We are on a cruise so our options are Portifinio or tour to CT.We only have 9 hours. Is there enough to see/do in Portifinio?--we are not much on shopping.We would really like to see both Portifinio&CT on our own.Suggestions on how we can accomplish this.Possible in so short timeframe?
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Sandra - Portofino is one of the most EXPENSIVE ports in all of Italy - nice to see BUT!! La Cinque terre, on the other hand is absolutely fabulous - You do not need a guide!! If you're coming into Livorno have Hertz or Avis provide a car at the dock and in a little over an hour you'll be in La Spezia. Leave the car at the station, jump on the train and in about 15 minutes you'll be in the first village - A Must!!! Walk the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola - AMAZING - cafe along the way to stop for a beverage and only about a 20 minute walk. From there you can hop back on the train and see the other villages - Vernazza is a Must See!
Do not be afraid - You can do this!! It really is a fun day and you'll be back at the ship in plenty of time. It's a straight shot up the Autostrada to La Spezia. Being herded on a bus is not that much fun. There is not really time enough to see La Cinque Terre as well as Portofino.
Enjoy your trip - Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
No question here to me- CT.
Portofino is tiny and I left disappointed. The name sounds sexy and celebrities used to go there but it isn't much or worth the detour, my opinion. I approached from the sea (nice) and returned to Sta Margarita by bus. I would have much preferred more time in CT or Sta Margarita.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
We always stay in Santa Margherita and love it. We walk to Portofino for the views but once you get there it's tiny and you see the few yachts, a few stores (some art stores)the colorful buildings and the building on the hill and that's about it. Buy a postcard of Portofino and go to CT or Santa Margherita. There is a ferry between Portofino and SM that we take back
Posted by
Costa Mesa
348 posts
I totally agree with Karen. Santa marg was good location because you can walk to portifino for the day (45 Minutes but at times a narrow road). And you can walk to the top of the hill for the train for a day in CT. I did not stay in CT but a imagine it would be a great experience
Posted by
chicago, il, usa
12 posts
The Cinque terre are truly magical. The scene by the shore in the early morning as the boats come in was pure travel bliss. I stayed in Vernazza, it was one of the highlights of my holiday in Italy.