Portofino or Santa Margherita?

Portofino is small. SM is a nicer size for me. We love to walk over to Portofino and take the boat back. Just back from Bologna. It was okay but also our seventh trip to Italy so we like to try something new each visit. If you're near Bologna it's worth a stop but we have many places we much prefer. Had a great day in Sirmione which is a quick train ride from Verona.

Hi Tom. Was just in Porto / SM a couple weeks ago and had a great day. Per Karin's comment, Portofino is very small, I'm guessing hotel seletion would be very limited and expensive? SM is an actual town. As Karin says, tho, definitely do the walk to Portofino. If it's a hot day, there are several places to stop and swim along the walk if so inclined. As far as the train to Venice, there are two routes - north thru Milan, or South - eventually thru Bologna. The milan route will be more express / nicer trains / chance to see Milan if you like. The south route will be slower trains / may or may not have a/c, but will be more scenic / character, more stops, thru the low mtn pass. Enjoy your trip!

SM is one of my favs....Portofino is a great 2 hour ferry ride/visit diversion for some spumante. I stayed a week in Rapallo next door. If I could do it again, SM hands down.

Just returned from SML after 8 glorious days! SML is the way to go. Very walkable town, nice people, close to Portofino and Rapallo. Stayed at the Continental-yes, it is old, but the location is stunning, and the staff is extremely helpful. Very nice breakfast on the terrace, too. Love the small cafes, the churches, and the vendors on the promenade every so often. It was a lovely surprise, and I plan to make it a yearly pilgrimmage. We stayed there after 13 days total in Rome and a cruise. What a great place to decompress. Have fun!!