CT alternatives

Posted by Gabriel (Pico Rivera, CA) on 02/07/20 12:55 AM

I’m spending about two and a half days in the CT in May. I’ve already booked my lodging in Vernazza, but am wondering if I’d get more bang for my buck elsewhere nearby. The apartment would involve a lot of stairs and it doesn’t even have AC (has a beautiful view though). I’d love to stay in Portofino, but that looks a bit pricey. Other than Santa Margherita Ligure, are there any other go to spots that are relatively close to CT?

Ideally looking for something within easy walking distance to a train station so that I can explore the area easily. And something with a killer view of the sea.

I’m flying in and out of Genoa.

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

02/07/20 01:02 AM

16517 posts

I've stayed in both Santa Margherita Ligure and Levanto.

In Santa Margherita Ligure my hotel was across the street from the train station and 10 minute walk into the center of town. It doesn't get a lot of tourists compared to Portofino--which didn't impress me--so you get the real flavor of an italian town. (If you like expensive shopping, you will like Portofino. Not much else there.)

Levanto is one stop north of the Cinque Terre about five minutes by train. The walk to the beach from the train station is about 15 minutes.

I don't remember seeing any shuttle bus in Vernazza. it's only a five minute walk from the train station to the harbor. A few stairs down from the train station but not too bad.

Posted by NickB

Maryland

02/07/20 01:07 AM

913 posts

We stayed in Levanto about half way between the train station and the waterfront. It is a bit less touristy than the CT and just a short train ride away.

Posted by KRS

02/07/20 01:09 AM

667 posts

It’s been about ten years since my last trip to Italy, but I loved Santa Margherita and it was easy to get to CT for day trips via the train. Portofino was nice, but expensive. We really enjoyed Portovenere, which was like a less expensive Portofino.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

02/07/20 01:43 AM

11823 posts

So many little towns that hold promise! The website A Path to Lunch has a guide to where to stay that I have linked to. Explore their site thoroughly as it is a gem of what to do and where to go in Liguria.

Posted by N_Kingdom

02/07/20 02:49 AM

872 posts

There is also Rapallo, Alexandre the gracious owner of the Hotel Astoria.

Posted by Tinac

North Italy

02/07/20 10:53 AM

400 posts

In a normal May you are not going to need AC

Posted by isabel

Massachusetts

02/07/20 12:57 PM

847 posts

I stayed in Rapallo and loved it. Easy day trips to Portofino (yes expensive and boring but the view from the castle/museum is worth a walk up there) and also to Camogli, Santa Margherita and Portovenere as well as the CT towns.

I stayed in Hotel Italia, right next to the adorable castle on the beach. Paid €10 extra for a sea view room and from my terrace I looked right onto the castle. Gorgeous. Photo #3 in this gallery is the view from my room, the yellow building in #2 is the hotel. https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p946045812

Posted by Gabriel OP

Pico Rivera, CA

02/07/20 03:09 PM

594 posts

Thanks all. Will take all these considerations in mind.

Posted by valadelphia

02/07/20 03:32 PM

5204 posts

What is your goal for the visit? If you are going be exploring other places on the train each day, then I don't see much point in staying in CT. If you are going to enjoy the CT hiking trails, then stay within the CT.