Camogli to San Fruttuoso Ferry Boats with Recco & Portofino.

Camogli Travel Guide with Boat Schedules & Prices 

Connect to Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and Portofino National Park.

 

Visit San Fruttuoso Beach & Abbey or Complete Your Ring Hike by Boat.

How to Get to San Fruttuoso Beach /  Battelli, Traghetti Orari /  Fähre Zeitplan 

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   Check the Ferry Website  HERE for recent changes before your departure.

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Camogli. Oratorio of San Prospero.

Whether you are hiking or sightseeing, a boat trip along the scenic Liguria coast will insure a memorable vacation visit. One good excursion is from Camogli to the San Fruttuoso Abbey and Beach. Below is all the tourist information you need for this and other boat trips on the north side of the Portofino peninsula using regular (no reservation) ferry boat service. These ferry boats connect the port of Recco and the port of Camogli to Punta Chiappa hikes, San Fruttuoso Beach and Abbey, and the village of Portofino by connecting to boats operated by Golfo di Paradiso Trasporti.

You can easily connect to the south side of the peninsula (Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino) at San Fruttuoso and enjoy the fabulous ferry trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita. These routes are covered by our article on SMT ferries: Link: Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo and Santa Margherita.

The Blue Line ferry boats operate between Recco & Camogli to Punta Chiappa & San Fruttuoso.

The Green Line is an excursion originating in Genoa that allows a round trip from Recco & Camogli to Portofino via San Fruttuoso.  The excursion is offered from late March 31 to mid-October. The schedule is offered on most days in mid-summer and on weekends in the shoulder period. Check for more info: Green Line Schedule.

Note: The Camogli to Portofino trip can also be made daily by changing boat lines at San Fruttuoso. 

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Reality check: Schedules change. Mistakes happen. Double check the info locally before departure.

The Blue Line Camogli to San Fruttuoso via Punta Chiappa
One-Way €9.00 Round Trip €14.00 Child RT=One way. Punta Chiappa €3.00 less.  Holiday=Sunday

Ferry boat from Camogli to San Fruttuoso.

  Shadowgate photo

April-May      M-F         8:00/10:00 Hourly to 16:00 but no 13:00
                     Sa-Sun    9:00 Hourly to 16:00
June              M-F         8:00/10:00 Hourly to 17:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 Hourly to 17:00
July/Aug.       M-F          8:00 Hourly to 18:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 Hourly to 18:00
Sept.1-16       M-F         8:00/10:00 Hourly to 17:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 Hourly to 17:00
Sept.17-30     M-F         8:00/10:00 Hourly to 16:00 but no 13:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 Hourly to 16:00
October         M-F          8:00 / 11:00 /12:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 / 11:00 /12:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
Nov.-March    M-F         8:00 / 11:00       -         -      / 15:00
                      Sa-Sun    9:00 / 11:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 15:00

Trip Planning Note: Recco is closer to the autostrada and it's easier to park than Camogli. Tickets allow stopovers.

The Blue Line Return San Fruttuoso to Camogli
Return boats to Camogli:
Mornings:   30 minutes after each of the above times for 8:00 to 12:00 boats
Afternoons:  1 hour after for 13:00 and later boats.
(Exceptions, in Oct. the 14:00 boat returns at 14:30 and from Nov.-March, the 11:00 M-F boat returns at 12:30.)

Travel Tip_____________________________________________________________________

Renting A Car in Italy. If you drive in urban areas at home, you can drive in Italy. Car rental prices are important, but don't rent based solely on low price and stick to well known companies. We have articles to help you:          
Link: Independent Car Rental Reviews for Italy
Link:Car Rental Tips for Italy - Pick It Up Right
Link: Where to Rent a Car from Cinque Terre? Also useful for the Portofino area.
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The Blue Line Recco to San Fruttuoso via Camogli & Punta Chiappa.
One-Way €10.00 Round Trip €15.00  Recco-Camogli €2.50/€4.00  Child RT=One way  Holiday=Sunday.
April-May      Sat-Sun      9:45 / 10:45 / 11:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45
June               Daily         9:45 / 10:45 / 11:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45 / 16:45
July-Aug        Daily          9:45 / 10:45 / 11:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45 / 16:45 /17:45
Sept.1-16        Daily         9:45 / 10:45 / 11:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45 / 16:45
Sept. 17-30     Sat-Sun     9:45 / 10:45 / 11:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45

Planning Note: Recco is easier to park and nearer the autostrada than Camogli. Tickets allow stopovers.

