Going to CT from Florence in early June. Planning to leave Florence in the morning by train and staying in Vernazza for 3 nights. My questions are 1. We will have to change trains in La Spezia to get to Vernazza. We would like to explore the first two towns on the way but can we store our luggage in the train station at Riomaggiore and manarola so we can explore without dragging a suitcase with us? Seems silly to go to Vernazza then backtrack 2. Could we possibly get to Portofino for an afternoon while in CT without a tremendous amount of hassle? 3. Should we buy the CT pass right when we get to La Spezia that first day in order to be able to use it for all the trains and hiking the next 2 days and will that pass help us get to Portofino ?
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated ;)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Tammy, Regarding your questions.... 1.) You will be one or two changes at Pisa Centrale and La Spezia Centrale, so you will have to change trains. The fastest trips are about 2H:51M. I'd suggest going straight to Vernazza, checking-in and drópping your bags and then take the local train back to Riomaggiore and start exploring. Fares are very cheap. From Riomaggiore you could hike (walk) the famous Via dell'Amore to Manarola. Stop at the small bar along the trail for a a "cool one" and some incredible ocean views. From Manarola take the train back to Vernazza (or hike the trail if it's open). 2.) Yes, a trip to Portofino is certainly possible. I'd leave Vernazza mid-morning and return late afternoon. Travel by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, walk down the stairs to the harbour and then take the 20 minute boat ride to Portofino. As I recall, you can buy boat tickets at the small Bar behind the SML train station (be sure to buy return tickets). 3.) You can certainly buy the C.T. Pass when you go through La Spezia or in the C.T. towns. As I recall, you'll need to validate it first and once that's done the meter is running. If you buy the Pass just for the trails, it doesn't cover rail travel. If you buy the Cinque Terre Treno pass, that's also good for local trains. AFAIK, the Treno pass will ONLY cover you as far as Levanto, so for the trip to Santa Margherita you'll have to pay for an extra ticket (they're relatively cheap). Happy travels!
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
There is no storage at the 5t stations. Follow Ken's advice and check into your hotel,BnB first in Vernazza. When you arrive in Vernazza check the train board for the next time of the train going in the direction you want so you know when to be back at the platform. Also I would recommend the restaurate Belforte in Vernazza for dinner. We had the best seafood of my trip last month there with a beautiful sea view.
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
I would drop off the luggage and then go exploring. With 3 nights you'll have plenty of time to see the CT. You might want to see Bay of Poets while in the area.
Posted by
OP
Kennewick, Wa
63 posts
Thank you everyone!! Does anyone know if there is a boat that will go from Vernazza or Monterroso to Portofino?
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
Definitely drop your things off at your hotel in Vernazza first. Then go to the train station and buy your CT pass. Was just there 2 weeks ago and a day pass cost €12 and includes all the trains, trails, local busses, and the elevator in Riomaggiore (it was out of commission when we went and looks like it has been like that for quite some time). It also allows you to go to La Spezia and Levanto but does not include Portofino.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Tammy. Yes, there is a boat that goes from Monterosso to Portofino. There's only 1 boat/day and it leaves around 10:30am and 2 hours to get to Portofino. It allows you an hour or two to explore Portofino then takes you to San Fruttuoso (an abby) and then back to Monterosso. I believe it drops you off in Monterosso at around 5pm so the journey takes the better part of a day. Keep in mind that the boat only runs in summer. We visited Portofino this past September but didn't want to spend 4 hours in transit on the boat so we took the train to Camogli, walked around for a few hours, then took a boat to San Fruttuoso and then immediately boarded another boat to Portofino (there's no direct boat from Camogli to Portofino). If you only want to see Portofino, you can take the train from Monterosso to Santa Margherita Ligure and then take a short bus ride to Portofino. This way, you can probably visit Portofino in a shorter amount of time than the boat ride would take. Have a great trip.