ciaomare

Hi Everyone,
I am planning a trip in mid-August to Italy with two girlfriends and we would like current up-to-date info on the Ligurian Coast and the Cinque Terre.

I envision taking the train from La Spezia to Portofino, followed by a ferry to Monterosso, followed by a hike to Vernazza and then the ferry back to Porto Venere and eventually returning to La Spezia where our car will be parked.

Is this do-able and distance in time between La Spezia and Portofino? We plan lunch in Vernazza, so how early a start from La Spezia do we need to have?

Thanks for your help in advance. Btw, I am a seasoned traveler to Italy and understand the schedules of trains and ferries are not always what We hope. II just haven't been to this area in about 7 years.

Grazie,
~Mare

PalenQ

No trains to Portofino I believe but a bus or boat from La Spezia.

tuscanlifeedit

Train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then easy bus or taxi to boat to Portofino.

SML is closest to Portofino.

tuscanlifeedit

Oh... you want to do this all in one day? Where are you spending the nights on either end?

PalenQ

I was in Portofino one September day and it was one of the most mobbed tourist scenes I have ever seen - arrive early to avoid an elbow-elbow seen in this cute but very tiny old fishing port that now angles mainly for tourists' euros. I left thinking without the mob scene this may have been sweet but with it it wasn't worth the hassle - in August it will be even more mobbed!

ciaomare

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your replies. I will investigate catching a train to SML to Portofino and then continuing on from there. When I was there last, in July of 2005, the CT was very busy but very manageable. I anticipate the crowds during August so will be prepared. Any suggestions for lunch in Vernazza?

bobthenavigator

Potofino is a long way from the CT---I would not try to mix them in one day.