Portofino Travel Forum

Hi guys,

I will be staying in Rapallo this summer. My plan is to spend my days in Rapallo (on the beach) and my evenings in Portofino/SML. I will be there with a car. I read several comments on the net that driving is very difficult in the summer on the tiny road to Portofino. Does anyone have experience in doing this?

I thought about taking the boat I read about but apparently the last boat back from Portofino to Rapallo is at 4pm! That's pretty early considering I'm planning on heading to Portofino at around 4pm!!

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Adan

I had a car when my wife and I stayed in Santa Margherita. Portofino was just a few curves of the road away. Traffic is slow, but the big problem was parking. Costly and not that many locations to park. Walking around the tiny harbor area was the only thing without vehicles in the way, but I found Portofino boring for a landlubber but exciting if you had a yacht. Santa Margherita was more alive at night than Portofino when I was there. Also, more to do and see, in my opinion. I trust it will be lively for you.

The road from SML to Portofino is fairly narrow and of course curves a lot, but is not technically demanding. Most people visiting Portofino are directed to a hideous maybe 3 level cement garage with very narrow places for each car. So the traffic backs up and snakes up the hill a fair ways. As above, there really isn't a lot to do in Portofino unless you are staying there. Walk 2-3 blocks to the harbor, window shop the expensive stores, maybe walk up the hill to the views from the church, eat an overpriced gelato, and you are done. SML is much more lively. We go most everywhere in Liguria by car but Portofino is such a hassle that the bus may be a better bet.

Thanks for your valuable comments. Bus it is then for Portofino and I will take the car to SML. If there's anything I hate it's driving around for an hour to find a parking spot after being stuck in trafic for two just to move 10 Km.

SML is beginning to sound much more interesting than the hyped-up Portofino. Will definetly check it out. Thanks again.

Cheers

CE

Agree with the above, traffic is heavy and parking is always a problem especially in summer. I can't stand spending my days in a car, therefore I prefer riding a motorcycle or a bicycle for which a parking spot can always be found or "invented" - you'll see for yourself.
Parking problem applies to most - if not all - of towns and villages in Liguria. If your plans are to go see nearby coastal places my suggestion is to use the train. "Cinque Terre" area is a must-see but don't even dare to go there by car!

Ciao
Ant