trains, ferries.
-Good shopping, many restaurants, markets.
-Sophisticated Italian atmosphere, but not hectic.
-Good variety of monuments and activities - hiking, walking, cable car, tours, beach.
-Limited ferry service to the CT & Portovenere.
-Crowded services in July & August.
-Parking can be tight.
Useful local routes and to nearby towns: SML, Portofino, Camogli, Recco.
Pay street parking, pay parking facilities, limited outlying free areas, hotels with parking (usually extra).
Good service to Portofino, San Fruttuoso, & connections to Camogli. Several tour options to Cinque Terre. Schedule Link below.
Rapallo_______________________________________________
Where to Stay
Coming from the autostrada, Rapallo may seem at first to consist of drab apartment blocks. However as you near the sea, it becomes lively and attractive with parks and grand buildings and views. The historic center is walkable, attractive, and full of life.
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| Rapallo Map. Click to Enlarge. |
This link Booking.Com.Rapallo accesses all 79 Rapallo listings of Hotels, B&B's, & Apartments. The website offers traveler reviews, searches with different filters, and a
'Best Price Guarantee'.
S
ee About Us & Disclosure below - we hope we've helped you. Using our links does not affect prices.
Your click will support our efforts to help travelers like yourself. Thanks.
Our Rapallo Hotel / B&B recommendations below were selected by Martha as the best choices reflecting the different price levels, styles, and locations desired by different types of travelers. She has extensive experience choosing hotels, has been to Rapallo lots of times, and she has weighed relevant TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews, as well as the hotels' websites, amenities and locations.
Click on the hotel name for more information and/or booking.
Best Western Tigiullio Royal € Moderate to expensive pricing.
Close
to the market, the beach, the ferries and the train, this 7 story hotel
with a friendly helpful staff will help you figure out your logistics.
Free wifi, breakfast 4€, on site parking 12€. 34 rooms.
Excelsior Palace Hotel € Expensive pricing.
This
is a nice place to splash out a little, with a restaurant overlooking
the marina that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a spa, a pool, and
lots of amenities. Wifi is free in public areas, on site parking is 19€
in the garage, free in the courtyard. A taxi to the train takes 5
minutes. 127 rooms.
Hotel Astoria € Moderate pricing.
A
family-run Art Nouveau villa right on the water, this place has free
wifi, free buffet breakfast including good fruit and vegetable
selections, and on site parking available for 16€. The staff is happy to
recommend walking tours and help you get around. 22 rooms.
Hotel Il Gatto € Economical pricing.
If
you want to be in the center of town, this inn is on the first floor up
on the central street, close to the train and 10 minutes from the
harbor. A little noisy because it’s so central, some rooms have
pleasant balconies. Wifi is free in public areas, breakfast included,
no parking, but ask for a temporary permit for street parking. 16
rooms.
Hotel Vesuvio € Moderate pricing.
A family run
villa right on the picturesque promenade, it has a central location,
simple clean rooms, and a friendly staff. Next to the ferry, free wifi,
buffet breakfast, no parking, but ask for a temporary permit for street
parking. 20 rooms.
Hotel Italia e Lido Rapallo € Moderate pricing.
On
the seafront right next to the castle, with a private beach available,
and a terrace with a great view of the sea, castle, and town. Basic but
charming, a 10 minute walk to the train. Free wifi, free breakfast, no
parking. 50 rooms.
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| Santa Margherita Ligure CC By Laura Braga |
SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE Population 10,000.
Santa Margherita is the perfect combination of resort and city for sophisticated relaxation. One of Italy's best loved resorts, you can't do better for an enjoyable Liguria visit whether you like hiking, excursions, dining, strolling, or shopping.
Positive
-Very pretty Ligurian small city / resort.
-Variety of walks & hikes, active harbor.
-Friendly, sophisticated atmosphere with many restaurants and cafes.
-Central location to access the Portofino peninsula.
Negative
-Limited beach areas.
-Parking always tight.
-Quite popular & thus more expensive.
-Road access via Rapallo urban area.
Autostrada about 20 minutes away.
Transportation
Train: Santa Margherita Ligure is on the Genoa - Pisa line.
Trenitalia
Bus: Useful local routes and to nearby towns: Rapallo, Portofino, Camogli, Recco.
ATP Bus
Parking: Pay parking, pay parking facilities, limited outlying & uphill free parking, hotels with parking (often extra).
Ferry Boat: Good service to Portofino, San Fruttuoso, & connections to Camogli. Several tour options to Cinque Terre. Schedule Link below.