The Blue Line Return San Fruttuoso to Recco via Camogli.
April-May     Sat-Sun      10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00
June              M-F           10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 /   -       / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00
June              Sa-Sun     10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00
July-Aug       Daily          10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00 / 19:00
Sept.1-16       Daily         10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 /   -       / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00 / 18:00
Sept.17-30     Sa-Sun      10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00
October         Sat-Sun     10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00 / 17:00

For advice and reviews on guidebooks for Liguria, Florence, Rome, Venice & more, read our article:

All the Best Italy Guidebooks Reviewed

Rick Steves Pocket Cinque Terre also covers Portofino & Santa Margherita.

More Boat Info

Fisherman headed out to night fish with lights.
Camogli Harbor, Liguria            photo: Alvaro

The Camogli boats leave from the picturesque inner harbor in the historic center. At Recco they leave from the breakwater at the end of the Lungomare (seaside street). There is a bathroom on board, and carriable dogs are allowed. Boats can be cancelled due to winds and waves although it's rare in summer. Cancellations may appear on this Golfo Paradiso Facebook Page.

These boats are operated by Golfo Paradiso Trasporti which also provides service from Genoa Old Port and Genoa Nervi as far as Cinque Terre & Portovenere. They also offer nighttime cruises, whale watch cruises, and special event cruises. Learn more on the official website Golfo Paradiso Trasporti.

More Travel Info
Round Trips. Travelers can create a ring by linking to SMT ferry boats coming from the Gulf of Tigullio further south. For example, travel from Camogli to San Fruttuoso on a Golfo Paradiso ferry, and then an SMT ferry from San Fruttuoso to Portofino & Santa Margherita and take a train back to Camogli. The SMT ferry information can be found in our article: Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo and Santa Margherita

The Trip to Italy  The 2014 movie with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon was partially filmed on locations in Camogli and San Fruttuoso. In the movie, they stay at the hotel Cenobio dei Dogi (book below) overlooking Camogli and the bay, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant La Cantina on the beach at San Fruttuoso. Please impersonate responsibly.

More Good Area Stories by Us
Portofino - Hike Camogli to San Fruttuoso. A do-able hike from Camogli to San Fruttuoso.
Getting to Portofino - Walking Hiking and More Two great walks from Santa Margherita.
Portofino - From Fishing Village to Icon Some cultural history that will make you sing.  

Useful Websites by Not Us
PortofinoTrek Website Good infomation on this multilingual local website, including lots of hiking information.
Parco Portofino (English) The park website has good information for all types of visitors.

Travel Tip____________________________________________________________________________
Where to Stay
Here are our four Camogli recommendations with links at different price levels. These lodgings get very favorable reviews. To see all Camogli hotels listed, use this link: Booking.Com.Camogli

Cenobio dei Dogi  Well located with a private beach and green space on the edge of Camogli center.
Villa Rosmarino  Beautifully located overlooking town and the sea. Well run and friendly as heck
Hotel Casamona In town over the beach, well run, and very well rated by reviewers on Trip Advisor.
B&B La Gabbianella People love this place. Convenient location. A value with views and hospitality.

We'd be very grateful if you use this Booking.Com.Italy link to book wherever you stay in Italy.
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Getting There
If you are coming just for the day and taking a boat, Recco is closer to the autostrada and it's easier to park than in Camogli. You can stop off and see Camogli on a Recco to San Fruttuoso ticket.
Train. Recco, Camogli. Santa Margherita, and Rapallo have train service. Ferrovie Italiane (EN)
Bus. Both Camogli and Recco have bus service by ATP: ATP Website.
Driving. From the A12 Autostrada, Genova-Livorno, take the Recco / Camogli exit. Drive toward the center of Recco, and at a traffic circle there, follow a directional sign to Camogli.  Keep driving and do not turnoff into streets marked ZTL or residents only.  Drive to and park in the large Parking area 1 at the far end of Camogli.  Parking is by payment - change only!

About Us & Disclosure
We are recently retired photo editors who enjoy travel, food, and helping people. We have visited Italy for three decades, and we live there part-time. We have no connection to the car rental or hotel industries, and we receive no payments for our writing or opinions. As is internet convention, we receive the standard commission for clicks on certain commercial links that result in a purchase.

If we've helped, you can thank us by using these links to get quotes and/or reserve your car rental.
 AutoEurope(US)    Auto Europe(UK)

Schedules change and mistakes happen. Double check the info before you travel. Please use the Contact Form at the bottom of the page to tell us of errors or busted links.

Written by Mike
Better a tourist than a couch potato.

Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo and Santa Margherita.

Ferry Boat Tours in the Portofino Area.  

Boat excursions to Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Cinque Terre, and Portovenere from Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Chiavari, Lavagna, Sestri Levante.

Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules  /   Battelli,Traghetti Orari    /    Fähre Zeitplan 

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   Check the Official Ferry Website  HERE for recent changes before your departure.

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The ferry boat trips are one of the great attractions of the Portofino / Gulf of Tigullio area, providing visits to the little villages of Portofino and San Fruttuoso on Lines 1 & 2 along with fabulous views of the famous coastline.

Boats also travel to Portovenere and three Cinque Terre villages on Lines 3, 4*, & 5*  from Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Chiavari, Lavagna, and Sestri Levante. The three villages of Cinque Terre visited in different combinations are Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore. Reservation required.

All the latest available Schedules are below. Good for planning - timetables vary little year to year.  Check schedules locally before departure as times and frequency may vary during the season and due to weather conditions.

San Giacomo di Corte, Santa Margherita Ligure.

Where to Stay?
Our Liguria Hotel Guide & City Selector

Minimize the crowds and enjoy Portofino, Cinque Terre & Liguria. We help you choose your town with the Pluses & Minuses for each:
Link: Part 1: Cinque Terre South - Gulf of the Poets              La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici.
Link: Part 2: Cinque Terre North to Portofino
  Levanto, Bonassola, Moneglia, Sestri L., Lavagna, Chiavari.
Link: Part 3: Towns on the Portofino Peninsula                  Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, Camogli, Recco.
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Where are all these towns?
Liguria / Cinque Terre / Portofino Map

Rapallo. Liguria's famous Trompe l'oeil.

Line 1  To Portofino / San Fruttuoso

      From Rapallo / Santa Margherita (SML)  

Click for times. qd = daily number of boats.
Line 1 March 9 - March 31            (qd 2) 
Line 1 April                                     (qd 6)
Line 1 May June July                    (qd 7/8)
Line 1 August                                 (qd 9)
Line 1 September                           (qd 7/8)
Line 1 October                                (qd 6)
Line 1 Nov. 1 - Nov. 4                     (qd 2)

Night Cruises to Portofino     July:  Saturday          August:  Friday + Saturday
Rapallo  20:00 + 21:30    Santa Margherita 20:15 + 21:45        Return: 23:30

Your RT ticket from Rapallo or SML allows you to stop over at Portofino and/or San Fruttuoso and

take a later boat. The boat times for return trips posted at each dock. Only group charters from Nov. 5.

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For advice and reviews on guidebooks for Liguria, Florence, Rome, Venice & more, read our article:

All the Best Italy Guidebooks Reviewed

➼ Rick Steves Pocket Cinque Terre Guidebook also covers Portofino and Santa Margherita

Line 2    To Portofino / San Fruttuoso

                     From Moneglia / Sestri Levante / Lavagna / Chiavari 

Morning Boat     Sestri Levante  9:00  Lavagna  9:15  Chiavari  9:30
Effective Periods:     July, August     Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
                                   Sept. 1-23         Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Stops for 45 minutes in San Fruttuoso and 1 hour in Portofino. Stopovers allowed if multiple boats

Afternoon Boat  Moneglia 13:45 Sestri Levante 14:15  Lavagna  14:30  Chiavari  14:45
Effective Periods: 
                                 April                           Wed., Sun. plus April 21, April 22, April 25
                                 May                            Wed., Sun. plus May 1
                                 June                            Wed., Sun.
                                 July                             Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
                                 August                        Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
                                 Sept. 1- 22                  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
                                 Sept. 25-30                 Friday, Sunday
                                 Oct.                             Wed. Oct.2  & Sun. Oct.6

You can stop for 1 hour in San Fruttuoso and 1 hour in Portofino or 2 1/2 hours in Portofino.

Evening Boat        Sestri Levante 21:15  Lavagna  21:30  Chiavari  21:45
Effective Period:     August         Saturday only             
Stops for 1 hour in Portofino.

When multiple boats are running, your morning ticket allows you to stop over at Portofino or San Fruttuoso and return on the afternoon boat.   The boat times for return trips posted at each dock.
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Your Homework. We also have four articles about the Portofino area you can read before you visit. The first is about how Portofino became famous: Portofino - From Fishing Village to Icon, and it will make you sing.  Two are about fabulous walks from Rapallo and Santa Margherita to Portofino:   A Beautiful Seaside Walk Along the Portofino Coast  and  Getting to Portofino - Walking Hiking and More. The third describes a very pretty and do-able hike from Camogli to San Fruttuoso: Portofino - Hike Camogli to San Fruttuoso.

