Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy
Several charming towns lie within easy reach of Portofino, featuring diverse experiences. Santa Margherita Ligure, approximately 5 km / 3 miles away, is an elegant resort town with a beautiful palm-lined promenade and a charming harbor. Rapallo, about 10 km / 6 miles, presents a larger, more active town with a historic center and a medieval castle.
Camogli, roughly 12 km / 7.5 miles, is a picturesque fishing village known for its colorful houses and relaxed charm. San Fruttuoso Abbey, a remote 10th-century Benedictine abbey, offers a blend of history and natural beauty.
The Ligurian coast and surrounding regions invite longer excursions, from iconic cliffside villages to historic urban centers and renowned wine country.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cinque Terre National Park features five iconic cliffside villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore), famous for their colorful houses and dramatic coastline.
Often called the "sixth" Cinque Terre village, Portovenere presents a fortified town with a dramatic Gothic church on a rocky promontory, offering charm with fewer crowds.
When planning your excursions, consider different modes of travel and the benefits each might offer for your day's adventure.
Efficient for reaching larger cities like Genoa or the Cinque Terre. Offers scenic views along the coast and reliable schedules.
A memorable way to see the coastline, accessing villages like San Fruttuoso. Seasonal operation. GetYourGuide has options.
For active explorers, the Portofino Regional Natural Park trails present stunning views and connect to nearby towns.
Decide on your preferred pace. Some areas like Cinque Terre merit a full day, while others combine well for a varied experience.
Season influences available services and crowd levels. Summer is but busy; shoulder seasons bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Beyond day trips, consider longer extensions to explore more of Italy or nearby countries, building on your Ligurian experience.
Dedicate 1-3 additional days to the Eastern (Levante) and Western (Ponente) Ligurian Riviera. Towns like Sestri Levante, Chiavari, Alassio, or Sanremo each present unique characteristics.
Head north from Genoa into the Piedmont region. Destinations like Asti, Alba, and the Barolo wine region present world-class wine experiences and seasonal truffle hunting.
Portofino sits relatively close to the French border (approximately 2 hours drive to Nice), making a multi-day extension to Monaco, Nice, Cannes, or other French Riviera towns a possibility.
For a dive into the Italian Riviera, venture to less-visited towns like Chiavari, with its charming arcaded streets, or Alassio, famed for its sandy beaches and Muretto.
Be aware of different currencies if traveling beyond the Eurozone. Plan for exchange or use international cards.
Learn a few basic phrases of the local language. Translation apps come in handy for daily interactions.
Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to ensure a respectful visit.