Santa Margherita Ligure________________________________
Where to Stay
Santa Margherita is spread in a semi-circle around its harbor and up into the surrounding hills. The downtown area and the waterfront are made for strolling and people watching. There are no unattractive parts of the city.
 |
Santa Margherita Ligure Map.
Click to Enlarge. |
This link Booking.Com.Santa Margherita accesses all 45 Santa Margherita Ligure listings of Hotels, B&B's, & Apartments. The website offers traveler reviews, searches with different filters, and a
'Best Price Guarantee'.
S
ee About Us & Disclosure below - we hope we've helped you. Using our links does not affect prices.
Your click will support our efforts to help travelers like yourself. Thanks.
Our Santa Margherita Hotel / B&B recommendations below were selected by Martha as the best choices reflecting the different price levels, styles, and locations desired by different types of travelers. She has extensive experience choosing hotels, has been to Santa Margherita lots of times, and she has weighed relevant TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews, as well as the hotels' websites, amenities and locations.
Click on the Santa Margherita hotel name for more information and booking.
Grand Hotel Miramare € Expensive pricing.
Stately but
relaxed, this hotel has lots of amenities, including a salt water pool
in the garden (seasonal, of course), and a spa. The rooms are elegant
and luxurious, with either a garden view or sea view. Wifi and
breakfast are free, parking on site is by reservation and costs 25€. 84
rooms.
Blu di Te € Moderate to expensive pricing.
An
old building completely refinished in the last year or so, this is chic
and cozy, with vintage décor. Five minutes from the beach, and right
in the old town, they offer free wifi and a notable free breakfast, help
with bags and parking advice for the public pay parking available
nearby. 20 rooms.
Hotel Santa Margherita Palace € Moderate to expensive pricing.
Here
you’re close to shops, restaurants, and the train, and a few blocks in
from the water. The rooms are spacious, with a black and white motif,
and there’s a glass elevator to transport you. Wifi and breakfast are
free, parking is available. 26 rooms.
Hotel Villa Anita € Moderate Pricing.
Just
out of the busy center you’ll find lots of amenities in this boutique
style hotel, such as an outdoor pool, (seasonal, of course), hot tub,
and fitness room. Ask for a balcony room to enjoy the view. The town
is a 5 or 10 minute walk away, if you don’t mind stairs, and they make
up for it with free parking, free wifi and free breakfast. 12 rooms.
Il Timone B & B € Economical pricing.
Just
50 meters from the port, this B & B is close to restaurants and
shops. Although there aren’t really common areas, the rooms are clean
and spacious, the friendly owners respond quickly to phone calls. Wifi
throughout is free, as is breakfast. No parking, but it’s available
nearby. 3 rooms.
B & B L’Ora Blu € Moderately Economical pricing.
A
little beyond the busiest and noisiest part of town, they offer a
communal kitchen and living room, large, quiet rooms, and all the help
you need. Free wifi and breakfast, no parking, but there are free
spaces nearby, just ask. 5 rooms.
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| Portofino, Liguria CC By Francesca Cappa |
PORTOFINO Population 500.
One of Italy's great icons, it's really beautiful. Long ago a fishing village, the picturesque town & harbor is now a magnet for the curious, the spurious, and the luxurious. Best reached by walking or by boat, travel can be crowded by bus, maddening or impossible by car. Most visitors don't stay here overnight due to the cost and the difficult access, but then most people aren't you.
Our Stories: Portofino- Fishing Village to Icon Getting to Portofino- Walking, Hiking & More
Positive
-Beautiful Italian seaside village.
-Located on stunning bay on stunning coastline.
-Numerous restaurants and cafes. Pretty park to explore.
-Waypoint on some wonderful Portofino Park hikes.
Negative
-Small town, very very crowded at peaks.
-No train, crowded buses, no beach.
-Auto access jammed or closed to non-residents. Very expensive to park.
-Expensive to very expensive. Most stores, hotels & restaurants cater to the luxury market.
Transportation
Train: None, closest Santa Margherita Ligure.
Bus: Direct service only to Santa Margherita & Rapallo.
ATP Bus
Driving: Difficult or impossible much of the year.
Parking: Pay parking only, and expensive. Some hotels with parking.
Ferry Boat: Good service to Santa Margherita, Rapallo, San Fruttuoso.
Taxi: Expensive, 30 Euro to SML.
Water Taxi: Expensive, but flat rate favors groups.
Portofino_____________________________________________
Where to Stay
The town is clustered around the small harbor and the surrounding hills. Accommodations are in limited supply and the prices are high and higher.
 |
| Portofino Map. Click to Enlarge. |
This link Booking.Com.Portofino accesses all 18 Portofino listings of Hotels, B&B's, & Apartments. The website offers traveler reviews, searches with different filters, and a
'Best Price Guarantee'.
