Cinque Terre vs Portofino — the wild five versus the polished one

Both are Ligurian coast. One is five fishing villages clinging to cliffs. The other is one harbor that charges €18 for a coffee.

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Cinque Terre

Five villages connected by hiking trails and trains. Hiking, swimming, pesto. Crowded but wild. Cinque Terre Card €18.50/day. Accommodation: €80–150/night (or €60–90 in La Spezia).

Portofino

One tiny harbor, impossibly photogenic, impossibly expensive. Day trip only (unless you’re a billionaire). Coffee: €5–10. Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure (€90–150) and walk/boat to Portofino.

Verdict

Cinque Terre: full experience, 2–3 days, hiking + swimming + eating. Portofino: half-day visit, photos, lighthouse walk, then escape to Santa Margherita for dinner at human prices.

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