Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, has captivated fans worldwide, particularly with the track titled “Elizabeth Taylor.” In this song, the acclaimed artist references Portofino, a picturesque village located on the Italian Riviera, southeast of Genoa. Known for its vibrant pastel-colored houses and luxurious atmosphere, Portofino is a popular vacation destination, and Swift’s mention of the town has already sparked a significant increase in travel interest.
The song features several nods to the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor, who had deep connections to Portofino and the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, both of which are highlighted in the lyrics. Swift sings, “That view of Portofino was on my mind / When you called me at the Plaza Athénée,” drawing a parallel between her life and Taylor’s storied past.
According to travel experts at Travel Republic, the mention of Portofino has led to a remarkable 1,329% surge in global Google searches for the destination, just one hour after the album’s release. This trend underscores how Swift’s influence extends beyond music into the realm of travel, with many fans eager to experience the beauty she describes.
In May 2024, Swift and her fiancé, Travis Kelce, were spotted in the nearby Lake Como region, although it remains unclear if they visited Portofino during their trip. Experts suggest that the mention of the town in her song may serve as another of Swift’s signature “Easter eggs” rather than a direct reference to her travels.
Italy has emerged as a significant celebrity hotspot in 2025. In July, Jeff Bezos wed Lauren Sánchez in a lavish ceremony in Venice, attended by numerous high-profile guests including Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio. The trend continues with sightings of Kate Hudson and Dakota Johnson in Rome, and Dua Lipa enjoying a holiday in Palermo. Recently, Milan Fashion Week attracted stars like Elliot Page and Demi Moore, further solidifying Italy’s status as a favored destination for the rich and famous.
Travel Republic highlights several hotspots in Portofino that may have inspired Swift while writing her song. Notable locations include the Dolce & Gabbana estate, Castello Brown—the wedding venue for Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker—and the town’s charming Piazzetta, known for its colorful buildings and bustling marina. Other iconic spots include the Church of San Giorgio and La Terrazza restaurant at the luxurious Hotel Splendido.
Experts from Travel Republic emphasize that autumn is one of the best times to visit Portofino. During October, visitors can expect mild temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds, creating ideal conditions to enjoy the village’s stunning vistas. For those unable to travel in the fall, spring offers a similarly appealing experience from April to June, characterized by warm weather and manageable crowds.
Swift’s album announcement also featured the introduction of a new color she calls Portofino Orange Glitter, a hue she wore during the latter part of her Eras Tour. In her first appearance on the podcast New Heights, hosted by Kelce and his brother Jason, she described the color as reflective of her life energy during the tour. Additionally, the standard version of her album is available in “sweat and vanilla perfume Portofino orange vinyl,” further emphasizing the connection to the iconic destination.
As travel enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their next adventures, Swift’s lyrical nod to Portofino might just inspire a new wave of visitors to this enchanting Italian village.