Circular trail Paraggi - Valle dei Mulini - Portofino

An itinerary connecting two exclusive destinations in Liguria through the trails of the Portofino Park: Paraggi and Portofino.

The starting point is Paraggi, the small village on the Riviera di Levante, protected by the headland that gives its sea a characteristic green color. It is best reached by bus (or by a walk of about 30 minutes) from Santa Margherita Ligure.

Leave the main road to enter the parking lot (payment parking and where it is often difficult to find availability) above the beach, and continue to the end where, next to a building that was once a well-known restaurant, a panel with all the information has been placed.
The trail marker to follow is paired with , as this is a section of the Sentiero Liguria.

A staircase leads up into the Valle dei Mulini, a shaded, humid area characterized by lush vegetation, where the ruins of old mills and oil presses bear witness to the importance of this area in the past for flour and oil production.
The path, which is entirely uphill, runs alongside the stream, then turns left past some private houses, and then right into a chestnut forest. After about 30 minutes from the start, you will reach the area known as Mulini.
Here, with a short climb to the right, you reach the Mulino del Gassetta, the only restored mill, now used as a refreshment point. Facilities include toilets, a water tap, and a picnic area with wooden tables and benches.

Our route continues instead on the flat trail to the left, shortly joining the path that comes from Portofino Vetta and descends to Portofino mare, marked by , which should be followed all the way.
Pay attention to possible vehicles on this small road (scooters or small cars of residents) as you descend, accompanied by postcard-worthy views, until you reach the area known as Costa della Pineta, where two tables with benches have been placed.

Continue down the left-hand path, admiring some beautiful private properties surrounded by partially cultivated land, including the Agriturismo Terre Rosse Portofino, a producer of excellent honey.
Still descending, you pass a tennis court before reaching the Chapel of San Sebastiano (always open), its red color in harmonious contrast with the surrounding green vegetation. Continuing downhill, straight ahead, you’ll find a drinking water tap.

The descent toward the sea offers an incredible viewpoint of Paraggi until the fork, where, continuing straight along the now narrower path with a few switchbacks, it’s the view of Portofino that becomes the backdrop.
Upon reaching the Divo Martino church, pass through the underpass to descend into the world-famous square, surrounded by luxury: yachts, art galleries, boutiques, and numerous bars and restaurants.
For those who have never been, a walk of about 2 kilometers (round trip) is worth it. Passing Castello Brown, it leads to the Faro di Portofino, where, in addition to the exceptional view, there is a small bar.

After visiting thi beautiful little Ligurian town, continue along Calata Marconi, the left side of the "Porticciolo", all the way to the end, and go up the stairs on the left that lead to the main road. Continue a few meters to cross the road, then go up again to the left to reach the Passeggiata dei Baci, a pedestrian path, an alternative to the busy road, which, with a series of ups and downs, takes about 30 minutes to return to Paraggi.

The path on Google Maps

Unlock, view and download the gpx track by becoming a Supporter.