Hello, please tell me if there is enough to see around Genoa to make it worthwhile to stay a night in this area.
We arrive early in the morning and want to visit the CT area but feel that we might need to spend some 'down' time recouping from the flight.
And has anyone stayed in Porto Ercole area?
Thank you

What time of year will you be traveling? Porto Ercole is along the coast and is very beautiful. It is extremly crowded this time of year. August is the month that all of the Italians go to the beach. Porto Ercole is v. popular with Florentines.

Jennie - Have you considered CAMOGLI on the Riviera?
That would be a great place to spend some 'down' time recuperating.

It's only a 20-30 min. train ride from Genova, and is a real gem.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Just last week I posted the following reply to a similar question. I have edited it to suit your situation. No need to rush off right away if you arrive tired.

We have family in Genoa and have visited many times. The city is very interesting and there is a lot to do there. Your interests should dictate whether you visit some palaces (San Giorgio, Bianco, Rosso, Spinola, etc), the cathedral of San Lorenzo and/or wander through the narrow midieval streets of the old city looking in the small shops where the Genovese actually shop. Be sure to have a piece of the local foccacia as it is a unique specialty of Genoa. Don't forget to look up at the old buildings as a lot of artwork exists above street level. Skip the aquarium. Be aware that not much English is spoken in Genoa because it is not on the tourist map but the locals try to be helpful. Great seafood and pesto! If you have more questions I will try to help.

Thanks to those who have replied so far.
It is really appreciated. The more I read in books and message boards, the more confused I get about where to visit, stay, etc.
We will traveling in early October so, hopefully, most of the crowds have come and gone.
At one time I had thoughts of staying in Camogli overnight - see the sights around Portofino, et al - then stay 2 nights somewhere in CT, then head to Lucca, Pisa and stay overnight in Porto Ercole, then make our final leg of the trip towards the Amalfi coast area.
We have 9 full days.
Again, thanks for your thoughts.

hi jennie

We just got back from Camogli and stayed at the Cenobio Dei Dogi. A beautiful hotel with pool and private beach and good restaurant. A great place to wind down from a long flight. The CT is about a 1 hour local train ride from there. Enjoy!!

Steve James and Lewis: Any hotel recommendations in Camogli other than the Dei Dogi? Looking for 2-3 star for next March, not necessarily on the waterfront; pool not necessary. In town with view would be nice. Not finding much on the i'net.

Hi Holly
Go to this website,

http://www.camogli.it/camogli.htm

click on "In vacanza" then click on "Hotels & C"
It will give you all the hotels in Camogli with phone numbers as well.

Good luck!

Thanks, Lewis. I got a couple more websites from there. Please tell me there are more hotels than are listed on that page, though, aren't there? (Thinking of "winging it" for that time of year.)

Hi Holly

Sorry, but I think that's it! I saw all those hotels that are listed. They all 'looked' nice but I really have no idea what they look like inside. We ate at La Camogliese's restaurant it was good.
You shouldn't have a problem winging it that time of year.

Hi Holly,

I can't recommend any myself as I've never actually stayed in Camogli.

I expect you've already found this one:

http://www.casmona.com/inglese/home.htm (***)

or

http://www.htlaugusta.com/stanzef_e.htm (**)

Can't find any others with websites, unfortunately

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Yes, I've got those 2 sites and they look great. Thanks, guys!