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Rapallo, Campanile Santo Stefano

Line 3

To  Monterosso in Cinque Terre (1 hr.) and Portovenere (3 hr,)  

From  Santa Margherita (SML) / Rapallo / Chiavari / Lavagna / Sestri Levante 

Stops for 1 hour in Monterosso and 3 hours in Portovenere and circles Palmaria Island.

PLACES ARE LIMITED,  BOOKING IS REQUIRED   CALL + 39  0185/284670


Departure Times:

Rapallo / SML / Chiavari / Lavagna / Sestri Levante / Cinque Terre / Portovenere

8:45 /     9:00   /     9:35   /     9:45    /       10:05

Return times announced on board.

Effective Period: 
May to September:      Sundays

Line 4 & 5 
To       Cinque Terre Super - Two Villages  (Mornings)
From  Rapallo / Santa Margherita (SML) / Chiavari / Lavagna / Sestri Levante

Stops for 3 hrs. in Monterosso after 2 hrs. in Vernazza or Riomaggiore (based on dock space).

PLACES ARE LIMITED,  BOOKING IS REQUIRED
   CALL + 39  0185/284670.
 See the SMT Website for updated information.

Departure Times:

Rapallo / SML / Chiavari / Lavagna / Sestri Levante / Cinque Terre

8:45     /  9:00  /     9:35    /     9:45    /     10:05

Return times announced on board.

Effective Period:    

May  to  September           Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

Special Events. Consult the SMT Website (under Special Events) for special cruises:
Rapallo Fireworks       San Fruttuoso Abyss Fest      Recco Fireworks   
San Fruttuoso Evening Concerts          Portofino By Night

Prices.  Here are 2019 round trip prices listed for some of the popular ferry boat excursions:
Rapallo-Portofino 15.00 €       Rapallo-San Fruttuoso 18.00 €     Rapallo - Cinque Terre  40€       

Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 12.00 €  SML-San Fruttuoso 17.00 €   SML-Cinque Terre  40 €         
Chiavari/Lavagna - Portofino/San Fruttuoso 18.00 € Sestri Levante - Portofino/San Fruttuoso 20.00 €
Chiavari/Lavagna/Sestri L. - Cinque Terre 35.00 €

Portofino. Three Tired tourists.

Complete fares are here: SMT Ferry Boat Prices
(Andata=one-way, Andata e Ritorno=round trip)

Children under 5 free.
Children 5-12 years pay one way fare for RT.

Small surcharges added on cruises at night and festivi (Sundays and holidays).

Boat Stuff  These boats are operated by the Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio (SMT) for official information, visit the SMT Website. Contact them for Group Tours. Extra boats may be added for festivi (Sundays and holidays). Remember that boats could be canceled or delayed due to wind, waves, insufficient dock space, and insufficient passengers - although weather difficulties are rare in summer. There's a bathroom on board the ferry boat. Good dogs are allowed, bad dogs must stay home.

Yet More Info
Travelers can easily link to ferry boat serving the Gulf of Paradise further north. For example, travel from Rapallo to San Fruttuoso on an SMT ferry, and then use another ferry line from San Fruttuoso to Camogli or beyond and then take a train back to Rapallo. Information for the Gulf of Paradise boats is in our story- Camogli to San Fruttuoso Ferry Boats with Recco & Portofino

---------More Ligurian Travel Info Below----------

Travel Tip___________________________________________________________________

Renting A Car in Italy. Car rental prices are important, but don't rent based solely on low price and stick to well known companies. We have articles to help you:   

                           Link: Independent Car Rental Reviews for Italy 

                           Link: Car Rental Tips for Italy - Pick It Up Right 
                           Link: Where to Rent a Car from Cinque Terre? Also useful for Portofino area.

We advise getting your car from one of the companies with the fewest problems reported (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget) either direct or via a reputable car rental broker such as AutoEurope which provides added services without added price - 24/7 help before, during, and after the rental; easy changes and cancellation; as well as available less expensive zero excess (deductible) insurance.** We hope you'll make your reservation through these links -using the links do not raise your price.

                                AutoEurope(US)         Auto Europe(UK)          

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Our Ligurian Ferry Articles

Spring Cinque Terre, La Spezia Area Boat Ferry Schedules.
Summer Cinque Terre, Portovenere, La Spezia Boat / Ferry Schedules
Fall Cinque Terre, La Spezia Area Boat Ferry Schedules.

Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo and Santa Margherita
Camogli to San Fruttuoso Ferry Boats with Recco & Portofino 


Some of our Liguria Travel Articles

A Beautiful Seaside Walk Along the Portofino Coast Describes the Red Carpet coastal walk from Rapallo to SML.
Getting to Portofino - Walking, Hiking, and More  Describes fabulous walking and hiking from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino.

Every Answer for Your Cinque Terre Trip  Our online Travel Guide answers 103 FAQ's. Che fatica!
Getting to Portovenere   All about buses, parking, hiking, taxis, hotels, boats in Portovenere.
Portovenere Travel Guide - The Top Ten Attractions Portovenere's attractions for reasonable folk
.
Castle to Castle Along the Gulf of the Poets All about Lerici - exploring, parking and hotels.

Getting Around La Spezia  Describes parking in La Spezia, as well as bus info and other goodies.
La Spezia Travel Guide: Top Ten Attractions as told by people who  have actually been there.

A Guide to the Local Food around La Spezia  Food of the area, as told by expert mangioni. 

The Most Beautiful Villages of Liguria Part 1 The Rock Villages A 7-part series covering 28 great little towns.

Area Guidebooks   First, no guidebook covers Portofino well. Second, buy your guidebooks before you arrive as you won't easily find them in Italy.

The best guidebook for Cinque Terre also has a small section on Portofino and some of the nearby towns, that is  Pocket Cinque Terre Rick Steves   Amazon US) (Amazon UK)  (Kindle UK).
Most all of the Pocket Cinque Terre info is also included in Italy Rick Steves 2019 (Amazon US) (Amazon UK) (UK Kindle Store) which is Amazon’s best selling Italy guidebook.

For advice and reviews on guidebooks for Liguria, Florence, Rome, Venice & more, read our article:
All the Best Italy Guidebooks Reviewed

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Reality Check. We do our best to be accurate, but the schedules can and do change; mistakes can happen; weather, waves, and port events can affect the boats. Check the schedules locally before departure.

           

2017: Our 56th Italy trip.

About Us & Disclosure

We are Martha and Mike from Boston- recently retired photo editors who enjoy travel, food, and helping people. We have visited Italy for three decades, and we live in Liguria part-time.

We have no connection to the car rental or hotel industries, and we receive no payments or free stuff for our writing or opinions. As is internet convention, we receive the standard commission for clicks on many of the commercial links that result in a purchase. Your clicks will help support this site.

Written by Mike, Erudition by Martha.

Proverbio Ligure: Chi ha il culo di paglia, ha paura di fuoco.
Ligurian Proverb: He that has an ass of straw has fear of fire.

Complete Cinque Terre & La Spezia Boat / Ferry Schedules

With Portovenere, Lerici, Levanto, Viareggio Timetables 

La Spezia to Cinque Terre: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore 

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 The Ferry Schedules below are the likely schedules for an entire normal year - useful for tentative planning. 

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Cinque Terre 2024 Battelli / Traghetti Orari attuali / aktuelle Fährfahrpläne / Horaires de bateau actuels

Ginestra blooming on Schiara coast, Cinque Terre, June 7.
Portovenere & Palmaria in background. Taken on Trail 504.

When Does the Cinque Terre Ferry Begin?  What is the Schedule?  What Does It Cost?

• Summary: The Cinque Terre ferries are famous for spectacular views of this famous Ligurian coastline and its villages. All the latest schedules, prices, and information follow below.
• Where: The boats serve Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore and nearby La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere, and Levanto. In summer there are tours from the Viareggio / Versilia area.
• Cost:  In 2022, a full all-day ticket with stop-offs is 37 Euro (afternoon 28 Euro). Tickets between Cinque Terre towns are 7 to 13 Euro one-way, 30 Euro for a Cinque-Terre-only day pass.  Special rates for kids ages 6-11.
• When:  The 2022 Cinque Terre ferry started March 26 and will likely end Tuesday, November 1. 
• Changes: The boats may modify the route or not operate in rough seas, winds, or bad weather. Check the system's Facebook page before you set out for the day: Cinque Terre Ferry on Facebook
• Frequency: Varies by season. In summer there are about 10 daily. In low season, about 5 daily.
• Ferry Reservations: An all-day ticket may be reserved see Cinque Terre Ferry Booking to book.  Reservations are required for groups of 20 or more.

