Sunday, 29 November 2009

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Coleen McLoughlin got married in Portofino

This spectacular Italian hideaway is a magnet for stylish celebs

Coleen McLoughlin wanted a romantic venue for her wedding

Coleen McLoughlin and Wayne Rooney chose to exchange their vows in spectacular Portofino. And they’re not the only celebrity fans of this exclusive Italian location. Kylie Minogue has stayed at fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana’s villa, while Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster chose it for their own wedding last summer. Here, we uncover what makes it so special.

Why should I go there?
Portofino started off life as a beautiful fishing village in a dramatic setting on a peninsula in the north of Italy. Pretty pastel houses are tucked into a protected inlet surrounded by cypress trees and olive-clad hills. Few cars are allowed into the village, so you can admire the bell towers, churches and lemon-painted Mediterranean villas in peace.

What is there to do?
Portofino mixes old and new, with plenty to keep shoppers busy – Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Hermès and Gucci all have boutiques in the fashionable port area. To get a sense of the village’s idyllic setting, follow the footpath from the Botanic Gardens to Castello Brown with its views across Portofino harbour. Beach lovers can enjoy the sandy cove at Paraggi, just over a mile away.

What’s further afield?
Take to the water like the locals: dozens of boats serve the coastline. The most popular line shuttles between nearby Rapello, Santa Margherita, Portofino and San Fruttuoso, taking about 15 minutes between each resort. A one-way fare costs about 10 Euros (£8). In July and August enjoy a night excursion to watch the lights in the dancing waters.

Where can I relax?
Chill out at Bar Moreno Di Ugo on the harbour or have dinner at Restaurant Il Delfino in the waterside square of Portofino. You’ll definitely want to sample one of the three bars at celeb favourite Hotel Splendido (hotelsplendido.com), an elegant, super-luxury hotel that overlooks Portofino’s sensational seascape. Kylie Minogue and Naomi Campbell have both stayed there and Madonna was seen jogging through its exotic gardens last year.

THE DREAM WEDDING LOCATION - choose from 3 stunning venues

The 17th-century Villa Durazzo at Santa Margherita where Coleen became Mrs Wayne Rooney is adorned with
tapestries and chandeliers and surrounded by elegant gardens. It has
two beautiful rooms for civil ceremonies and nearby is the lavish
church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia.

The Abbey at La Cervera is a former medieval monastery with stunning views of the coastline. Wedding receptions can be held in the exquisite Hall Of The Emperors or in the idyllic Gardenia Gardens.

Castello Brown, at the top of a hill a short walk from Portofino harbour, is also perfect for a sumptuous wedding party. It’s steeped in Genoese history and can cater for civil ceremonies in the splendid dining room or on the romantic terrace.

Best time to go: April to November – expect 24-26°C (75-79°F), peaking in August with cloudless skies.

How do I get there? Ryanair flies to Genoa, about 19 miles away, for around £70 return (0871 2460000, ryanair.com). Or fly British Airways to Milan or Pisa for around £109 (0844 4930787, britishairways.com). Cheapest transfer is a train from Milan or Genoa to Rapallo and then bus, single ticket 5 Euros (about £4).

Price of a meal: A harbourside beer costs £5.50. Dining at the Ristorante da Puny costs £30 each, but the food is superb. Eating in town is cheaper.

What you get for...

£100
Hotel Eden provides homely accommodation and, despite being well hidden down a narrow side street, is well placed for visiting the esplanade and harbour (hoteleden portofino.com).

£60
The Domino Home Piccolo (Italian for ‘small’) offers spacious rooms with chic bathrooms and a beautiful patio. It’s a terrific find a short walk away from the trendy port (dominavacanze.it).