer way to explore this coast. It’s the perfect blend of power and beauty—much like the days we’re experiencing here.

If I were to explain what makes these Portofino Days so special, I could list a dozen reasons, but I think a few points are enough to understand why it’s worth being here:

• Creative Momentum: Whispers in cultural circles speak of a renewed interest in the area, with initiatives aimed at enhancing local heritage. It’s an acknowledgement that Portofino is more than a postcard—it’s a living, breathing place, full of stories.
• The Scent of Time: Events like “Profumo Marino Pied dans l’Eau” remind us that the true essence of Liguria lies in its ancient bond with the sea. It’s not just fashion; it’s memory. It’s that scent of salt air and pine that stays with you even after you’ve gone home.
• Authentic Luxury: The kind you don’t buy, but experience. Whether it’s a ride in a Ferrari Portofino or a drink with a view of the Hotel Portofino, here luxury is made of moments, of emotions that money can’t buy.

Yesterday, as I was strolling along the quay, I bumped into a friend who works in yachting. “See those boats?” he said, pointing to a group of moored yachts. “Each one has a different story, but they’re all here for the same reason: to breathe in this air—you can’t find it anywhere else.” He was right. No newspaper or website can truly capture the light filtering through the colourful houses at this time of day, or the sense of peace you feel when the sunset paints the profile of Castello Brown in shades of pink.

These Portofino Days aren’t just another event; they’re proof that certain places have the power to turn reality into a fairy tale. And as the sun dips behind the headland, leaving a trail of golden light scented with oranges and sea air, all I can do is raise my glass in a toast: to beauty, to Liguria, and to this small, great miracle called Portofino.