I will be in Manarola for 3 full days at the end of May. I would like to take a day trip and cannot decide between Camogli or Portovenere. I prefer to take my time in new places so think trying to do both in one day would be too much for my preferences. I will be using public transportation to make this day trip. Would like to do a combination that includes a boat (weather permitting). Has anyone been to either or both of these towns? Can you help me decide?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Sharon, it doesn't really have to be a day trip to Portovenere. If the seas are not too rough, the ferry will pull in and stop at Manarola. It will then stop at Riomaggiore and then off you go to Portovenere. Walk around, have a nice lunch and return on a later ferry. We've done that from Monterosso. Alternatively, you can take the train to La Spezia Centrale and then take the local bus into Portovenere. Note that the bus stop is not that close to the train station from what I understand. It's a bit of a walk.
Camogli is a longer journey to and from the CT. That may indeed be a day trip with Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino very nearby. You can take the train from Manarola to the Camogli-S. Fruttuoso stop. 1.5hrs-2hrs depending on the run. Most runs will require 1 train change somewhere along the way. A few runs are direct with no train changes. We have not made a visit to Camogli from the CT.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
Sharon,
My suggestion would be to visit Porto Venere, as it will be an easier and probably more relaxing day trip (assuming the weather is good and the boats are running).
It's a fascinating place and you can explore the many small alleys above the harbour, which have lots of small shops and so on. You could also have a look at the Church of St. Peter (and others) and as I recall there's a Castle there as well (Doria Castle - you'll see it on the hill as you arrive by boat). There are lots of restaurants in the harbour area, and you may even find a couple of posh yachts docked there. While there you could also take a trip to the nearby island of Palmaria (if you have the time and interest).
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis
291 posts
Ken and Larry -
Thank you for the suggestions. It sounds like Portovenere might be the right choice for this trip.
Sharon