The small Ligurian village of Portofino has recently become the focus of debate following the use of €320,000 in public funds to widen a largely private road known as via San Sebastiano. The road, which serves a cluster of villas owned by some of Europe’s wealthiest families—including Marco Tronchetti Provera of the Pirelli tyre dynasty, Pier Silvio Berlusconi, son of the former Italian prime minister, and the dowager Duchess of Westminster—was reportedly improved to facilitate car passage for residents.

The funding and upgrades, which included the installation of traffic lights, passing bays, and surveillance cameras aimed at identifying unauthorized vehicles, have drawn criticism in the Italian media. Local newspaper commentary highlighted concerns that public money was being used to benefit an exclusive group, with descriptions referring to the route as a “road of VIPs” now suitable for SUVs. A popular gossip website also criticized the project, suggesting the improvements served only a privileged few.

Portofino, once a quiet fishing village, became famous in the mid-20th century as a retreat for Hollywood stars and European aristocrats. The nearby Hotel Splendido, situated on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, has hosted notable guests such as Winston Churchill, Humphrey Bogart, and Elizabeth Taylor. The current population of around 351 residents reportedly maintains strict access restrictions to the road, allowing passage only to residents, their guests, and essential workers such as builders and gardeners.

Despite the criticisms, Matteo Viacava, the village mayor, defended the expenditure and the changes made to the road. He emphasized that the improvements were intended to enhance safety for all users rather than cater exclusively to affluent individuals. Viacava dismissed the narrative focused on VIP privilege, underscoring that vehicles wider than 1.6 meters remain banned from the route, a measure that effectively limits the size of allowed cars. He also noted that many residents use electric bikes for local travel.

Among the local community, opinions on the road improvements are mixed. Some residents declined to comment directly on the project’s value, while others expressed concerns about the practical challenges posed by larger vehicles like vans, rather than SUVs alone. A longtime local baker, who has family ties in the area dating back to 1911, refrained from commenting on the situation, citing a personal friendship with one of the notable villa owners.

The controversy reflects ongoing tensions in Portofino over balancing public resources and private interests in a locale renowned for its wealth, exclusivity, and tourism appeal. The village remains a symbol of prestige, even as debates continue about the appropriate use of public funds within its boundaries.