Portofino-how to spend the day?

[travelgenie]

We are in the port of Portofino in early September, any suggestions on how to spend the day? What are the important sites? Are there any scenic boat trips that cruise past the towns of Cinque Terre without stopping? We are only in port until 5 and have decided not to do the Cinque Terre excursion as originally planned, we will save it for another time when we have more time to hike and visit all the villages. But, we would love to have a glimpse if that is possible, ideas????????

[CintiPam]

We are in the port of Portofino in early September, any suggestions on how to spend the day? What are the important sites? Are there any scenic boat trips that cruise past the towns of Cinque Terre without stopping? We are only in port until 5 and have decided not to do the Cinque Terre excursion as originally planned, we will save it for another time when we have more time to hike and visit all the villages. But, we would love to have a glimpse if that is possible, ideas????????

 

We hiked over to Castello Brown, stopping at the Chiesa San Giorgio, and enjoyed the views from the Castello, then took a leisurely stroll back down through the extensive gardens to the port area, where I did a little shopping. Our cruise only had a short day there sandwiched between two very busy days, so we were not very ambitious.

 

The only information I found about cruises to the Cinque Terre from that area indicate that all the boats stop for some time, including the 1/2 day trip, and all leave from nearby Santa Margherita Ligure. The very informative website for the boat service is www.traghettiportofino.it. (There is an English option on the homepage of the website.) Look there, and your options are set out very clearly.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[nparmelee]

We took the bus to Santa Margarita Ligure (1 euro/person) and explored there and then took the walking path back to Portofino and then had lunch in Portoino. Very enjoyable. Some people will go to the Cinque Terre from there as well, but as you know, that can take a while. When are you going and how much time do you have in port? It is a tender port so expect at least an hour less than the published time in port. Some of the ferries in the area will only operate during the summer months.

[CintiPam]

When are you going and how much time do you have in port? It is a tender port so expect at least an hour less than the published time in port. Some of the ferries in the area will only operate during the summer months.

 

Hi, fellow Oceania traveler.:) OP stated that he/she was going in early September (first line of post). The ferries still run in September.

[KirkNC]

We took the bus to Santa Margarita Ligure (1 euro/person) and explored there and then took the walking path back to Portofino and then had lunch in Portoino. Very enjoyable. Some people will go to the Cinque Terre from there as well, but as you know, that can take a while. When are you going and how much time do you have in port? It is a tender port so expect at least an hour less than the published time in port. Some of the ferries in the area will only operate during the summer months.

 

I have seen a hiking trail in Rick Steve's, is that what you took or did you follow the shore? How long did the walk take? I believe it is about 2 miles. Is there anything special to do or see along the walk?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Kirk