Can anyone report on how their trip to Santa Margherita has gone with their children? Most of the questions posted have either not been answered? Or answered by someone who travelled without children? Spending a week in July and hoping for recommendations ...would love to hear about a hotel or apartment along the promenade with great beach access for kids!
Also can anyone describe the fees associated with the beaches? Chairs? Beach spaces?
I understand it will be very crowded but we will be relaxing in the sea for most of the 7 days. Thanks!
Posted by
Boston
1710 posts
Although I was traveling without children, I was able to notice that the SML promenade is full of hotels and businesses and it's also the main thoroughfare and busy with traffic. I think a peaceful, child friendly lodging is unlikely there.
Perhaps you find this website useful. It has accounts of people vacationing with kids in different parts of Italy, including Liguria and at least two around Portofino. Of course it's in Italian.
Sorry, here's the link mentioned: http://thefamilycompany.it/idee-per-viaggiare-in-italia-con-bambini/
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11363 posts
Is there a reason you picked SML for 7 days of relaxing by the sea? There may be better choices if you have some flexibility. Will you take day trips while there?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Yes, there were many reasons but maybe you have a better suggestion? If I give you the reasons maybe there is a better choice?
1. This trip is about being in a different culture...not necessarily education. We will not visit many monuments/galleries/landmarks. I know! Different approach but my children are young and they will have many more opportunuties to visit places of historical importance.
2. We will be coming from Courmeyeur Italy. We are trekking part of the Tour Du Mont Blanc (Alps) and will be blistered, hungry and exhausted. Having a hotel/apartment on the beach with easy train access sounds good!
3. The other options I considered were the Veneto- too big city bustle to get to? And staying in Genoa- didn't seem as quaint?
- Here is the rest of our trip
London England 2 days river Thames cruise
Geneva Switzerland 2 days staying with friends
Chamonix France 7 days -1/2 of Tour du Mont Blanc-finish in Courmeyeur Italy
7 days swimming in the sea? Where though? 7 days includes travel days.
Paris France 3 days Eiffel Tower and Louvre then 2 days Disney Paris
London England fly home
We cannot do an open jaw flights and have to fly in and out of London as our son has extreme peanut allergies. There is only one Canadian airline that will/can accommodate him! It would have been so much more efficient to fly in and out of different cities!
Please know that any suggestions are appreciated as research can only take u so far! Thanks.
Posted by
Boston
1710 posts
Leaving aside the transportation question from Courmayeur, Santa Margherita and Liguria Levante is not the best beach choice. Liguria Ponente - the Riviera delle Palme & dei Fiori - has better beaches and it's closer to your next destination. For example, the town of Laigueglia is perfect for kids and has train service as well as a pretty center. There are other suitable towns as well though most are larger.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11363 posts
Lana, Your answers help.
Check out this site, A Path to Lunch, and particularly look at the entry for Moneglia.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks everyone! I wish I had asked my question earlier! We researched the suggestions and decided Moneglia was what,we were looking for. We are also able to add a day trip to Pisa which we wouldn't have without your suggestions. I LOVE this forum!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11363 posts
Happy you are happy! Do let everyone know how it works out!