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Did you know Portofino is more than just a pretty beach town? This article will take you through the best hiking in Portofino for those who want to get active.
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in beautiful Portofino, look no further than the area’s many hiking trails. With diverse terrain that ranges from cliff-top walks to forested hikes, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with amazing views of Portofino Bay and the surrounding coastline, each hike is a unique experience.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s sure to be a trail perfect for you. So pack your hiking boots and prepare to take on some of the most breathtaking hiking in Italy!
Quick Info on Portofino, Italy
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Daily budget: USD150+
Electronics: You’ll need a two pronged adapter for Italy, and appliances suitable to run on 110V. Sockets in Italy will have 2-3 round holes, but you can use a two pronged adapter in a three hole socket without any problems.
How to get around: There is a small parking lot on the edge of the village, but apart from that Portofino is car free for tourists. So, the best way for tourists to get around is by walking.
How to get to Portofino: Catch a train to the nearby Santa Margherita Ligure, and then catch a bus into Portofino. Alternatively, a ferry can be caught from certain towns including Genoa, Rapallo, Lavagna and Santa Margherita. You can also drive to Portofino, but you can’t drive in Portofino (see above).
Is Hiking in Portofino safe?: Yes, hiking in Portofino is safe, but make sure you always check the weather beforehand. As with all hikes, its also best to let someone know where you’re going incase something bad happens.
Best Time to Visit Portofino
The best time to visit Portofino is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. During these times, the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. This allows you to fully enjoy all that Portofino has to offer without the crowds of Summer.
Summer is also a good time to visit if that’s when you have time off for. The weather will be warm but Portofino gets a litle bit of a coastal breeze. If possible, aim for the shoulder seasons though.
Spring and fall are also ideal times to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, cycling and kayaking. So if you’re looking for a relaxed and authentic Italian experience, be sure to plan your trip for the shoulder season.
About Portofino Hiking
Portofino is a popular tourist destination for its picturesque setting and its hiking trails. There are several trails that wind through the hills and forests surrounding Portofino.
The most popular trail is the Sentiero degli Dei, which leads to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure. This trail offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the village of Portofino.
Other trails include the Sentiero Azzurro, which leads to the nearby town of rapallo, and the Sentiero Ligure, which leads to Genoa.
Keep in mind that there will be some steep inclines, especially on the way to the top of the trail.
Best Hiking in Portofino
Santa Margherita to Portofino
This is one of the easiest hikes from or to Portofino and is a good introduction to the area. On this walk you’ll have some urban views, olive trees spotting, chapels, farms and plenty of bay views along the way. You also have the choice of making a detour to Paraggi Beach on your way, which won’t add too many kms onto your journey.
Technically there are two versions to this hike, once you finish the first leg from Santa Margherita to Paraggi beach. If you choose to walk along the road its relatively flat for most of the journey, this route takes a bit longer though. Alternatively the shortcut through the hills / forest path (Paraggi – Portofino sidewalk) will cut some time off your journey, but you’ll encounter more hilly conditions.
Finally once you arrive back at Portofino you can choose one of two options to get back down to the main piazza. The first is the steps, which will lead you down closer to the town’s port and restaurants. The other option is to continue past the stairs and check out the Church of San Martino while you’re already up the hill, then make it down the quieter side of town.
Need to know: This hike is a pleasant one and would be suitable for a variety of fitness levels, including children. It takes 75 minutes one way and is approximately 5km (3.10 miles) and the path is often paved.
If you only want to do the walk one way, you can catch a water taxi or a bus between the two towns.
The walk is signposted in different parts, but also you can see red markers along the way. A red cross means an ascent, and three red dots represent a descent.
Portofino to San Fruttuoso Loop
To begin this hike you start at the street opposite the port and haul yourself up to the top of the city. It’ll start as a slope and then turn into steps as you walk up. As you climb up above Portofino you’ll be treated with glances of the bay and you’ll notice the surroundings becoming more rural.
