The Trail of Animals is a short route in Portofino Park, perfect for families. Along the way, you'll find 14 wooden animal sculptures hidden throughout the park, a delight for children to discover.
The trail starts in Nozarego, a hamlet of Santa Margherita Ligure. You can reach it by car, motorbike, or bus. The park entrance is about 100 meters past the church.
Begin with an uphill stretch, then the path flattens out, offering panoramic views of the gulf. Soon, you'll reach Gave, marked by a small yellow church.
Here, follow the path to the right, which climbs into the woods, guided by the first of several informational panels.
After passing a wild boar deterrent (not recommended for dogs), the trail skirts a private property. Continue on a flat path to the left, often accompanied by donkeys, and enter a beautiful chestnut forest. This area is especially captivating in autumn when fallen leaves create a colorful carpet.
At a crossroads, go straight to tackle a short ascent. After passing a wooden structure, reach a second intersection. Here, another panel directs you right to complete the Wildlife Trail loop.
After a short flat section, enjoy open views of the coast and the opposite side of the Promontory. The trail then descends into the woods, ending in about 15 minutes behind the Nozarego cemetery. From there, you can take a concrete staircase down to the road or continue straight to return to the starting point.