Hi All
We will be checking out of our Villa near Pisa and heading up to Milan. We have 2 cars. Any suggestions for Towns to stop and explore along the way? We will have a group of 10 including a 2 and 4 year old which makes us hesitant to go to the Cinque Terre! Maybe Portifino? Santa Margherita? Maybe even more interior like Parma?
Thanks!
I agree that you don't want to try C.T. with toddlers (I wouldn't!). However, just north of there, get on the seaside road that parallels the A1. It is much slower going, but the towns along the water will take your breathe away. Rapallo, Portifino, Santa Margherita, and Camogli (our personal favorite). Then, you're just a short distance from Genova, then get on the A7 and head to Milan.
That sounds great! Thanks
ocean,
Santa Margherita Ligure is one possibility, but I wouldn't bother with Portofino (unless there's a specific reason you want to see it). It's somewhat overpriced with not a lot of attractions to see except for the posh stores and the picturesque harbour. You could still consider a quick look at the Cinque Terre, as there are car parks in Monterosso (or you could park near the station in La Spezia and take the local trains from there.
Thank you for the replies! Is there a good place to park in Santa Margherita?
Some hotels in S Margherita have free parking, which you can book along with the rooms. Private lots cost about €15 per day or metered parking is available along the waterfront. The parking garage in Portofino is very expensive, and anyway, it's fun to make the trip by boat.
Rapallo has some free street parking, for instance around the south end of the promenade, near Residence Il Convento, where I enjoyed staying last fall.
Ok. I did look at the Rick Steves Italy 2014 and he mentions paid parking near post office and one near the fish market.
