We will have one day from a cruise in Genoa-to hopefully go to Portofino-any suggestions how is the best way for 3 people to go to Portofino? Thanks Sandra Perillo
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Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
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USA
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We just returned from the Italian Riviera this week, and went to charming Portofino twice within 4 days. The first time, we went from the Piazza Principe train station in Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure. At the station in SML, we took the #82 bus directly to Portofino, a short bus ride away (about 15 minutes) on a narrow road, which reminded me of Lake Como. We purchased a one way ticket (biglietti) at the Tabacchi (Tobacco) shop right there at the SML station. After spending a couple of hours in the small village of Portofino, we took the ferry boat at the pier back to SML, and spent a couple of hours there. SML is a charming beach town larger than Portofino, with a lovely shopping area with old alleyways similar to Genoa, containing nice shops and restaurants and an interesting old church at the main square.
When we returned a few days later, we took the ferry boat (www.golfoparadiso.it) from the port at Genoa, which may be more convenient for you since your cruise ship will probably be docked there. You need to check the schedule online because, depending upon what time of the year you are going, the ferry only runs on certain days and times. In April, the ferry ran on Sundays, starting at 10:00 a.m. We took the Green Line, which stopped first at the charming fishing village of Camogli, then went onto San Fruittuoso, a tiny strip of land with an ancient abbey, which is only accessible by water or on foot. There is a lovely restaurant, Giorgios, on the cliff overlooking the water to relax and have lunch and take in the views. The boat then continued to Portofino. You can get off the ferry at whichever location(s) you want and spend an hour or two. The last ferry leaves Portofino about 4:50 to return to Genoa Porto Antico by 6:30 p.m.. The roundtrip cost was 24 euros per person, payable by cash or credit card at a small booth at the port in Genoa. No prior reservation was required. Enjoy your trip. All the small towns are really charming.