| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | 5h 30m |
| Distance | 11,100 |
| Trail marker |  +  +  +  +  |
| Starting point | |
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An itinerary in the Parco di Portofino that requires good fitness both for its duration and elevation gain, but rewards with remarkably beautiful panoramic views.
The starting point is in Santa Margherita Ligure on Via Costasecca, the road that climbs behind the town hall building; after about 300 meters, leave the paved road and continue to the right along a pedestrian path. You will pass terraced fields and private properties and, ignoring various turnoffs, continue straight ahead, following the trail markers.
In another 10 minutes, alternating between paved road and gravel paths, you'll reach a second junction for Nozarego. From here, the path gets steep with high, uneven steps until you arrive at "Costa d'aria." There's a short detour to "Croce di S.Siro" (about 2 minutes), an old cross from 1937.
The trail continues uphill, soon intersecting with the path to Monte Pollone. After another 15 minutes, you'll find the junction for Dolcina alta and San Lorenzo della Costa.
The final ascent is steep but rewarding. You'll cross the Pietre Strette-Portofino trail. Turn right, and after about 10 minutes of level walking, you'll reach Pietre strette, equipped with benches, wooden tables, and a drinking water tap.
The well-marked trail to San Fruttuoso begins behind the pudding stones, descending with steep switchbacks through the undergrowth. After about 20 minutes, you'll reach the Caselle spring (refill your water here) and shortly after, an old mill, now a farmhouse restaurant.
From here, sunny stretches alternate with olive groves and shaded sections along a small stream, leading to the sixteenth-century Torre Doria, worth a visit. Just a hundred meters more to reach the churchyard and the picturesque village.
If you love fresh fish, don't miss a lunch stop at the seaside restaurants.
For the return, head towards Base "0" (or Base O) . The route is fairly challenging due to the ascent, which is quite steep in places. Enjoy numerous unique panoramic views, especially over the bay of San Fruttuoso. After about 45 minutes, you'll reach Base "O." A brief detour to the viewpoint along the path behind the rock is worthwhile.
Continue climbing and take the path to the left . Pass Costa dei Ghidelli and Ghidelli to reach Felciara, known for its dense fern vegetation. Here, you can rest on wooden benches and tables.
Follow the direction of Bocche by following the trail marker , reaching it in about 15 minutes, then continue towards Monte Pollone; at the junction turn left and, after a short uneven stretch, you will soon arrive at Costa D'Aria, on the same path already taken on the way out.
Continuing downhill, on the right, you will retrace Via Costasecca to complete the loop in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | 5h 30m |
| Distance | 11,100 |
| Trail marker | + + + + |
| Starting point | |
