We had never explored the Portofino Natural Park, a hidden gem just a few kilometers from Genoa, boasting a labyrinth of trails of varying difficulties. It offers one of the most captivating hiking experiences in Italy, with breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea at every turn.
The route we chose was a loop starting from Camogli and leading to San Fruttuoso, where we caught a ferry back to complete the circuit. Given our tight schedule, with hotel check-in, a quick shower, dinner, and a concert at the Genoa Theater awaiting us, we opted for a relatively simple trail (T2) instead of a more challenging one with chains.
Unfortunately, this meant missing out on experiencing the more demanding trail firsthand, but we settled for a less exposed yet equally enjoyable and scenic path. We still had to watch our step on occasion due to the wet and slippery rocks.
We didn’t encounter many hikers along the way, possibly due to the less-than-perfect weather and the low season. However, we did feel the heat at times when the sun was high, indicating that this trail could be scorching in summer.
The view of San Fruttuoso from above was enchanting, with some people even taking a dip in the beach below, likely German tourists.
We were able to catch the ferry back from there. While we had hoped to stop at Punta Chiappa, a recent landslide had forced the closure of that stop until the area is deemed safe again.
Upon landing in Camogli, we couldn’t resist trying the famous focaccia al formaggio di Recco before setting off on the trail leading back to San Rocco, where we had parked our car at the harbor of Camogli.
About the trail
The initial part of our route took us from the parking area of San Rocco (a hamlet of Camogli) to San Fruttuoso.
The trail begins with a very comfortable, tourist-friendly pavement that’s accessible to everyone. After about half an hour of walking, we finally reached the more rugged section of the trail.
The difficulty level was never excessive, but it’s definitely important to have some hiking experience. Some parts of the trail may be narrow, prone to landslides, or slippery. However, with good concentration, these obstacles can be navigated with ease and tranquility.
To return to Camogli, we opted for the ferry, eager to enjoy the marvelous view from the sea. Our initial plan was to disembark at the first available stop, Punta Chiappa, but unfortunately, it wasn’t accessible.
Consequently, we disembarked directly at the port of Camogli. Surprisingly, this turned out to be a great choice as it allowed us to enjoy a delightful snack before resuming our walk back to the parking area.
The final stretch of the trail was straightforward and swift, with a slight increase in slope towards the end. Arriving back at San Rocco and then at the parking area marked the conclusion of a beautiful excursion, one that I would recommend to anyone.
Some pics
