Portofino and the Cinque Terre: the Italian Riviera from the sea
The Riviera di Levante makes most sense from the sea: Portofino opens onto its bay, and four of the five Cinque Terre villages sit right on the water. We arrange the stay with partners we know in Liguria: the private transfer from Milan, Genoa or Venice with our own cars or partner chauffeurs we coordinate, hotels in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, days at sea along the coast with local operators, restaurants and guides, with one point of contact.
- From Venice
- About 4 h by car
- Season
- May to September
- Where
- Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre
What we arrange in Portofino and the Cinque Terre
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Private transfers and chauffeur
From Milan, Genoa airport or Venice to your hotel on the Riviera, and trips along the coast, with our own cars or partner chauffeurs we coordinate.
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Private jets
Flights to Genoa airport or the Milan airports, with the car transfer already arranged, operated by licensed partners.
with licensed partners -
Helicopters
Fast transfers to the Riviera and scenic flights along the coast, with licensed partners and where landing sites allow.
with licensed partners -
Concierge
Hotels and villas, days at sea with local operators, tables at harbourside restaurants, guides and outings to the Cinque Terre.
Where we take you
- Portofino
- The piazzetta on the harbour, the coloured houses and the walk to the lighthouse: a small village with limited car access, best reached by boat.
- Santa Margherita Ligure
- The town on the gulf a few kilometres from Portofino, with its seafront and railway station: the most practical base for the area.
- San Fruttuoso and Camogli
- The abbey of San Fruttuoso, reachable only on foot or from the sea, and the harbour of Camogli on the other side of the Portofino headland.
- Monterosso and Vernazza
- The two northernmost Cinque Terre villages: the beach at Monterosso and the small harbour of Vernazza below its tower.
- Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
- Corniglia on top of the cliff, the only village not on the sea; Manarola and Riomaggiore to the south, with coloured houses above the rocks.
Portofino and the Cinque Terre: your questions
Can you visit the Cinque Terre by boat?
Yes, and it is the best way to see the villages: four of the five are on the sea, while Corniglia sits on top of the cliff. In the warmer months we arrange a day on a private boat with local operators, or tickets for the scheduled ferries.
How do I get to Portofino from Milan?
The most comfortable way is a private transfer by car from Milan or from Malpensa and Linate airports, door to door to your hotel in Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure. The last stretch to Portofino is a narrow coastal road: our drivers or partners know the access points and permitted stops.
What is the nearest airport to Portofino?
Genoa airport, the closest to the Riviera di Levante. Many guests land at Milan Malpensa or Linate and continue by car; we arrange the private transfer from all three airports.
How far is Portofino from Venice?
About 4 hours by car, traffic excluded. We arrange the private transfer with chauffeur from Venice to the Riviera, also with a stop on the way or as one leg of a trip continuing to Tuscany.
When is the best time to visit Portofino and the Cinque Terre?
From May to September. July and August are the most crowded months, while May, June and September are quieter and well suited to coastal paths and days at sea. For summer, book hotels and boats a few months ahead.
Do you own the boats and hotels in Liguria?
No. On the Riviera hotels, villas, boats and guides belong to local partners we select; we plan the trip, coordinate transfers and the programme, and remain your single point of contact.
Plan your stay on the Riviera
Dates, guests and what you have in mind: we reply with a tailored proposal.