we are going to the Italian Riviera in Sept. for 4 days. We plan on flying into Genoa and taking a train to Santa Margherita.
Does anyone know how to get from the airport in Genoa to the train station.
Is Santa Margherita the best place to explore the Cinque Terra area and Portofino.
I understand that the walk up to the train station in S.M is steep. Would it be too difficult for a senior in relative good shape.

Thanks,

Deborah

SML is a wonderful resort town but is not close to the CT---about an hour by train. The station is actually in Rapallo I believe--you will likely need to taxi.

It is not a problem to walk to the train station. It is on a hill, but if you get tired, you can stop and rest. I have seen people probably in their eighties going up the hill. They may walk a little slower than I do, but they make it.

I stay at Santa Margherita and take the train to Cinque Terre. You can go by boat to Portifino or bus. Going to is much better by boat because you can see the coast line. Then you can take the bus back to SML.

I have never flown into Genoa, but I believe there is a shuttle bus to the train station or stations. There are several stations in Genoa.

There are two different ways to reach the train station in SML, one is by pedestrian stairs and another is by following the street which has a gradual incline. I have done both. I love SML and would use it anytime for a base for CT and Portofino.

Just another good word for SML. I love SML, and have made return trips over many years. Yes, the train station is on a hill, but a walkable one. You may want to ask at your hotel about a local bus to train station, or even see if you can take a taxi. I've walked it, but I have seen a taxi or two at the station, and I'm sure you can get one up the hill if you like.

Thanks guys, I think all my question have been answered.

Levanto is flat, and closer to the Cinque Terre than SML, and is a perfectly nice town, though smaller than SML.

Here's instructions for taking the airport bus to the main station in Genoa:

http://www.airport.genova.it/v2/inde...=67&Itemid=136