Cinema & fiction · Portofino coast
Portofino Days: international fiction on the Portofino coast.
Three days of great fiction on Italy's most photographed coast: Portofino Days – International Fiction Festival brings screenings, premieres, masterclasses on the crafts of cinema and awards across Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Genoa. A late-March event, in the quiet season, with the whole Riviera to enjoy. Rapallo is the central base to follow it.
Created to tell the story of Liguria as a hub of fiction and the creative industry, Portofino Days is a widespread festival: its days move among the Tigullio's landmark places and Genoa, with public screenings, meetings with actors and producers, masterclasses and award evenings in exclusive venues such as Portofino's Castello Brown. March is the ideal time to discover it: low prices, a quiet Riviera and the clear light of early spring. Here is what to expect and how to plan it with Rapallo as your base.
The programme
Portofino Days: what to expect.
Screenings and premieres
The heart of the festival: fiction, series and premieres shown in coastal venues, often with actors and directors present. A chance to preview international titles with the Riviera as a backdrop.
Masterclasses on the crafts of cinema
Screenwriting, film scores, directing and the role of new technologies: meetings and masterclasses for enthusiasts and professionals, mainly hosted in Santa Margherita Ligure.
The awards at Castello Brown
The festival's awards are presented at exclusive evenings in iconic places such as Castello Brown, overlooking the village of Portofino. The bond between cinema and landscape is at its peak here.
Meetings with actors and producers
Talks, panels and open moments make the festival lively even for those outside the industry: a different way to experience Portofino and the Tigullio off-season.
Liguria as a film set
The festival celebrates the Riviera as a cinematic location: a chance to rediscover Portofino, Santa Margherita and Genoa through the eyes of those who use them to tell stories.
March on the Riviera
A reason to come in the quiet season: mild weather, crowd-free villages, relaxed restaurants. The festival is the perfect excuse for a spring weekend in the Tigullio.
Info pratiche
How to enjoy it from Rapallo
The festival is spread across several towns: Rapallo is a central, convenient base, minutes by train from Santa Margherita and Genoa, and reachable by bus or ferry to Portofino. From here you can follow the events at the various venues without changing accommodation every night.
The detailed programme, times and access arrangements (some events are by invitation, others open to the public) are published each year on the festival's official website: always check dates and tickets before travelling. March is the quiet season, so you'll find a peaceful Riviera, and a home with a kitchen like Rapallo Smart Home makes an off-season weekend easy.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
When does Portofino Days 2027 take place?
The festival is traditionally held in late March, across Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo and Genoa. The exact dates of the 2027 edition are announced each year on the festival's official website: check them before planning your stay.
Where do the events take place?
At several coastal venues: screenings and meetings across Portofino, Santa Margherita and Genoa, masterclasses mainly in Santa Margherita, and awards at iconic locations such as Portofino's Castello Brown. This is why a central base like Rapallo is handy.
Are the events open to the public?
It depends: some award evenings are by invitation, while many screenings, masterclasses and meetings are open to the public, sometimes with booking. The programme with access details is published each year on the official website.
Why is it worth staying in Rapallo?
Because the festival is spread across several towns and Rapallo is the central hub: trains to Santa Margherita and Genoa in minutes, bus and ferry to Portofino. A single base to follow everything, with more accommodation choice than Portofino.
Is Rapallo Smart Home bookable yet?
The house is in pre-launch and not yet bookable online. Leave your email to receive first availability, the free guide and useful updates to plan your Portofino Days weekend.
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