The ancient fishermen village was a natural port of strategic importance in the Roman period (Portus Delphini). It has become famous from an international point of view thanks to its extraordinary balance between urban scenario and natural environment, despite the deep changes in its social composition and primary functions. The structure of landing and village, the fence of oaks and Aleppo pines along the rock coast, the coloured houses and the vivid gardens are the elements of this harmonious urban Mediterranean area inspiring a flourishing craftsmanship tradition, the "macramè" lace, the typical lace of the Mediterranean cultures. Among the most important monuments there are the church of San Giorgio, San Giorgio castle, and Brown castle. The Park of Portofino offers a global view of the Ligurian coast both from a naturalistic and a historical-anthropological point of view. The present aspect of the territory is the result of an original coevolution between nature and human activity which has led to the creation of a surprising variety of biological systems and habitats but also to a specific "material" culture (the confluence of sea, olive, and chestnut civilization). A very thick network of paths crosses wild habitats, rural settlements, and sea villages rich in art and history and offers landscapes which have become part of the Mediterranean visual legend.
The Protected Area ( 1200 ha ) is surrounded by a frame-area of about 3400 hectares . The Park territory reaches the Municipalities of Recco, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Zoagli, and Chiavari.