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Photography, transportation and lodging - it's all about timing!

I am traveling with a group in mid May to Bellagio and Venice for photography and painting, but would like to fly in early to get photos of Portofino at sunrise and perhaps enjoy the Tuesday market in Vernazza. I am a little scared of driving from Milan airport (I have heard stories and I am that speed limit driver on American freeways) and am a 54 yr old woman traveling alone for this part.

I want to photograph boats and the vibrant color of the area for painting later, and experience the feeling of the culture while I am alone, as it is very different when with a group.

Drive or train? Stay in Portofino to get the photos? Where to stay and what to do during the day between morning and evening light? If i stay in Santa Margherita or Vernazza could I hire a driver to take me to pre-dawn Portofino then take a train back? Can anyone recommend particular vantage points or amazing photography locations in the Cinque Terres area? If hiking the trail, do you hike to the next town then take the train back to your hotel? I heard that there is a renovated castle/hotel that has a view of two bays. Does anyone know what it is called?

Thanks for your help! I want to get my trip planned so I am ready when the airfare prices drop (hopefully soon).

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906 posts

It sounds like driving is the best way for you to see Portofino. Staying there assures you of the timing you seek. It won't take you long to see everything Portofino has to offer, including Castle Brown. Vernazza should be by train. If driving as you describe stay in the right lane. Consider the little town of Portovenere for morning lighting and some boats and castles. It is drivable as well. The Bay of Poets is nice. It is near La Spezia on the south end of 5 Terre. Also, La Spezia has many boats but is a large, commercial, and naval, port. Sounds like a good trip, have fun.