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Steep incline in Riomaggiore?

We plan to be in Italy again in October in Santa Margherita and want to go to Portovenere. I think we will take the train to Riomaggiore and then catch the ferry to Portovenere. The ferry service has said that they operate until Nov. 4, seas permitting. How steep is the incline from the train station to the dock and back up again? My climbing ability is not what it used to be and I don't want to have to be hoisted back up the hill. Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by
6898 posts

We rode the ferry from Monterosso to Portovenere, had a nice lunch and then back again. Monterosso is fairly flat except for the steps down from the train station. When we rode the ferry, they didn't pull into any of the other towns because of the rough seas. It was a very clear day so we were able to take great pictures of the towns as we passed them. To answer you question, it's a very short distance from the train station to the ferry dock. As I recall, it's a slight decline and not too steep.

Posted by
257 posts

Hi From the Riomaggiore train station to the ferry dock you have to walk to the town center first. About 5 minutes. This section is flat. From town center to dock is about 3 to 5 minutes walk. This section is a little hill but not much. As I remember, it is about 20 to 30 ft high. No steps. I do not think you have any problem with it.
have a good trip.

Posted by
32219 posts

B.D., I wouldn't exactly call it a "steep incline", but this is the route to the dock in Riomaggiore. When you arrive at the station in Riomaggiore, you'll need to get to the main part of town, using the small "tunnel" that parallels the tracks. Everyone else will be walking in that direction, so it won't be hard to find. At the end of the tunnel, go straight ahead and down the stairs to the harbour. When you get to the bottom, stay left and start walking along the small trail that goes around the bluff. You'll eventually pass a ticket booth for the boats. Buy your ticket and then continue on the path. When you get around the corner, look for some stairs on the right that lead down to the water. Again, there will probably be others heading in that direction, so just follow them. If a boat happens to be arriving at the time, you'll see how the docking arrangement works. The boats approach the rocks bow-first, attach ropes and then keep it lightly in "reverse". A ramp will be dropped to allow passengers to board. When it's time to leave, they raise the ramp, cast-off the lines and back out. As you'll be coming from Santa Margherita Ligure, you may find it easier to board the boat in Monterosso. As I recall, there's more of a "proper" dock there. However, you'd need to walk from the station and through the small tunnel to reach the dock. It's all fairly level and not a difficult walk. I'll be back in that area on my next trip, and also plan to visit Portovenenere. Happy travels!

Posted by
84 posts

I appreciate the speedy and helpful replies. It sounds as if Monterosso is the place to board the ferry. We have been to Monterosso previously and are somewhat familiar with the area. Grazie!