Holidays in the Portofino area

Look at walking from Camogli to San Fruttuoso Abbey which is between Camogli and Portofino. Built between the 10^th and 13^th Centuries it’s an example of Romanesque architecture, nestled in a little bay next to the sea, and surrounded by lush woodland and a rocky coast. We’d recommend following the easy path to San Fruttuoso, up to the sanctuary of San Rocco and around Monte di Portofino. There are signposts along the route so make sure you’re following the easy route, which will take you through woodland paths. The alternative route is only recommended for expert hikers. There are lots of ascents some descents throughout this walk, so make sure you take lots of water with you! At the end you can hop on the ferry back to Camogli.

Fun Fact: There’s giant statue of Christ which lives 17 metres underwater in the Bay of San Fruttuoso, a popular attraction for scuba divers, for more information about this statue, head to the ‘Things To Do’ tab.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging
• Distance: 7km 
• Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours

Towards Camogli’s carabinieri (police) barracks and up to the church of San Rocco. You’ll then set off along the Via Crucis which eventually brings you to a wooded area and then on to Portofino where you’ll get those incredible panoramas of Portofino harbour and the sea.  The path into Portofino is on a cliffside so make sure you stay alert as you walk along it. The last leg of the walk back to Santa Margherita isn’t too strenuous, following ‘the path of kisses’ through some lush greenery and onto Paraggi. From Paraggi, you can then follow the seafront, a straightforward and well-trodden path, with fantastic coastal views.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging
• Distance: 16km 
• Walking time: approx. 6 hours

Starting in Santa Margherita’s Piazza V. Veneto walk along a coastal route and over the old roman bridge that connects Portofino and Santa Margherita, with elevated sea views. You’ll pass by Santa Margherita’s port famously previously home to the yacht princess Diana was photographed on (before it was destroyed in the storms of 2018), the local fish market and gardens.

You’ll pass over a footbridge which means will lead you to the beautiful Paraggi Bay and links you to the pedestrianised path from Paraggi to Portofino. This path will eventually lead you to the Portofino’s iconic harbour! Either walk back or hop on the bus directly back to Santa Margherita which takes about 20-30 minutes.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 5km
• Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours

San Fruttuoso is a wonderful abbey set in a small cove of the Portofino promontory, between the lush green of the Portofino Regional Natural Park and the sea. This beautiful place, quiet, protected and difficult to reach, was the ideal place for monks to build a monastery.

There's a statue of Christ of the Abyss underwater in the Cove of San Fruttuoso. This eight foot tall bronze statue lives 17 metres under the Mediterranean sea and is a popular attraction for scuba-divers. Created by Guido Galetti in the 50’s, there are two more copies, one in Grenada and one in Key Largo, Florida. It was significantly placed exactly where Duilio Marcante, the first Italian man to use SCUBA gear died in 1947 and is dedicated to him. The stature shows Christ raising his arms as a symbol of peace.

A full day walking tour through the Cinque Terre Villages with spectacular coastal views. You'll start the day by heading into the town of Riomaggiore on the train and from there spend the day exploring villages perched above the sea and the hidden alleyways in each Cinque Terre town. Generally you'll get the chance to see three out of the five villages. You'll return to at the end of the day by train.

Details: Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Experience the best of Portofino on this three hour long tour which combines boat, walking and foodie experiences: learn the ancient art of Pesto making, enjoy a ferry boat cruise along the Italian Riviera, stroll around Portofino with a professional tour leader, and enjoy a light lunch of trofie al pesto by the sea. The tour ends in Portofino where you'll get a ferry back to Rapallo or Santa Margherita.

Details: Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo in the Portofino area. Return ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo are included in the excursion price. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Learn to make classic Italian dishes such as Lasagna, pesto and stuffed vegetables and finish off with a delicious lunch (included). This is a great way to meet like-minded people and chat about Liguria's wonderful foodie heritage.

Details: Available from Rapallo. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Learn to make Pesto the old fashioned way, on this pesto making class. We have no electric blenders here, all the pesto is made by hand in a pestle and mortar, or a 'Mortaio Genovese', with only the freshest ingredients from Liguria. This excursion also includes a local wine tasting, during which you can choose the best wine to pair with your pesto!

Details: Available from Santa Margherita. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

You'll love this private Vineyard & cellar tour at Cantina degli Abissi winery. Stroll around the vineyard on a hot summer's day, smelling the perfumes of warm sun-kissed grapes and end with a delicious local wine tasting and a typical Ligurian lunch.

Details: Available from Sestri Levante. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

In a restaurant in central Sestri Levante, learn about the history of Liguria's national food, Pesto Genovese, and the traditional way in which it's made. You'll have the chance to try making pesto in a typical 'Mortaio Genovese' (pestle and mortar) as well as taste a glass of local red or white wine from Sestri Levante. Come away with your very own 'Pesto Chef Diploma' complete with recipe and trade secrets for making the perfect 'Trofie al Pesto' (Trofie- typical Ligurian pasta). To finish off the day, you'll have the chance to wander around the Piccola Bottega Ligure, a little shop selling local beer, wine and typical Ligurian products- it's a great opportunity to get some souvenirs to take home with you.

1. Details: Available from Sestri Levante. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Spend the day in the beautiful town of Santa Margherita, walk along the promenade admiring the yachts in the harbour and grab lunch in one of the town's down to earth cafés. Excursion by public boat departing from different locations. You'll head into Santa Margherita and return at the end of the day by public boat.

Details: Available from Rapallo. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Explore Portofino for a day, walk up to the Church of San Giorgio, have a lunchtime aperitivo by the harbour or explore the rustic streets, dipping in and out of art galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. You'll head into Portofino and return at the end of the day by public boat.

Details: Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo. This excursion can only be booked locally.

Excursions are only available subject to availability and require minimum numbers to run, so can be subject to change. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Details on how to book will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide closer to the time of departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Enjoy a day trip to the famous San Fruttuoso Abbey. Head over to San Fruttuoso by public boat and spend the day walking around the ancient cloisters and lounging on the beach in the sunshine. At the end of the day you'll also return by public boat.

Details: Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo. This excursion can only be booked locally.