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Deciding between Portofino or Cinque Terre for your Italy trip? You are not alone. These two coastal gems on the Ligurian coast are both stunning in their own ways, but they offer completely different experiences.
I visited Cinque Terre twice before and most recently spent three days in Portofino. While Cinque Terre is famous for its hiking trails and colorful villages like Vernazza and Manarola, Portofino is synonymous with luxury.
Once an elusive fishing village, Portofino stole my heart with its peaceful yet luxurious vibe. There is something about these seaside Italian fishing villages that draw me in!
The beauty of Portofino has inspired songs, attracted the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot and remains a favorite among celebrities and travelers alike. Imagine designer boutiques, private boat excursions and moonlight dinners with spectacular views of its picturesque harbor.
Cinque Terre, on the other hand, is vibrant, colorful and gives you the best bang for your buck. With five unique villages of Cinque Terre to explore, it is a great place for travelers who love hiking, visiting more places at once and looking for a more adventurous experience.
In this blogpost, I will break down the differences between Portofino and Cinque Terre, compare which one is best for different type of traveler and help you figure out the best place to stay depending on your travel style, budget and interests.
Whether it is your first trip to the Italian Riviera or a return to explore more of the northern Italian coastlines, this guide will help you choose the destination that fits you best.
My personal favorite is Portofino for its relaxed pace, secluded location and luxury vibes but Cinque Terre is best for those who love hiking, like a busy itinerary and are budget conscious.
In fact, both the places are only one and a half hour away and you can add both Portofino and Cinque Terre to your itinerary or take a day trip from one place to another.
Table of Contents
PORTOFINO VS CINQUE TERRE: A COMPARISON
Positano is iconic luxurious village in the Italian Riviera that is dreamy, glamorous and charming while Cinque Terre is more affordable with many things to do like hiking and nature trails.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide between the two.
Honeymoon & romantic:
PORTOFINO
Families & kids:
CINQUE TERRE
Budget-Friendly:
CINQUE TERRE
Instagram worthy photos:
CINQUE TERRE & PORTOFINO
Nature lovers & Outdoorsy:
CINQUE TERRE
Upscale and luxurious:
PORTOFINO
A Map Of Ligurian Coast
The region of Liguria and its rugged coastline are so underrated and a must visit in my opinion. For you to better understand the geography and locations, here is a map of the Ligurian Coast.
Portofino and Cinque Terre are only 90 minutes away and both can be easily added to your Northern Italy itinerary.
Portofino or Cinque Terre: Which is better?
Cinque Terre and Portofino, while close to each other, are completely different and can’t really be compared.
Portofino
Portofino is a tiny seaside village on the Ligurian Sea that has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a symbol of Italian luxury.
Its main square, Piazzetta, opens up to a stunning, picture-perfect harbor dotted with luxury yachts and surrounded by pastel-colored buildings.
Though the village itself is small and walkable in under an hour, it is known for upscale boutiques, fresh seafood restaurants and iconic hotels like the Belmond Splendido.
While many visit Portofino as a day trip from Milan or Genoa, staying overnight allows you to truly enjoy the village once the day-trippers leave and the harbor turns calm and peaceful.
Portofino is a better choice for refined luxury and exclusive vibes.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made up of five colorful fishing villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – spread across the rugged northern Italian coastline.
Known for its hiking trails, cliffside homes and scenic train rides, Cinque Terre is a vibrant, budget-friendly destination packed with charm. The best way to get around is by train or ferry boat. Having plenty of time helps since the terrain can be steep and crowded during peak times.
Cinque Terre is a better choice for budget friendly travelers and outdoorsy nature lovers.
Personally, I prefer Portofino. I loved the slower pace, the luxurious atmosphere, the harbor views and the feeling of having the village to yourself once the last ferry left.
If your idea of the perfect getaway includes luxury hotels and romantic dining with sea views, Portofino is your spot.
But if you are traveling with friends, love a bit of adventure and hiking, Cinque Terre is hard to beat.
Is Portofino similar to Cinque Terre?
No. While Cinque Terre and Portofino are both on the Ligurian Coast and very close to each other, they are completely different.
Portofino is quaint, small and exudes luxury while Cinque Terre is a collection of 5 charming towns connected best known for incredible views and hiking.
PORTOFINO OR CINQUE TERRE: Where To Stay?
Portofino and Cinque Terre are close enough that you can visit both on the same Italy itinerary. Whether you base yourself in one place and day trip to the other, or split your time between them – both are totally doable.