S
ee About Us & Disclosure below - we hope we've helped you. Using our links does not affect prices.
Your click will support our efforts to help travelers like yourself. Thanks.
Our Portofino Hotel / B&B recommendations below were selected by Martha as the best choices reflecting the different price levels, styles, and locations desired by different types of travelers. She has extensive experience choosing hotels, has been to Portofino several times recently, and she has weighed relevant TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews, as well as the hotels' websites, amenities and locations.
Click on the Portofino hotel name for more information and booking.
Belmond Hotel Splendido € Very expensive pricing
If you’re
looking for luxury in a gorgeous setting and are willing to pay for it,
this might be for you. Fresh, casual, classy hotel outside of the town
hustle, with heated salt water pool, spa, etc. and a knockout view. The
welcome extends to services: free wifi, free breakfast, and free
outside parking (garage parking 35€). 68 rooms
Eight Hotel Portofino € Expensive pricing
Set
back three blocks from the water, this place is friendly and quiet.
While they don’t have beachfront, they do have a free shuttle to the
beach at their sister hotel, and a garden with a hot tub you can
reserve. Free wifi, breakfast, and parking. 18 rooms
Albergo Nazionale € Moderately expensive pricing
In the center of all the action, you’re right on the harbor here, and
close to all the restaurants. The clean, casual rooms are good size and
considered a good value. Free wifi in public areas, free basic
breakfast, public parking (21€ per day) close by, and they’re happy to
help with baggage. 12 rooms
Domina Home Piccolo € Moderately expensive pricing.
This
hotel is a dramatic renovated seafront historic villa. There’s a
private rocky beach with a bar, and you’re only 400 m. from the center
of town on a path that leads to the back of the hotel. Free wifi in
public areas, free breakfast, off site parking for 18€ a day. 22 rooms
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CAMOGLI Population 5,600.
 |
| Camogli Harbor CC By Carlo Guarneri |
With a beautiful harbor surrounded by characteristic tall old buildings, Camogli is constantly re-discovered by travelers. Famous for its fish festival, its Ligurian
trompe l'oiel, and the narrow
carrugi, you'll never forget your stay here
.
Positive
-Good strolling and people watching areas, intown beach , numerous restaurants.
-Relaxed but lively resort atmosphere, in a pretty and historic setting.
-Decent transportation:
autostrada, train, ferry, bus.
-Close to Genoa and Portofino. Cinque Terre is within day-trip striking distance.
Negative
-Popular: prices somewhat higher, parking tight.
-Few monumental buildings or museums.
-Moderate crowding at popular times.
Transportation
Train: Good service, on the Genoa - Pisa line.
Trenitalia
Bus: Useful service to area towns.
ATP Bus
Parking: Pay street parking, pay parking facilities, some hotels offer optional parking, some free areas uphill from downtown.
Ferry Boat: San Fruttuoso, Recco, connection to Portofino.
San Fruttuoso Camogli Recco Ferries
Camogli__________________________________________
Where to Stay
Camogli is a small city and resort popular with both Italians and foreigners. One of the prettiest towns along Liguria's Riviera Levante, it has frequent festivals and the sea is always with you. The center curves around the bay and is very walkable, but the hills are fairly steep as you move away from the shore.
 |
| Camogli Map. |
This link Booking.Com.Camogli accesses all 28 Camogli listings of Hotels, B&B's, & Apartments. The website offers traveler reviews, searches with different filters, and a
'Best Price Guarantee'.
S
ee About Us & Disclosure below - we hope we've helped you. Using our links does not affect prices.
Your click will support our efforts to help travelers like yourself. Thanks.
Our Camogli Hotel / B&B recommendations below were selected by Martha as the best choices reflecting the different price levels, styles, and locations desired by different types of travelers. She has extensive experience choosing hotels, has been to Camogli a bunch of times, and she has weighed relevant TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews, as well as the hotels' websites, amenities and locations.
Click on the Camogli hotel name for more information and booking.
Centrally
located just at the entrance to town, here you’ll find lots of
amenities, such as a free private beach and a garden with a pool.
You’re about a 10 minute walk from the train, and they have free on site
parking. This is the hotel where Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon stayed in
the movie ‘The Trip to Italy’ (but don’t let that put you off!) Free
wifi, free breakfast, 105 rooms
Hotel La Camogliese € Economical pricing
This
is a family run hotel right at the beginning of the promenade. The
rooms are simple but clean and pleasant, with free wifi, free breakfast,
and a discount offered at the restaurant next door of the same name.
