If you’re looking for the perfect holiday destination, you can’t go far wrong with Italy. From the iconic fashion fame of Milan to the charming coastal villages of the Amalfi, there’s something for everyone. However, there is one spot that is beloved not only by tourists, but by superstars too.
One of these places is Portofino – recently name dropped in the second track of Taylor Swift’s much anticipated album‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album exceeded five million presaves on Spotify – smashing the records as the most pre-saved in history.
Her second track ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ is already influencing travel trends too. City break experts Travel Republic have revealed that a single lyric: “That view of Portofino was on my mind”, has already sparked an extraordinary 1329% surge in global Google searches for the Italian Riviera hotspot in just one hour of the song’s release.
Portofino has long been a celebrity hotspot beloved by everyone from Madonna and the Kardashians.
In May 2024, Taylor and now-fiancé Travis Kelce were seen in the Lake Como region, though it’s unclear if they visited Portofino – although it has clearly made a large enough impression to merit a mention – maybe it’s Taylor’s dream destination too.
Even if Taylor herself hasn’t been seen there, the fishing village on the Italian Riviera is home to some truly stunning spots that have seen their fair share of celebs.
One of these is Castello Brown – an historic fortress that towers above the bay. It was here that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in 2022.
It’s loved for its sweeping views of the harbour laid out beneath the hill as well as Portofino’s sparkling coastline, and the rolling hills beyond. A must-see for photographers and history lovers alike, it’s also a prime spot for celebrity spotting. However, the gorgeous views don’t come easy.
Tourists who have visited the stunning spot said on Tripadvisor that it’s a steep climb to the castle. One said: “Stunning views, but tough climb! The views of Portofino from the top / garden are incredible. Even the hike up there is full of stunning views and lots of flowers.”
The Church of San Giorgio is another icon of Portofino.
Last year pop royalty Madonna was seen exploring the streets in the area near to the church. The church itself is perched atop a hillside which overlooks the bay and boasts panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Like Castello Brown , these views involve a bit of a climb to get to, but they are among the best in the region.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The colors of Portofino are so enchanting and the yellow of this church is unreal! The climb up is easy, beautiful views all around. It feels like a secret spot.”