After you reach the top of Portofino you’ll have some amazing views over the bay, so you’ll want to rest and take some photos. This first part of the hike can be quite strenuous, so take your time and don’t push yourself too hard. Rest when you need to as its a long way up.
The rest of the walk is mostly flat and you’ll be able to relax and check out ocean views on your way.
The descent down to San Fruttuoso is a bit steep, made up of several switchbacks. At this point, you are quite high up and should begin to get some glimpses of San Fruttuoso Abbey on the way down. It’s not downhill the entire time, there are a few brief periods of flatness, but mostly it is a descent.
All in all, it’s a decent hike but you may struggle if you’re unfit. If you’re determined to do it anyway please make sure to not rush yourself and take plenty of breaks. Also see the note below about taking the ferry one of the ways.
Need to know: This hike will take about 2 hours one way and is approximately a 4km (2.48 miles) walk. The hike is relatively easy and the path is flat for much of the walk, apart from a steep descent / ascent at both ends of the hike.
If you really want to do the hike but don’t think you can manage walking both ways, instead catch a boat on the way there or back. There are ferries from Portofino to San Fruttuoso and visa versa. The ferries generally run each hour from 9.30am to 5.30pm in either direction, and its a 30 minute ride.
If you choose to only hike one way then I’d recommend doing it on the way there in the morning. That way you can cool off in the water once you arrive.
If you want to actually go inside the Abbey at San Fruttuoso you’ll need to observe the entry times. At the time of writing, the Abbey is open from 10am, but closes at different times in the afternoon between 3-6pm depending on the season. The best way to confirm entry times is to type “san fruttuoso abbey open hours” into google and check the opening hours mentioned in the results.
Ruta / Camogli to Portofino
Ruta is the raised part of Camogli, where the hike starts. This hike takes you along the coast line all the way to Portofino, and is a great hike for those with decent fitness. The hike spends most of its time in the beautiful Portofino National Park.
The hike can be steep in parts, but you’ll find yourself walking both up and down hill and different parts of the trail. Luckily, the end is a downhill walk towards Portofino.
There are actually a few different shorter trails around Ruta, so for this particular hike, ensure you follow the signs for Pietre Strette, which is the first leg of the hike. Once you reach this landmark you’ll enjoy pretty views over the bay.
From Pietre Strette you can take your choice of different trails, but since we’re heading back to Portofino, you’ll want to make sure you take the trail listed as such. Along the way enjoy the coastline, pace yourself and breath in as much outdoor air and peace as you can.
Need to know:
This hike will take approximately 5 hours one way, and requires a moderate level of fitness. I’d recommend doing catching a bus to Santa Margherita Ligure, and then connect to a bus to the start of Ruta di Camogli.
This way you’ll be finishing back in Portofino and wont have the hassle of catching a bus back while tired. If you’re staying outside of Portofino, pick the direction that makes it easiest for you to get to your hotel or campsite after the hike.
Accommodation in Portofino
Accommodation in Portofino can be a little expensive, and being a small village there is not too much space for competition. However the hotels in the city are generally of a good quality and since many wont stay overnight here, you get access to the town when the day trippers leave if you stay overnight. Here are my top 3 hotel choices for Portofino:
- Splendido Mare (A Belmond Hotel) – its one of the more expensive options, but if you can afford it, I’d recommend splurging a little more to get a room with a view of the bay.
- Angolo di mare – if you’d prefer an apartment, this is a great option. You get views of the boats in the bay and a larger space to yourself.
- Hotel Piccolo Portofino – only 4 minutes from the beach, this is another hotel with stunning bay views. Rooms start around $200, so I wouldn’t call it a budget hotel, but its a cheaper option than the other two.
What to Bring Hiking in Portofino
The items you bring for a hike in Portofino will be similar to what you’d bring hiking everywhere else. The most important items are water and sunscreen, as hydration and sun safety are key when hiking. Apart from that:
- sweat resistant tee or tank top
- leggings or shorts
- hiking boots or sneakers
- a hat
- sweat resistant socks
- a cardigan or ascarf that doubles as a wrap if you’re hiking in the cooler months