Staff is very helpful with timetables and reservations. Parking can be
reserved nearby for 18€ a day. 21 rooms
I Tre Merli Locanda € Moderate pricing
If
you like to be smack in the middle of things, you may like this
choice. Being in the pedestrian zone has some drawbacks, of course, but
you’re right on the fishing harbor. It’s an idiosyncratic place with
limited reception service, parking can be reserved 500 m. away. Wifi is
free, and the free breakfast (with the option of add-ons at an
additional cost) is right on the harbor. 5 rooms
Soffio di Mare € Economical pricing
While
still centrally located (30 m. from the beach) this is also quiet, with
a furnished garden for guests to enjoy and simple but clean rooms.
This would be a B&B, except that breakfast is not provided – instead
there is a microwave, kettle and refrigerator in the room. Close to
the train, with free wifi and public parking available nearby. 4 rooms
Villa Rosmarino € Moderate pricing
The
villa dates from 1907, with unique rooms, marble baths, wonderful sea
views. The hotel is stylish, comfortable, and relaxed, with sensitive
renovations. Quiet and tranquil, it’s about a 10 minute walk in to
Camogli. There’s a garden with a pool, free wifi in the lounge, free
breakfast, and free parking. No A/C, but the high, breezy location and
the fans seem to make that okay. Important to note: the hotel does not
accept children. 6 rooms
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RECCO Population 10,200.
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| Recco, Liguria. Sagra del Fuoco (September) CC By Ale |
Recco is a small urban community just north of Camogli. It is more modern (due to WWII) and there is a smaller tourist presence so you can really enjoy Italian life. Recco is well known for its May focaccia fest and its September Sagra del Fuoco (Festival of Fire) which includes a super fireworks show, among other spectacles.
Positive
-Good transportation options:
autostrada, train, bus, ferry.
-Not a tourist hub, hotels are less expensive, parking easier.
-Active shopping, restaurants, markets.
-Relaxed atmosphere, and its own really special cheese focaccia.
Negative
-Limited beach facilities.
-Limited monuments / museums.
-No historic buildings or neighborhoods.
Transportation
Train: Service on Genoa - Pisa line.
Trenitalia
Bus: Useful service to area towns.
ATP Bus
Parking: Pay and free street parking, pay parking facilities, outlying free areas, hotels with parking.
Ferry Boat: Camogli, San Fruttuoso, connect to Portofino, SML.
San Fruttuoso Camogli Recco Ferries
Recco______________________________________________
Where to Stay
The town of Recco is wrapped around its small bay on the Golfo Paradiso and onto hills on two sides. The most activity is near the seaside. It's not a congested area - more suburban - but walkable (you can even walk to Camogli) and the locals are not tired of tourists.
 |
Recco Map.
Click to Enlarge. |
This link Booking.Com.Recco accesses all 12 Recco listings of Hotels, B&B's, & Apartments. The website offers traveler reviews, searches with different filters, and a
'Best Price Guarantee'.
S
ee About Us & Disclosure below - we hope we've helped you. Using our links does not affect prices.
Your click will support our efforts to help travelers like yourself. Thanks.
Our Recco Hotel / B&B recommendations below were selected by Martha as the best choices reflecting the different price levels, styles, and locations desired by different types of travelers. She has extensive experience choosing hotels, has been to Recco, and she has weighed relevant TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews, as well as the hotels' websites, amenities and locations.
Click on the hotel name for more information and booking.
Hotel Elena € Economical pricing
Centrally located, with a
private beach and free sun umbrellas and deck chairs in season, this
hotel also has great views over the water, and a waterfront room is
worth it. The rooms are simple but comfortable, the staff is friendly
and helpful. The wifi is free in public areas, and extends to some
rooms, but is rather iffy. Breakfast, however, is free, served on the
terrace in season, and ample. Free parking, 29 rooms
Hotel La Villa Manuelina € Economical pricing
Here
you’re out of town a bit, with a climb down to the beaches, but there
are two well-regarded restaurants on the property serving the famous local
focaccia. The wifi, breakfast and parking are free. 23 rooms
Da O Vittorio € Economical pricing
Just
600 m from the center and the train station and 10 minutes from the
sea, this hotel is a bit dated, but comfortable nonetheless. The
restaurant associated with it is convenient, and they’ll gladly loan you
a bike. 29 rooms
B & B Casa Balin € Economical pricing
High
above town, you get a magnificent view of the sea, so it’s best to ask
for a room on the front. The owner has a real attention to detail, and
provides everything to make your stay enjoyable, including a good free
breakfast, and free wifi and parking. You’ll want to have a car to
really make the most of your stay. 3 rooms
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