Our Other Cinque Terre Area Articles:
  ✰Every Answer You Need for Your Cinque Terre Trip
  ✰Cinque Terre - 16 Tips for Avoiding the Crowds

  ☛Great Italian Hill Towns near Cinque Terre 
  ☛Liguria/Cinque Terre/Portofino Map

See Also: ❇Our Cinque Terre Guide 

Portovenere Travel Guide - The Top Ten Attractions Portovenere's attractions for reasonable folk
.La Spezia Travel Guide: Top Ten Attractions as told by people who  have actually been there.

A Guide to the Local Food around La Spezia  Food of the area, as told by expert mangioni.
Cinque Terre's Path of Love Is Reopening But don't reserve yet - it should be in 2023.
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Below are all the latest available schedules for ferries around the Cinque Terre & the Gulf of La Spezia. The timetables cover the entire season April 1 to November 1 for each port using either current or archived timetables. Schedules vary little from year to year so they're even good for your tentative 2022 planning. The links have both times and prices - or see the photo below showing the most popular ferry route for most of the year.  Also look below for our descriptions and photo galleries:  What Are the Villages Like?________________________________________________________________________________

INDEX OF PORTS & INFORMATION

Scroll Down or Click the Section Name to Jump Down

Ports
Cinque Terre  Schedules for La Spezia, Portovenere, Levanto, Lerici
La Spezia        Schedules for Portovenere, Cinque Terre
Lerici               Schedules for Portovenere, Cinque Terre
Levanto           Schedules for Portovenere, Cinque Terre
Moneglia, Deiva Marina     Schedules for the Cinque Terre

Palmaria Island Beaches     Schedules for Terrizzo & Pozzale & La Spezia
Portovenere    Schedules to & from Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Lerici, Levanto,  & Three Island tour.
Viareggio & Versilia Ports / Gulf of La Spezia Ports  Cinque Terre tour & local port ferries.

Information Sections & Schedules Below

Which Village? In words & photos.  We help you choose your future memories.

Where to Stay to See Cinque Terre?  Stay in a village or in a nearby base? Different
pleasures await.

Ferry Schedules for the Entire Year & All Ports.

More Boat Info  Bathrooms, Pets, Shade, etc.

Cinque Terre FAQ   Best time to go, Guidebooks, etc.

Links to Helpful Articles Cinque Terre & Surrounding Towns   Crowds, Portovenere, Lerici, La Spezia, Food & more.
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Where to Stay to See Cinque Terre?  Which Village?

Book as early as you can - the CT is very popular.  Our advice: Reserve accommodation NOW, and use Booking.com's free cancellation policy if you find something better (within stated date limit). Act Now! Italian holidays are Easter Sunday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, Nov. 1. In 2022, Easter is April 17.

Monterosso  The largest little town with a resort feel & the most restaurants and hotels. The only real beach in CT, some parking & the best train connections. There's an old town and a new section and it's fairly level. The full town name is Monterosso al Mare.  

What's It Like? - Our Monterosso Photo Gallery Link

Vernazza                      CC by Byscuit

Vernazza  The prettiest, most celebrated town with the most visitors. You really should see it. Photographers love this town especially at sunset as the nearby hills provide stunning views.     
What's It Like? - Our Vernazza Photo Gallery Link

Corniglia Sitting prettily on a promontory high above the sea with an historic church. It's the least crowded. It's a climb from the train and the boat doesn't stop here, but it's still very romantic and the views are the best.

What's It Like? - Our Corniglia Photo Gallery Link

Manarola The second most popular to explore, it's very photogenic & colorful. Approached from the sea, the town seems balanced on a cliff. Below there's a tiny harbor with quaint fishing boats and the famous terraces loom nearby.  What's It Like - Our Manarola Photo Gallery

Riomaggiore         CC by Nick Grosoli

Riomaggiore Closest to La Spezia & Portovenere, it's very characteristic. Colorful stacked homes line the opening in the cliff and there's another wee harbor. Kayak rentals and small boat tours available here. 
What's It Like? - Our Riomaggiore Photo Gallery Link    

Click Liguria / Cinque Terre / Portofino Map to see the Cinque Terre towns & other Base towns.

Liguria City Selector.
Choose a pretty Ligurian town nearby as an affordable base to see Cinque Terre and other famous towns. We describe the Pluses & Minuses of each town. If you're driving, look at Levanto in Part 2.
Link: Part 1: Cinque Terre South - Gulf of the Poets
Link: Part 2: Cinque Terre North to Portofino
Link: Part 3: Towns on the Portofino Peninsula 
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Vineyard terraces of Cinque Terre in early spring.   circa 1987

The Cinque Terre Boat / Ferry Schedules
Also written 5 Terre or Cinqueterre, these are five small villages on the dramatic Ligurian coast. The villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.  All have train service, and all except Corniglia have ferry service.  The area is known for it's wonderful hiking trails, pretty scenery, and its popularity . Since the trails are often steep and sometimes rocky, using the boats appeals to many, and it's a beautiful way to see the area. Consider hiking in one direction, and taking the boat or the train to return.

