If I am planning on spending 4-5 days in Cinque Terra, is a stop in Portofino worth it? My impression is that they are very similar? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
It’s Cinque TerrE.
If you want to get it out of your system, just to tick it off your checklist, it’s an easy day trip by train (about one hour) from any of the villages. The train station you need is SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE - PORTOFINO. From the station to Portofino it’s a quick trip by taxi or bus, or a rather long 3 mile walk.
Posted by
Massachusetts
847 posts
Portofino is much more upscale and also larger than any of the CT villages. The best part was the view of the harbor from the castle which is a reasonably short walk up a hill. That was a very spectacular view. Other than that though the town itself didn't do much for me. However, you would combine it with a stop at Santa Margherita and/or Rapallo. Together they would make an interesting day trip. Depends on what else you are planning to do in your 4-5 days. Portovenere is also very interesting. There is a boat that goes from the CT villages to Portovenere and you also get great views of the CT itself from the water.
https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p946045812 photos of all these places. Portofino is #116-126
Posted by
128 posts
Portovenere is more affordable and interesting.
But a fun affordable day trip we like: train to Santa Margarita then walk to Portofino. Picnic lunch overlooking the harbor. Walk up to lighthouse and have a drink ( walk to bar at the end of path) then in town for gelato then bus back to Santa Margarita.