After combing through Rick's book Italy 2015 I'm not getting a clear picture of a "Home Base" if I want visit both Cinque Terre and Portofino. Mostly Cinque Terre but, a day trip to Portofino. He was respectful to Santa Magherita but, not in with both feet if I am reading him correctly.
Any thoughts?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
Santa Margherita is a big burstling town. Lots of activity, especially in July and August, but not as quaint as smaller locations. Since you intend to spend most of your time at the Cinque Terre I would look into Monterosso, which is small but not minuscule like the other villages at the Cinque Terre. From Monterosso to Santa Margherita is a short train ride. If finding accommodations at the Cinque Terre is a problem, look into Bonassola, two train stops away (just a handful of minutes), which I prefer to Levanto. If you want to stay in between Cinque Terre and SML/Portofino, I used to enjoy Moneglia. While visiting SML and Portofino, visit also the Abbey at San Fruttuoso.
Do a Google Image search of the above locations and see what you like.
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Wow Roberto thank you for your generous response. I'm on it!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2169 posts
We've stayed in Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore) and also in Bonassola (and Camogli. We enjoyed them all, but maybe have a slight preference for Camogli. From there, we took the boat to the Abbey and Portofino on a day trip as Roberto already suggested. From Portofino, we walked to SML (I'm sure Rick describes this jaunt) and then took the bus back to Camogli. I liked the looks of SML but haven't stayed there. From Bonassola, you can walk through tunnels (seven, I think) to Levanto - interesting flat hike!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I stayed in SML but only for one night and did like it. It was beautiful and there were plenty of restaurants to choose from and shopping, but I would probably stay in CT and do a day trip to Portofino, which I thought was beautiful and all the yachts in the harbor certainly added to the ambience. I also would probably stay in Monterosso.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
carl,
I'd also suggest staying in the Cinque Terre and taking a day trip to Portofino, with perhaps a short look around Santa Margherita Ligure. It will be a long (but interesting) day. There's not a lot to see in Portofino, although you can hike up the hill to Castello Brown to see if there are any displays or whatever happening (great view of the harbour from the hill).