Cinque Terre has more accommodation options and tends to be more budget-friendly. Monterosso al Mare has the most hotels and beach access, while Vernazza and Manarola are popular for their charm and views.
You can then take a ferry or train for a day trip to Portofino via Santa Margherita Ligure.
Best Hotels To Stay In Cinque Terre
Stella Della Marina, Monterosso al Mare
Albergo Degli Amici, Monterosso al Mare
Casa Catò, Vernazza
Another option is to stay in the bigger town of a Spezia and take day trips. You will find cheaper options there.
Portofino, on the other hand, is best for a high-end, luxury stays. The village has fewer places to stay but the experience at luxury hotels like Belmond Splendido and Belmond Splendido al Mare is top-tier.
The only challenge with staying in Portofino is to actually planning the logistics around how to get to Portofino.
Best Hotels To Stay In Portofino
From Portofino, you can also arrange a private boat tour to Cinque Terre or even take a train to Santa Margherita and onward to La Spezia. You can’t go with a private boat tours whether it is private boat in Capri or cruising on a boat in Lake Como. I love taking private boat tours when in Italy.
Private boat Cinque Terre or Portofino
A private boat tour of Cinque Terre or Portofino.
In summary, if you want a variety of budget friendly options, stay in Cinque Terre and plan a day trip to Portofino.
If you want luxury and chic vibes, stay in Portofino and visit Cinque Terre for a day. Either way, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
I stayed in Portofino (that was my dream!!) and took a day trip to Cinque Terre. It was so peaceful coming back to the quiet fishing village after the tourists have gone back and having dinner with views of the harbor.
Portofino Vs Cinque Terre: Things to consider
Here are a few things to consider between Cinque Terre vs Portofino that can make your decision easier.
Portofino vs Cinque Terre – A Comparison
| Feature | Portofino | Cinque Terre |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ligurian coast, near Santa Margherita Ligure and Genoa | Ligurian coast, near La Spezia |
| Geography | Small fishing village, surrounded by hills and olive groves | Cliffside villages along rugged coast, connected by short train rides and hiking trails |
| Main Attractions | Castello Brown, Abbey of San Fruttuoso, scenic harbor, luxury shopping | Hiking trails, colorful villages, scenic viewpoints, beaches, historic churches |
| Things to Do | Boutique shopping, seaside dining, relaxing by the harbor, boat tours | Hiking, swimming, exploring villages, enjoying local culture and food |
| Accessibility | Best reached by car or ferry from Santa Margherita; limited car parks | Well-connected by train, ferries; cars discouraged due to limited access |
| Best For | Luxury travelers, couples, quiet getaways | Active travelers, first-timers, budget-conscious visitors |
| Vibe | Sophisticatedand upscale | Colorful and more casual |
| Accommodation | Boutique and luxury hotels | Mid-range hotels and Airbnbs in each village |
| Dining Scene | Upscale seafood restaurants, terrace dining, Michelin-recommended spots | Casual trattorias, seafood restaurants, local wine bars |
| Transportation | Accessible via ferry or private transfer. Small and walkable | Trains and ferries between villages. Also hiking trails |
| Crowds | Busy during peak season. Day-trippers in afternoon; peaceful in mornings and evenings | Super crowded in peak seasons. |
| Ideal Length of Stay | 1–2 nights to enjoy quiet evenings and views | 2–4 nights to explore all five villages and hiking routes |
| Famous For | Picturesque harbor, luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, exclusive vibe | Iconic colorful buildings, hiking trails, UNESCO World Heritage status |
Accessibility and Transportation
Portofino
Getting to Portofino is a bit more effort, but worth it if you ask me. The nearest train station is in Santa Margherita Ligure and from there you can take a bus, ferry or taxi along the coastal highway.
Nearest city of Genoa is about 1.5 hours away and Milan is 2.5 hours away. Driving in your car is possible but car parks are very limited and expensive.
Private car transfer is the best way to get to Portofino
I booked this private transfer from Genoa and it was a lifesaver. I highly recommend a private transfer as it saves you the hassle of carrying your luggage between public transport options like ferry, bus or train.
Of course, getting to Genoa itself was a challenge as my flight got diverted to Torino. It is a story for another time! But the private transfer in an Audi car made it so much easier!
Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino
Full day, private tour of the towns of Amalfi Coast in a luxury car.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is extremely well-connected by the local train line that links all five villages and La Spezia or Genoa. Cars are not recommended here as well due to limited access and parking spaces. And honestly, it is much easier to just take trains or ferry.
