We wanted to stay in Portofino in June or July 2022 but are finding the prices too high. We want somewhere between Genoa and the Cinque Terra (we have already stayed in the CT on a previous trip). Our goal is to stay near a beach with the chaise lounges for rent and spend time swimming, walking, eating at local restaurants and just relaxing. We will have a rental car so need a city easily accessible by car. We have read about several of the cities but would appreciate opinions from people who have been to that area. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
23 posts
We loved Santa Margarita Ligure which is the town right next to Portofino. Has nice beaches, hotels, restaurants and shops. It is a beautiful and easy walk from SML to Portofino and is well described in Rick’s Italy book. Highly recommend.
Posted by
back in the Americas
678 posts
Take a look at Camogli, not far from Portofino.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you both for the ideas! I will be checking them out!
Posted by
Freedonia
15087 posts
Another vote for Santa Margherita Ligure.
Posted by
california
288 posts
Santa Margherita!! Hands down!! One of my happy places..15 minute beautiful ferry ride..if that..to Portofino..or walk thru the forest path. Train station..wonderful small city/ town..dont miss the evening passagiatta! Oh. Great restaurants..shops..5 min.bus to Rapallo..ferry to Cinque Terra..so much!
Posted by
Los Angeles
17 posts
Another vote for Santa Margherita Ligure! One guidebook described it as just like Portofino but much easier on the wallet. We stayed at the Continental this past October - the views from the seaview balconies are out of this world. Though it was stormy while we were there, the hotel has a wonderful seaside patio area and multi-level garden filled with chaises that you can rent out either as a guest or a visitor, for snacking, sunbathing, or taking a dip in the Mediterranean. The town itself is charming and it makes a great base for visiting the Cinque Terre, Genoa and Portofino. As linda put it, it's easily one of our happy places!
Posted by
11170 posts
We love both Santa Margherita Ligure and nearby Camogli.
We have walked, bussed and taken boat down to Portofino. It is physically beautiful but we would never stay there. I don't care for the over the top prices and high end everything there.
If you have problems getting into places in SML or Camogli, also look at Portovenere south of the Cinque Terre.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you all !!! Santa Margherita sounds like a popular place!!
Posted by
california
288 posts
Also wanted to add that I 2nd the Hotel continental...I have stayed there many many times since 2011, and love it. the location cannot be beat...the view is spectacular. The rooms are fine, get one with a terrace. A lovely breakfast served on the terrace overlooking the bay is a dream. It is a 5-7minute walk into town, down the hill, and about the same to the train station, which can take you many wonderful places within 10 minutes. Strolling the town at night is just wonderful. Enjoy your trip!