We have an open night with no reservations between our 4 night stay in Vareena and then 3 nights in Monterossa. I am uncertain what to do with this open night. What are your recommendations? Add another night in Monterossa? another night in Vareena? Or is there someplace else you would recommend for one night on the way to Monterossa? On another note: We would like to do a day trip from Monterossa to Portofino. Is this doable?
Thanks for any ideas you can give Jay
Posted by
Atlanta
97 posts
Regarding your second question, a day trip to Portofino is very doable. Take the train from Monterosso to Santa Margarita Ligura. That is a nice little town right on the water. Then you can take a ferry to Portofino. We did it as a day trip from Vernazza and enjoyed it.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
When are you going to be there? I would consider 4 nights in Varenna (not Vareena) too much pretty much any time of the year, but certainly too much outside of May-Sept. But it all depends on what your interests are and what your tolerance is for bad weather. Keep in mind that the trails can be closed if the weather gets bad enough. Happy travels.
Posted by
OP
san diego, CA, United States
107 posts
Thank you guys for your input.
I found it intereting Michael that you would find 4 days in Varenna too much anytime of the year except may through Sept. We will be there the first 4 days of October. I guess you feel that way as the weather can impact your trip negatively. Thanks mike for your input on Portofino. I think we will be taking your advice and do that day trip you suggested.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
If you've never visited Milan, you might consider a one-night stop there. If adding it to one of your planned stays, I'd suggest Monterosso.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Jay, IMHO, four nights in the Cinque Terre is not too much at all. In addition to touring the five towns, Monterosso makes a great "home base" for making day trips. As a previous reply mentioned, making a day trip to Portofino is absolutely possible. I did that last year and had a very enjoyable day. The method I used was to travel by train to Santa Margherita Ligure (about an hour or so) and then by boat to Portofino (about 20-minutes, not including waiting time). Arriving in the harbour in Portofino, with yachts and sailing craft everywhere, makes for a great picture! If you need more specifics on the travel route I used, post another note. I wouldn't bother stopping for another night on the way to Monterosso. One-night stops are such a nuisance (at least IMO)! If you haven't got accommodations booked in Monterosso, I'd suggest doing that SOON!!! Cheers!
Posted by
vernazza, liguria, Italy
14 posts
Hello Jay I suggest go from Varenna by train to S.Margherita and stay there 1 night (it take about 4 hours -www.trenitalia.it) From there by bus or ferry visit Portofino - S. Fruttuoso - Punta Chiappa and also Camogli. In the afternoon (the day after) can you go to Monterosso (50 minutes by train) or On Monday-wendsday-friday You have the ferry to Monterosso
Enjoy mino from vernazza