Trains are best mode of transport to and across the villages. Regional passes make train and ferry travel super convenient. This setup is ideal for budget travelers and anyone not wanting to rent a car.
Pisa Airport (about 1.5 hours away) is the closest to get to the villages of Cinque Terre. Florence International Airport is about 2 hours away by car.
If you are staying in Florence, you can easily add Cinque Terre as part of your Italy itinerary. And if you decide to stay in Florence, you can do a day trip visiting the wineries of Chianti.
Budget
Portofino is undeniably expensive. From luxury hotels to fine dining restaurants and private shore excursions, everything here caters to luxury travelers. While it is a great place to splurge, it is not ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Cinque Terre is much more affordable for hotels and dining. You can find affordable stays in places like Monterosso al Mare or La Spezia, eat fresh seafood without breaking the bank and explore most of the region on foot or with a regional train ticket.
Vibe and Travel Interests
Portofino is for those who love refined luxury, elegance and relaxed vibes. Imagine vibes similar to Amalfi Coast’s beach clubs, Lake Como’s grandeur on a smaller scale.
Portofino’s picture perfect photos only rival that of Lake Como’s Instagram spots in Northern Italy.
Cinque Terre, on the other hand, is for budget friendly travelers who love being on the go and nature activities.
Fair warning – Cinque Terre gets so crowded and catching trains between towns can get crazy in summer. I went in the shoulder months of May and September and it was still so crowded!
Food and Dining
Dining in Portofino is refined and expensive. Fresh fish, local Ligurian delicacies, pastas and local wine are staples. Many restaurants have gorgeous views of the harbor.
Food in Cinque Terre is more rustic and casual. You will find cozy trattorias, fresh focaccia and house wine at great prices. Dining is more casual, often with outdoor tables in little piazzas.
Duration of Stay
Many people visit Portofino in one day as a day trip from Milan or Genoa. In my opinion, Portofino is ideal for a 2-3 night stay.
With more activities and things to do, Cinque Terre is better for longer stays like 4-5 nights.
Things to do
Things to do in Portofino
Even though it is small, Portofino offers curated, high-end experiences perfect for a relaxed escape.
There aren’t too many things to do nearby Portofino so it gives a more relaxed experience.
If you are like me and love luxury experiences, here’s what to do:
- Visit Castello Brown for breathtaking views of the harbor and coastline. I loved the steep climb to the castle after the day trippers had left and the wonderful view of Portofino harbor is amazing from the castle.
- Hike a bit further to the top of the hill to the light house for even better views.
- Hike or take a boat to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, tucked between cliffs and sea.
- Relax at a luxury beach club in Paraggi Bay – just a short walk or drive from Portofino.
- Book a private boat tour or sunset cruise to explore the Ligurian coastline.
- Filled with lots of shops, enjoy luxury shopping at Louis Vuitton or Dolce & Gabbana.
- Enjoy fine dining with a bottle or a glass of wine at Belmond Splendido or Belmond Splendido Al Mare.
- Explore the Portofino Peninsula. Take a day trip to Santa Margherita Ligure or Sestri Levante.
- Arrange a private wine tasting tour through nearby countryside or a cooking class of Ligurian specialities like Pesto and Focaccia.
- Simply relax and soak in the peaceful views from the harbor or your hotel balcony. Explore the center, visit the art galleries and boutique shops.
Things to do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is made for active travelers who enjoy nature, color, and movement. Whether you are spending a day in Cinque Terre or a few days, there is so much to do!
- Visit all the five villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
- Hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail – an old mule path dating back to Roman times that connects the five villages. I only did one hike during each trip as it takes several hours.
- Swim or sunbathe on the beach in Monterosso al Mare or at hidden coves in other villages.
- Take a sunset boat tour along the Ligurian coast. It is perfect for photography and one of the best things I did. The view of the colorful houses and villages from the boat is breathtaking.
- Book a private boat tour for a luxe way to see the villages from the sea.
- Sample local cuisine like fresh anchovies, pesto pasta, and Ligurian wine.
- Visit nearby Porto Venere or historic cities like La Spezia for day trips.
- Take a scenic train ride through all the towns.
- Splurge on a private tour with a local guide for the best hiking and food spots.
Sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre
A 3 hour sunset boat tour of the villages of Cinque Terre
FAQs: Portofino Vs Cinque Terre
Is Cinque Terre better or Portofino?
Both are amazing but Cinque Terre and Portofino are two different vibes and experiences that can’t really be compared.