We strongly recommend you do not drive your car to the Cinque Terre villages! To rent your car after the visit or drop it off before - see our special article with a map of rental offices - Link: Where to Rent a Car from Cinque Terre?    For advice on parking during your visit see our article - Link: Every Answer You Need for Your Cinque Terre Trip

2022 Ferry Fares for Cinque Terre & La Spezia Area Ports

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 1 - Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 11 -  June 5 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (June 6 - Oct 11 2020)  

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2020 )

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 25 - Nov 1, 2020)

See Lerici and Levanto below for additional Cinque Terre connections.

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For a guidebook dedicated to Cinque Terre, we think the best by far is Rick Steves Pocket Cinque Terre which also covers Portofino. The Pocket Cinque Terre info is also included in Amazon’s best selling Italy guidebook Italy Rick Steves 2020 .

For Complete Italy Guidebook Reviews, see our helpful article: Best Italy Guidebooks 2022 Reviewed.
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Is There Service to Portofino?

No, but there is excellent Portofino service from ports further north in the Gulf of Tigullio, such as Rapallo. Look at this article: Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo & SML.

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The Ligurian coast from Portovenere toward Cinque Terre. 

La Spezia Boat / Ferry Timetables

For info on buses and parking (including near the boat), see: Getting Around La Spezia

2022 Ferry Fares for Cinque Terre & La Spezia Area Ports

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 1 - Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 11 -  June 5 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (June 6 - Oct 11 2020)  

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2020 )

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 25 - Nov 1, 2020)

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 Lerici Boat / Ferry Timetables
For information about parking and more in Lerici, see Castle to Castle Along the Gulf of the Poets

2022 Ferry Fares for Cinque Terre & La Spezia Area Ports

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 1- Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 11 - Sept. 20 2020)

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (Sept 21 - Oct 24 2020)  

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 25 - Nov 1  2020)  
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Portovenere Boat / Ferry Timetables

San Lorenzo, Portovenere.

For information on parking and buses to Portovenere and boats to Palmaria, see Getting to Portovenere.

2022 Ferry Fares for Cinque Terre & La Spezia Area Ports

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 1 - Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 11 -  June 5 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (June 6 - Oct 11 2020)  

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2020 )

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 25 - Nov 1, 2020)

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Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 1- Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 11 - Sept. 20 2020)

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (Sept 21 - Oct 24 2020)  

Schedule: Lerici-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 25 - Nov 1  2020)  

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Schedule: Portovenere-Three Island Tour (40 min.)   (Mar. 30 - Nov. 3 (est.) 2019) 

Island tour info in small notation: Departs at 12:00 & 3:00 pm  Price 13 Euro.

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Levanto Boat / Ferry Timetables
2022 Ferry Fares for Cinque Terre & La Spezia Area Ports

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (April 1 - Apr 10 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return   (April 11 -  June 5 2020)

Schedule: La Spezia-Portovenere-Cinque Terre & return  (June 6 - Oct 11 2020)  

Schedule: La Spezia Portovenere Cinque Terre & return  (Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2020 )

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Cadimare / Fezzano / Le Grazie / Portovenere / Palmaria Beach Timetables
Cadimare, Fezzano and Le Grazie are small ports on the western shore of the Gulf of La Spezia. Those ports and the Palmaria beaches of Terrizzo and Pozzole have limited ferry service for some portions on the June to September period. Consult the official ferry website: Consorzio Marittimo Turistico.

Tour of the Gulf Ports
 Ferry Connections Between La Spezia / Lerici / Tellaro / Portovenere. Times for Three Island Tour.

Schedule: Tour of the Gulf Connections & Rates  (June 15 - Sept. 15, 2019)

Viareggio+ to Cinque Terre Boat / Ferry Timetables
Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Massa, and Marina di Carrara to Cinque Terre.

Check schedules locally to ensure up to date information.

