A new decree obliges visitors to keep strolling through some areas of Portofino, with no stopping allowed until 15 October 2023.
New controlled red and yellow zones avoid overcrowding
Certain areas of the little Ligurian coastal town, like the piazzetta square overlooking the sea, and the Umberto I pier which are regularly taken by storm by crowds of visitors from Italy, Europe, the USA and Japan, have been declared red and yellow zones with only strolling and no stopping allowed. The aim is to allow all visitors to stroll around and enjoy the beauty of the Tigullio coast, while avoiding overcrowding.
No stationing or gathering at group meeting points
The new rules prohibit “the stationing of people at gathering and meeting points for groups and cruise passengers waiting to board boats or other vessels.” This, the authorities emphasise is to avoid “problems of fluidity of pedestrian and vehicular circulation” and “serious obstructions and potential danger deriving from the excessive density of people in relation to the available surface area.” Hence the new regulations, which will remain in force in Portofino until 15 October.
“It is not a closed number” says Portofino’s mayor
The new restrictions in the first red zone which goes from the Delfino restaurant to the Umberto 1 Pier are in place from 10.30 am to 6 pm, while in the second red zone they are from 7.30 am to 6 pm in the area between the Molo Umberto I and the Da Vince complex. Anyone not complying with the new provisions can find themselves having to pay a fine of between €68 and €275.
“It is not a closed number," says Portofino’s mayor Matteo Viacava, “the aim is to allow all tourists coming to Portofino to enjoy the town to the fullest, but also to manage security in the piazzetta.” So Portofino’s new rule is: ok to walking, but without stopping and gathering, in designated areas.