Portofino is the iconic bucket list ultra luxury destination on the Italian riviera while Cinque Terre favors tourists who like nature and outdoors.
If you love luxury and chill vibes, choose Portofino.
If you are into hiking and outdoor activities, choose Cinque Terre.
Where should I stay – Portofino or Cinque Terre?
If you want a luxury, quiet escape with incredible hotels and fewer tourists, Portofino is the better choice.
If you want variety, more affordable accommodations and the ability to explore several villages, Cinque Terre is ideal.
You can also stay in one and day trip to the other for the best of both worlds.
Is Portofino part of Cinque Terre?
No. Portofino is not part of Cinque Terre.
While both are located along the Ligurian coast, they are separate destinations.
Cinque Terre consists of five fishing villages near La Spezia while Portofino is located closer to Santa Margherita Ligure and Genoa.
How far is Portofino from Cinque Terre?
The distance between Portofino and the closest village in Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare) is about 80–90 kilometers (50–55 miles) by road.
Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on whether you drive, take a train or ferry.
How do I get from Portofino to Cinque Terre?
Best way is to take the train from Santa Margherita to Monterosso al Mare and travel between villages via train line.
The easiest way in the summer is to take a ferry from Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure to Cinque Terre (seasonal), then connect to the villages by train.
Private boat tours are also available for a more scenic and luxury option.
Is Portofino similar to Cinque Terre?
Portofino and Cinque Terre are two of the best summer destinations to visit in Europe and Italy and are close to each other but they have completely different vibes.
Portofino is an upscale village with a luxury feel.
Cinque Terre is more laid-back, spread across five villages, and known for outdoor adventures, colorful views and local life.
Portofino is all about exclusivity and luxury; Cinque Terre is about variety and activity.
If you are staying in Portofino or Cinque Terre, is it worth visiting Genoa?
Yes! Genoa is a great option for a day trip or a short stop on the way to Portofino.
It has a fascinating maritime history, stunning architecture and some of the best local cuisine on the Ligurian coast.
It is less touristy than other cities, unique and adds cultural depth to your Italy itinerary.
How many days are needed to cover and enjoy Portofino and Cinque Terre?
5 days would be enough to comfortably cover both.
Ideally, 2–3 days in Cinque Terre gives you time to hike, visit all five villages and relax.
For Portofino, a couple of days or 2 nights is perfect to experience the harbor without the day crowds, enjoy a beach club and dine at a luxury restaurant.
Which is better: Cinque Terre or Lake Como or Amalfi Coast?
Having been to all three iconic spots of Italy and multiple times to the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como, it is really hard to choose. They are all amazing in their own way but my heart lies in the Amalfi Coast! The towns of Amalfi Coast, its beach clubs and picture perfect spots are something else! Whether Positano or Amalfi, you will enjoy the whole coast.
Cinque Terre is the perfect place if you are into hiking, colorful fishing villages and a more low-key, local vibe. If you are into nature and hikes, go with Cinque Terre.
Lake Como offers dramatic lake and mountain views, bougie towns like Bellagio, Menaggio and a slower, more elegant pace. For lakeside luxury and romantic villas, choose Lake Como. If you are visiting Milan, you can easily add Lake Como to your itinerary.
Amalfi Coast is iconic for its cliffside towns and breathtaking Instagram spots. If you want iconic coastal beauty with a mix of luxury and water fun, Amalfi Coast is classic! I highly recommend adding Amalfi Coast itinerary to your Italy trip!
Whether you Lake Como or Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, you will have the most amazing time – you will be in Italy after all!
Final Thoughts
Portofino and Cinque Terre are both unforgettable stops along the Ligurian coast, but they cater to very different kinds of travelers.
After visiting Cinque Terre twice and spending time in Portofino in the spring, I can confidently say you cannot go wrong with either.
If you enjoy colorful villages, hiking trails and want to get the best bang for your buck, Cinque Terre is the way to go. It is lively, scenic and packed with things to do.
But if you are craving a bougie, more luxurious vibe, Portofino is a dream. I loved being there in the early mornings and quiet evenings after the day crowds left. Staying overnight gave me a completely different appreciation for the place. Whether it was sipping wine by the harbor or enjoying dinner at the Belmond hotel, Portofino felt like a true escape.
If you have time, I highly recommend combining both in one itinerary. Stay in Portofino to soak in the luxury, then head to Cinque Terre and explore the villages – or vice versa. This way, you will cover best of both worlds: colorful adventure and quiet luxury, just a short ferry or drive apart.
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