Portofino

Chic Portofino is one of the most exclusive resorts in Italy - indeed in Europe. This once inaccessible fishing village has been attracting visitors ever since the late 19th-century. One of the first famous people to discover it was the French writer Guy de Maupassant - and by the 1950s it was a favourite haunt of the international jet set.  Everyone from the Duke of Windsor to Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot came here.  Portofino is still a favourite haunt of celebrities, as well as day trippers. The heart of the village is the picturesque harbour, surrounded by colourful old fishermen's houses. The resort gets extremely busy in the summer and at weekends, with visitors who come to shop, eat, relax - and spot celebrities. However, it is easy to escape the crowds with walks across the tranquil headland.

Portofino's beautiful bay and top hotels, attracts the rich and famous. Hollywood stars such as George Clooney, Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington often come in the summer - as well as millionaires, moguls and models from all over the world. From around Easter to late autumn, day trippers also flock to the resort, to soak up its exclusive atmosphere.

Portofino is in Liguria, on a peninsular on the Italian Riviera, on the northwest coast of Italy. It is 38km (23.6 miles) southeast of the port city of Genoa, which has an international airport. The resort, still little bigger than a village, is tucked into a hidden inlet on a headland. The buildings are squeezed around the harbour, with surrounding streets that climb steeply uphill. The headland itself is surprisingly quiet, a protected park with pine and chestnut woods, and fragrant plants and flowers.

There is no beach at Portofino itself, which is characterised by its stunning harbour. However Paraggi, just a few minutes' drive along the coast, has a sandy cove surrounded by bars and hotels, where you can sunbathe and acquire a Hollywood style tan.

Take a boat trip along the coast to San Fruttuoso. This secluded bay is dominated by a medieval Abbey which has recently been restored and is open to visitors. This spot is a favourite with divers too, as the sea around Portofino is a marine reserve. Under the waters of San Fruttuoso bay is a statue: Christ of the Deep. Another option is to take a lazy walk from Portofino to the tip of the headland to visit 16th-century Castle Brown, a fortress that offers superb views of the peninsula.

Portofino isn't an obvious family resort as it is more geared to style-loving couples wanting a quiet break - as is the secluded sandy beach at nearby Paraggi. Older kids will enjoy the boat trips and the chance to spot celebrities sunbathing on yachts moored in the harbour.

Portofino is certainly not the place to come for bargain shopping - it unashamedly caters for the high end of the market. But it offers stylish browsing potential, particularly along the main street, Via Roma. Designer names include Hermes, Armani, Gucci and Pucci - and it's the ideal place for snap up a pair of chic sunglasses or Vilebrequin swimwear. Lace making is a traditional local industry and dainty lace handkerchiefs and table-mats make affordable souvenirs.

Portofino feels even more exclusive at night - it's a place to see and be seen. This is when celebrities might leave their yachts to dine in one of the hotels or restaurants.  La Gritta American Bar (Calata Marconi) is a very popular drinking spot. Further along the coast are less glamorous, but more affordable options for a night on the town, with plenty of choice in Santa Margherita Ligure, just a 10 minute drive away. Covo di Nordest (Lungomare Rossetti) is a popular nightclub near Paraggi, with four different rooms for dancing.

Portofino is small and while there are plenty of places to enjoy an excellent Italian meal, none of them are cheap - and some get booked up well in advance. For the finest views over the harbour, secure a table at the Hotel Splendido's La Terrazza restaurant (Salita Baratta 16), on the hillside outside the centre of the village.

The resort itself is easily explored on foot. There are frequent bus (and boat) services into Portofino from nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, which also has the nearest train station to the resort. As parking is limited, and very expensive, in Portofino itself it can often be more practical if hiring a car to leave it in Santa Margherita for a day trip. Scooter hire is available in Portofino itself.

Genoa, about 30 minutes' drive west from Portofino, is a lively city with plenty of attractions for all the family - including the stunning aquarium in the regenerated port. To the east is the clutch of picturesque fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre, a high point on any tourist itinerary.

The top place for a decadent night out is the Hotel Splendido (Salita Baratta 16), the most exclusive in Portofino. This is the place to see and be seen, whether you are having a drink in the elegant piano bar or dining in one of its excellent restaurants.

Genova International Airport (GOA)