Genoa to Portofino by public transport
 

Doing a day trip out of Genoa to Camogli and see it is close to Portofino. I can't seem to find way to get to Portofino from Camogli by publc transport, mainly bus. Is there way or is it strictly by car?

You can take boats/ferries. I did a lot of hiking when I was there (staying in Camogli), but there are multiple transit options. One day I took a train to SML--can't remember for sure which town--then took some ferries, also did some hiking.

There are sure to be seasonal changes in the schedules, but take a look here
https://www.apathtolunch.com/2015/02...rry-boats.html

You can either walk or take bus #73 from Camogli to San Fruttuoso train station. Take a train from San Fruttuoso to SML then the shuttle bus to Portofino.
This is the first option on Google Maps, there may be better ones depending on the departure time. I suspect that bus #73 continues to SML after stopping at San Fruttuoso train station.

train and bus or train and boat

rome2rio is a good place to start

If you get to San Frutuoso, there are a couple of ferries that take you direct to Portofino. It's not that far and the boat is relatively inexpensive. I do have to say that having been to the area several times and stayed in SML, Portofino is not, although a nice cove, worth putting yourself out for. There are many small villages on the coast that are just as nice. Apart from eye wateringly expensive hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes, the village is IMO "OK".

I predict that you will prefer Camogli to Portofino. We have gone by boat and car from Santa Margherita Ligure. We never spent more than two hours in Portofino and have no desire to return.

Agree with the others. We loved our stay in Santa Margherita Ligure and caught the bus to Portofino from there. Portofino was OK for a quick look but not a lot there.

There is also a nice hiking trail leading from San Fruttuoso Abbey through the pine forest to Portofino.

Thanks for all the hints. Think Camogli and SML are good options and will take your inputs re Portofino. Grazie.