Schedule: Four Versilia Ports - Cinque Terre Tour  (June 15 - Sept 8, 2019) Includes dock locations.
Departs Viareggio  9:00,  Forte dei Marmi  9:30,  Marina di Massa  9:45,  Marina di Carrara 10:10

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Why Archived Schedules?  Not all of the year's schedules for the Gulf of La Spezia boats are available all year. To show you the whole season for planning, we must use some archived schedules. All the timetables always show the effective dates which could vary a little bit from year to year, so check back periodically.
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More Boat Info
Tickets. Your daily ticket allows stopovers at intermediate ports.  An all-day ticket may be reserved see Cinque Terre Ferry Booking to book. Reservations required for groups of 20 or more.

Boats. There are bathrooms on the boat. Dogs that can be carried are allowed. The boats have both open air and covered sections.
Handicapped Access. Wheelchairs and walkers are not advised due to the design of the boats, the docks, and especially the gangplanks.
Weather. The boat service is subject to cancellation or modification due to wind, weather and wave conditions. Check the system's Facebook page before you set out for the day: Cinque Terre Ferry on Facebook.
Website. The official Consortium website is Consorzio Marittimo Turistico.

Portofino. For scenic ferry boats further north in Liguria read: Portofino Ferry Boat Schedules from Rapallo & SML. There are timetables for boats serving Portofino, Rapallo, Santa Margarita Ligure, Sestri Levante, Chiavari, Lavagna, San Fruttuoso, and Cinque Terre.

Camogli. For ferry boats on the Liguria's Gulf of Paradise read: Camogli to San Fruttuoso Ferry Boats with Recco & Portofino. There is info for boats serving Recco, Camogli, Punta Chiappa, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, .

Some of our Liguria Travel Articles
Cinque Terre - 16 Tips for Avoiding the Crowds  Yes, it's popular, but you can have a great time.

Getting to Portovenere   All about buses, parking, hiking, taxis, hotels, boats in Portovenere.
Portovenere Travel Guide - The Top Ten Attractions Portovenere's attractions for reasonable folk
.
Castle to Castle Along the Gulf of the Poets All about Lerici - exploring, parking and hotels.

Getting Around La Spezia  Describes parking in La Spezia, as well as bus info and other goodies.
La Spezia Travel Guide: Top Ten Attractions as told by people who  have actually been there.

A Guide to the Local Food around La Spezia  Food of the area, as told by expert mangioni.
Cinque Terre's Path of Love Is Reopening But don't reserve yet - it should be in 2023.
 

Getting to Portofino - Walking, Hiking, and More  Describes fabulous walking and hiking from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino.

The Most Beautiful Villages of Liguria Part 1 The Rock Villages A 7-part series covering 28 great little towns.

FAQ
When Should I Go? Visit the Cinque Terre only when the weather is good - they are all about the sea and the hills as well as the villages. The place is lifeless when the ferries are not running. First choice: April 15 - June 15; Second Choice: September 1 - October 10.

Should I bring guidebooks?  Yes, buy your Cinque Terre guidebook before you arrive as you won't easily find them in Italy, though you can order some for delivery in Italy, including to a post office, from Amazon Italy.

First, buy your Cinque Terre guidebook before you arrive as you won't easily find them in Italy.  For a guidebook dedicated to Cinque Terre, the best by far is Pocket Cinque Terre Rick Steves.

Most all of the Pocket Cinque Terre info is also included in Italy Rick Steves 2020. which is Amazon’s best selling Italy guidebook.

For advice and reviews on guidebooks for Liguria, Florence, Rome, Venice & more, read our article:
All the Best Italy Guidebooks Reviewed

WillI need a map?  On Google Maps you can download the area onto a smartphone for offline use. For hiking, get the free handout map from the tourist information center - it's as good as any online. 

Should I opt for a GPS for a rental car?  No, they are problematic in Italy: they can't handle ZTLs well, they are not updated enough, and they are absurdly expensive. Many travelers use the Google Maps App or Waze on a smart phone. Note that you can use pre-loaded Google Maps Offline on a smartphone without cell service because it has a GPS. 

Which Airport is Closest to Cinque Terre?  Pisa airport is the easiest and it's connected to Pisa's Centrale train station by a special train (PisaMover). Genoa airport is next easiest as there's a frequent bus (Volabus) to Genoa's Brignole train station (also stops at Principe station).

Fall 2017: our 56th Italy trip.

Written by Martha and Mike.  We are retired Americans who live part-time 10 miles from Cinque Terre.  When planning your trip remember there are no right choices, just different pleasures.  Buon Viaggio.

We receive no money or free stuff for any of our articles. If you buy a product after clicking a product link, we might get a small commission.


Photos captioned 'CC By' are subject to a Creative Commons license and can be found on Flickr.