Holidays in the Portofino area

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in the Portofino area

Walking in the Portofino Natural Park will give you a taste of the area from a different perspective. A greener and more agricultural part of the coast behind the seaside towns. From strolling along the seaside promenade to walking through farmland and over hills, there’s walking for all types of walkers. If you’re looking for some more challenging walks then all you need to do is hop on a boat up the coast to the Cinque Terre area, where you’ll find all manner of steep ascents and incredible coastal trails.

Buses

The bus network is great and hopping on a bus is an affordable way of getting around the area. In Santa Margherita, you can hop on a bus direct to Portofino which takes about 20–30 minutes. This is a great option for a day trip. If you change buses in Santa Margherita you can also get from Rapallo to Portofino with little difficulty.

Ferry

There’s a useful ferry network from Rapallo where you can hop on a boat to Santa Margherita or Portofino. You can even head towards the Cinque Terre, stopping at Sestri Levante on the way, all the way down to Monterosso al Mare and Portovenere.

You can see ferry timetables and prices on the Portofino ferry website. Up to date pricings and timetables will be released in the Spring.

Trains

There’s a train line running along the coast, so there are easy direct connections from most of our resorts to nearby towns such as Camogli, Zoagli and Bogliasco. You can even get to Liguria’s capital city Genova in just under 30 minutes!

San Fruttuoso Abbey

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
• Terrain: paved paths, roads, steep cliff paths, steep woodland paths
• Useful Information: if setting off from Camogli, you can get to Camogli by train from Santa Margherita (5 mins direct) and Rapallo (8 mins direct)

Camogli – Portofino – Santa Margherita

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
• Terrain: paved paths, roads, cliff paths, woodland paths
• Useful Information: Get to Camogli by train from Santa Margherita (5 mins direct) and Rapallo (8 mins direct).

Santa Margherita – Portofino

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
• Terrain: paved paths, roads, cliff paths, woodland paths
• Ascent/Descent: 130 metres

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle and a snack. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking guidelines

The coast, cliffs and natural parks are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking wild flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Culture gems in the Portofino area: a mecca for art lovers

In true Italian fashion, Portofino's a fantastic place to visit if you're an art lover. Walk up to the church of St Giorgio and check out the doors! They're reminiscent of Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise in Florence with several panels depicting various biblical scenes. The artist, Lorenzo Cascio, also has a gallery in Portofino full of his Ancient Greek inspired artworks. While you're in Portofino check out the international outdoor sculpture centre which displays sculptures from about fifty contemporary artists in an outdoor area overlooking the harbour.

Enjoying local food & drink

Focaccia e Formaggio is the ultimate comfort food; toasted focaccia with melted cheese in the middle. They sell it in pretty much every bakery in the area. The best one we've had comes from a little town called Sori; hop on a train and go in search of it! The gelato is also fantastic (unsurprisingly), and it tastes even better if you eat it whilst looking out over the sparkling blue sea. For a much loved dish, don't forget to try some trofie pasta with pesto Genovese which are local to the region- it'll be a pesto dish like you've never tasted before.

Exploring towns on the Portofino coast

From Rapallo you can get a direct train to towns like Bogliasco, Sori and Zoagli. These towns are all hidden gems and full of locals. The beach in Bogliasco is very popular in the summer, set beneath rocky walls it's the ideal un-spoilt area to enjoy on a summer's day. Make sure you also check out the ancient Roman bridge, it's the perfect spot for an Instagram moment!

Learn the story behind the statue of Christ of the Abyss

Talk to locals and learn the story behind the hidden Christ of the Abyss underwater statue in the Cove of San Fruttuoso. There's a walking trail to the abbey, which you can scope out if you fancy heading there on foot. The 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 statue shows Christ raising his arms as a symbol of peace.

Book your excursions in resort with our local agent

Experience the Cinque Terre

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.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo.

Best of Portofino: boat and walking tour, pesto cooking and light lunch

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.

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.

Gourmet cooking class in Rapallo

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.

Available from Rapallo.

Pesto class & wine tasting in Santa Margherita

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!

Available from Santa Margherita.

Wine Tasting and Cantina Tour in Sestri Levante

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.

Available from Sestri Levante.

Basic Pesto Experience in Sestri Levante

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.

Available from Sestri Levante.

Day trip to Santa Margherita

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.

Available from Rapallo.

Day trip to Portofino

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.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo.

Day trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey

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.

Available from Santa Margherita or Rapallo.

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.