Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, is a place I have wanted to visit for many years. Last weekend I was very fortunate to be taken as a surprise visit by my partner. Thank you Cerian. As a lover of water, yachts and seafood, I was in heaven. Its the playground of the rich and famous with many superyachts in or around the bay and 150' motor yachts were two-a-penny. Strolling the harbour-side by night and climbing up to the Castello Brown gave a wonderful view across the boats, restaurants and houses. History: According to Pliny the Elder, Portofino was founded by the Romans and named Portus Delphini, or Port of the Dolphin, because of the large number of dolphins that inhabited the Tigullian Gulf. The village is mentioned in a diploma from 986 by Adelaide of Italy, which assigned it to the nearby Abbey of San Fruttoso di Capodimonte. In 1171, together with the neighbouring Santa Margherita Ligure, it was included in Rapallo's commune jurisdiction. After 1229 it was part of the Republic of Genoa. The town's natural harbour supported a fleet of fishing boats, but was somewhat too cramped to provide more than a temporary safe haven for the growing merchant marine of the Republic of Genoa. Nikon D7000, Nikkor 18-105mm @ 26mm, F25, 126secs. Website