Monterossa & is Portifino worth it
Aug 3rd, 2006, 08:36 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monterossa & is Portifino worth it
After much indecision, we have decided to stay in Monterosso (Villa Steno) rather than Levanto or towns north, for our 3 days in the CT next summer. Our thinking was 1) we want more fishing village than Riviera type town 2) we want to be able to drive in 3) we want to be close to the villages for pre and post midday onslaught.
My questions are...We are thinking of taking the boat to the other 4 villages near the end of the days, trip around into the evenings and train back after dinner. The middays will be for lounging at the beach and hiking (maybe Monterosso toward Levanto). Sound like a winner?
Last question... when we leave Monterossa we head for Venice by car and my wife wants to go up to Portifino if it works out 'cause she saw it on her soap opera. We both want to know if Portifino is worth the time spent.
P.S. we are not rich or big shoppers
My questions are...We are thinking of taking the boat to the other 4 villages near the end of the days, trip around into the evenings and train back after dinner. The middays will be for lounging at the beach and hiking (maybe Monterosso toward Levanto). Sound like a winner?
Last question... when we leave Monterossa we head for Venice by car and my wife wants to go up to Portifino if it works out 'cause she saw it on her soap opera. We both want to know if Portifino is worth the time spent.
P.S. we are not rich or big shoppers
Aug 3rd, 2006, 09:34 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We love Portofino and we aren't rich and we don't shop. Do you hike, like boats or swim? We love the hilly walks in Portofini, escpecially to church, love the cemetery, then to the fort and then to the lighthouse. This is uphill, but otherwise not difficult.
Taking a boat to San Fruttuoso abbey and beach takes very little time and it is gorgeous.
The harbor at Portofino is pretty and justly famous. We usually make Portofino a day visit. I think you would enjoy doing the same.
Taking a boat to San Fruttuoso abbey and beach takes very little time and it is gorgeous.
The harbor at Portofino is pretty and justly famous. We usually make Portofino a day visit. I think you would enjoy doing the same.
Aug 3rd, 2006, 10:45 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks you two.
to Tuscanlifeedit... We like light hiking but lean more toward looking into churches, and nooks & crannies, checking out the local vibe, a little beach time, and a nice restaurant, boating sounds great too.
That brings me to Sampaguita... The boat trip from Monterosso to Portifino sounds wonderful, Do you have a link for the Captain that stops for dolphins?
to Tuscanlifeedit... We like light hiking but lean more toward looking into churches, and nooks & crannies, checking out the local vibe, a little beach time, and a nice restaurant, boating sounds great too.
That brings me to Sampaguita... The boat trip from Monterosso to Portifino sounds wonderful, Do you have a link for the Captain that stops for dolphins?
Aug 3rd, 2006, 10:59 AM
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,233
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The boat out of Monterosso is a good idea and a nice way to get to see the coastline and hiking trails (without actually hiking).
I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and I should add that I've never been to Portofino, but I think you might be happier taking the boat to Portovenere instead of visiting Portofino.
Portovenere is quaint, has a picturesque harbor and an interesting fort overlooking the sea. Friends who have been to Portofino told me they didn't like it because it's too busy and touristy.
One note. The boat to Portovenere stops at the other CT towns, but if you go all the way to PV, I don't think there's a train back. I think you'd have to take a bus to La Spezia and then catch the train, or be sure you make the last boat out of PV, which leaves late afternoon.
I think you'll like Monterosso, and I've heard good things about the Villa Steno, though I didn't stay there. Have a nice time, and a few glasses of sciacchetra.
I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and I should add that I've never been to Portofino, but I think you might be happier taking the boat to Portovenere instead of visiting Portofino.
Portovenere is quaint, has a picturesque harbor and an interesting fort overlooking the sea. Friends who have been to Portofino told me they didn't like it because it's too busy and touristy.
One note. The boat to Portovenere stops at the other CT towns, but if you go all the way to PV, I don't think there's a train back. I think you'd have to take a bus to La Spezia and then catch the train, or be sure you make the last boat out of PV, which leaves late afternoon.
I think you'll like Monterosso, and I've heard good things about the Villa Steno, though I didn't stay there. Have a nice time, and a few glasses of sciacchetra.
Aug 3rd, 2006, 11:12 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
truckinbob
I was at another computer when I posted to you earlier and didn't have this link at hand. Now I do. Here is an article I wrote about the Portofino area, with pix by my DH:
http://www.postgazette.com/travel/20...fino0810p1.asp
Hope you enjoy it.
I was at another computer when I posted to you earlier and didn't have this link at hand. Now I do. Here is an article I wrote about the Portofino area, with pix by my DH:
http://www.postgazette.com/travel/20...fino0810p1.asp
Hope you enjoy it.
Aug 3rd, 2006, 11:50 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,004
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FWIW, I think the harbor entrance to Portofino is one of the great experiences Italy has to offer. However, I find the town itself rather like Taormino. Full of "art" sellers and jewelery stores. Pretentious and a place to visit once. If there was to be a next time I'd stay on the boat.
