We would like to travel to Portofino and generally the Liguria region but would need to drive from Milan. We have driven in Milan, on the highways before however has anyone got experience driving to Portofino? What are the roads like?

Alternatively how else can you get to Portofino? We have children so will need a car once we arrive

You have enquired on Portofino, Singapore, Mallorca, the South of France, and beaches in general, with a one and four year old. Perhaps you should get a guidebook (or four) and come up with a plan that is less spread out and vague. Where are you coming from? How long is your vacation? Budget?

Welcome to Fodors. You have started eight threads today, all a few minutes apart, on the Europe forum, and about Singapore and Australia, none of which provide much if any details. Are these real trips or are you researching for something else? Just wondering.

Was posting the same times as AJPeabody -- so I'm not the only one

We’re planning 8 weeks in Europe in July - August this year so lots to consider! I’m new to the forum, is there a better way to use it?

IMO: Post a single thread on the Europe forum with tags for each of the countries you are considering. Explain that you are in the early stages of planning and are considering multiple locations, including non-European ones, such as Singapore and Australia.

For now, ask the moderators to merge the posts for Europe and to add country flags as appropriate. You can do that by clicking on the orange triange.

And as AJPeabody suggests, get / consult some decent guidebooks. Most libraries have them.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your guidance!

If you've driven in central Milan, I tip my hat. We did that a few times more than 20 years ago, but I wouldn't attempt it now. ZTLs, traffic, ugh.

If you've driven highways in Italy, I wonder what advice you're seeking. Have you looked at a map? MIlan to Rapallo is just boring autostrada with tolls. The last 10 kms. from Rapallo to Portofino is on a smaller, secondary road. Depending on when you're going, the traffic those last 10 kms. can make it a slog. You can't drive into the center of Portofino.

Alternatively, you could train from Milan to Rapallo and rent the car there. If you won't need the car until you leave Portofino, train from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure and taxi (6 kms.) to your Portofino lodging. After Portofino, rent the car in Rapallo. If you rent the car in Rapallo, ask for the specific route you need to drive out of the city to avoid the ZTL.

Thank you so much thats very useful I will look up these route options

We had a week in Luguria, staying in Santa Margherita and we drove the few miles to Portofino from there. The road is one lane each way and you can park at the end of it just outside of the village by the bus terminal. It''s a minute or two walk to the small harbour. It's a tiny place with some high end shops and expensive restaurants and bars and to be honest we were a bit underwhelmed by it and I certainly would not drive from Milan to see it. There are many small coves in Italy and indeed Europe, that are much more attractive and engaging.

I have driven to Portofino. Nothing unusal about the road or access. Parking is very limited and very expensive. It's a stunningly gorgeous place with prices to match should you decide to stay there. Wonderful hikes to be done.

The roads are fine, but do you want to stay IN Portofino?
Have you looked at hotels there? What's hotel budget per night, per room? I think the Splendido (the main hotel, on the hill) was just renovated but I'm guessing you ight have to book pretty soon if you are thinking about staying there In the summer.

Portofino is tiny and will be so packed in summer that I don't think you will want to drive anywhere from there. As far as I know, there's only one road in and out of town and you'll have to keep your car in a garage. Where else do you want to go in Liguria?

I've only been to Portofino on a day trip but have stayed in a couple of other towns in the area.