After arriving in Portofino, you'll have the freedom to explore the luxury boutiques and scenic cliffs before continuing on to Cinque Terre, where you can visit one or two villages by train or boat, all at your leisure. Meanwhile, your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.
Yes. Monterosso al Mare has the longest and most accessible beach in Cinque Terre, with both free public sections and paid beach clubs offering sun loungers and umbrellas. The sea is warm and inviting from June through September. If you plan to swim, pack a towel and swimwear. The beach is a short walk from both the old town and the Fegina area.
If you plan to hike the Sentiero Azzurro (the main coastal trail connecting the five villages), a Cinque Terre Card is required and can be purchased at the local train station or national park offices. However, simply visiting Monterosso al Mare, walking the village streets, enjoying the beach, and dining at local restaurants does not require a park card. Admission to paid attractions such as churches may also apply separately.
Genoa to Portofino is approximately 22 miles (36 km) and takes about 35 to 40 minutes by car. From Portofino, continuing to Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre adds roughly 37 miles (60 km) and around an hour of driving. Together, this makes for a full but scenic day covering two of the Ligurian Riviera's most beloved coastal destinations.
Ligurian cuisine is one of Italy's most distinctive. In Portofino, try fresh pesto (the best in the world, locals insist), focaccia al formaggio, and lobster. In Monterosso al Mare, the anchovies are legendary, often served marinated or fried. Trofie al pesto (short twisted pasta with basil pesto) is the signature dish of the region and a must at any sit-down lunch.
Monterosso al Mare is the largest and most accessible of the five Cinque Terre villages, and the only one with a proper sandy beach. It has two distinct areas: the medieval old town and the more modern Fegina district, connected by a tunnel. Compared to Riomaggiore or Vernazza, Monterosso feels more relaxed and spacious, making it a great introduction to the Cinque Terre coastline.
Portofino is a glamorous fishing village famous for its pastel-colored harbor front, upscale boutiques, and stunning cliff scenery. Top things to do include visiting Castello Brown for panoramic views, strolling the Piazzetta waterfront, and hiking the trail to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo. The village is compact, so exploring it on foot is easy and rewarding.
Late April through June and September through early October offer the best combination of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and open businesses. July and August are very busy, with beaches and villages packed. The hiking trails can close during winter due to weather conditions. Spring visits also reward travelers with wildflowers along the coastal paths and the freshest local produce at markets.
The most convenient way to move between villages is by regional train, which connects all five towns in minutes. Local ferry services also operate seasonally between the villages, offering beautiful views from the water. Hiking the trails is popular but time-consuming; for a day trip, the train or ferry is the most practical option if you want to visit more than one village.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.