Portofino and Cinque Terre
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Portofino and Cinque Terra are both on the itinerary for Monterra Travel's upcoming Italy tour in June 2027. With a 2 night stay in Chiavari on the Italian Riviera and the lovely Grand Hotel Torre Fara, we will visit the beautiful cliffside towns of Portofino and Cinque Terra on days 4 and 5. For more info about the tour, visit Monterra Travel's Italy Treasures Travel site.
Discovering Portofino’s Charm
Portofino is a small fishing village turned luxury destination, famous for its picturesque harbor and elegant atmosphere. Located about 35 kilometers southeast of Genoa, it attracts visitors with its blend of natural beauty and refined Italian style.
Portofino
Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta
The heart of Portofino, this small square is lined with pastel-colored buildings, cafes, and boutiques. It’s perfect for people-watching and soaking in the village vibe.
Castello Brown
A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the harbor and coastline. The castle’s gardens and terraces provide excellent photo opportunities.
Church of San Giorgio
This quaint church sits on a hill above the village and offers peaceful surroundings along with views of the sea.
Portofino Regional Park
For nature lovers, the park has walking trails that lead through Mediterranean vegetation and along the coast. The hike to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo is especially rewarding with the beautiful views and sounds of the mediterranean.
Exploring the Five Villages of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of five fishing villages along the rugged Ligurian coast. Each village has its own character and charm, connected by hiking trails and a coastal railway.
The Five Villages
Monterosso al Mare
The largest village, known for its sandy beaches and historic old town.
Vernazza
Famous for its colorful harbor and lively piazza.
Corniglia
Perched on a cliff, it offers spectacular views but requires climbing stairs or a shuttle from the train station.
Manarola
One of the oldest villages, with narrow streets and a small harbor.
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village, known for its pastel houses and waterfront promenade.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects the villages and offers amazing views of the sea and cliffs. The 2 hour hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is very popular and can be accessed near the Hotel Porto Roca.
Food and Drink Highlights
Cinque Terre is famous for its seafood, pesto, and white wine made from local grapes. Try anchovies from Monterosso with a glass of Sciacchetrà, a local sweet dessert wine.
Practical Tips
Purchase a Cinque Terra Card for access to trails and trains between villages.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths.
Combining Portofino and Cinque Terre in One Trip
Both destinations are close enough to visit in a single trip, but each offers a different experience. Portofino is more upscale and relaxed, while Cinque Terre is vibrant and adventurous. You can see both on an upcoming Monterra Travel Group trip.
Monterra Travel Group Travel Tour to Italy June 18-29 2027 includes Portofino and Cinque Terra.
Book your spot today and explore Italy's food wine and arts with like minded travelrs from Idaho.
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