Portofino in Italy is one of those breathtaking places you're bound to have already seen all over your social media feed.

The fishing village has got serious Instagram credentials thanks to the picture-perfect colourful buildings sitting waterfront along the Italian Riviera.

Throw in the fact that it's an easy day trip from the likes of Genoa, Milan and Cinque Terre and it's no wonder that tourists have been flocking to the charming hotspot for years.

But there's much more to the village than pretty photo backdrops.

You'll find some great historic sites, plenty of culture, elegant designer boutiques and, of course, some local restaurants serving up that delicious Italian cuisine.

We take a look at some of the best things to see and do if you're planning to tick it off the bucket list...

Best things to see and do in Portofino

1. Castello Brown

Located high above the harbour, Castello Brown is a must-visit if only for the unparalleled views it offers of the scenery. There's a small fee to visit the grounds and explore the castle.

Oh, and make sure to wear some sturdy shoes and pack water as it can be quite the climb to get to the top of the hill where the castle is situated.

Portofino bay (
Image:
Getty Images/EyeEm)

2. Christ of the Abyss

Not to be confused with the statue of the same name in Florida, divers and snorkelers can have an underwater adventure in search of this submerged statue.

Located in the Portofino Marine park, the bronze statue of Jesus Christ was created by Guido Galletti and sits under the waters of the riviera between Portofino and Camogli.

You can take dedicated boat tours which also offer a couple of dives in other breathtaking spots as well.

3. Indulge in some window shopping

It's no secret that the Italians have a great sense of style, and if you're looking to emulate the look then Portofino's elegant shops and boutiques can be just the place.

However be warned that these won't make for the cheapest of retail therapy sessions, so if you're on a budget it's well worth going for the window shopping alone. (And of course there are always some bargains to be found!).

Church of St. George (
Image:
Getty Images/iStockphoto)

4. Sun Church of St. George

Built in 1154, this temple is home to relics of St George, patron saint of Portofino. It's a must visit for those who like a dose of history and culture on their holiday.

The church is quite small so you won't need to dedicate a huge chunk of your itinerary to it, but its picturesque architecture and local links are well worth the visit.

5. Explore the area by paddle board

Portofino's colourful buildings along the waterfront are iconic, and if you're feeling adventurous there are plenty of paddle boarding tours on offer so you can take in the views while also getting a bit of exercise in.

You'll find plenty of qualified instructors and guides to help you find the most scenic spots.

Portofino's colourful waterfront buildings (
Image:
Getty Images/RooM RF)

6. Take a hike in Portofino Promontory

Portofino Promontory sits over a peninsula encompassing the towns of Camogli, Rapallo, Santa Margherita, and Portofino, and there are some pretty spectacular hiking trails to be found.

There are trails for everyone whether you're after a scenic stroll or you're a more seasoned hiker looking for a challenge - either way, don some sturdy boots!

7. Learn to cook like an Italian

There are plenty of hotels and restaurants which can organise cookery classes with locals if you're looking to learn the secrets to that world-famous Italian cuisine.

Often these experiences include the cookery class and the chance to eat what you've created - but you'll also get plenty of handy tips and tricks to take back home!

Where to find cheap Portofino holidays

A lot of people choose to come to Portofino on a day trip, but if you are thinking of staying in the village and making it your base there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly packages.

easyJet Holidays can be a great place to start for cheap Portofino packages with flight and hotel deals.

Feeling spontaneous? Lastminute.com has holidays from £413pp if you're after a late deal, while Expedia also offers various packages for plenty of inspiration.

If you can be flexible on your travel dates or want to see what you can get by stretching your budget a little bit further, TravelRepublic and DealChecker can be handy tools for comparing prices.