This itinerary, starting and ending in Santa Margherita Ligure, is extremely panoramic and crosses some of the most characteristic places of the Portofino Park. At the same time, it is a long and demanding route, therefore along the description we suggest two alternative ways to shorten the hike and return to the starting point.
The route begins in Santa Margherita Ligure, in the area known as Corte, following Salita Montebello, a small lane opposite the marina entrance (behind the petrol station).
The road, initially paved, soon becomes an ancient mule track climbing between high stone walls and cultivated terraces before reaching Nozarego (149 m), near the chapel of the Madonna della Neve, from where beautiful views open over the coast.
After a short stretch along the road, the trail continues left on a cobbled path climbing to join the route coming from the Church of Nozarego and, after a level section, reaches Cappelletta delle Gave (168 m), an important junction connecting several itineraries.
Keeping left, a steep descent passes below the chapel (there is a drinking water fountain here) and after about 20 minutes reaches Paraggi, where the coastal road is followed for a few metres towards Portofino before taking the staircase leading to the famous Paraggi–Portofino pedestrian walkway, also known as the Passeggiata dei Baci.
This pleasant path linking the two renowned villages offers the same spectacular views as the coastal road below, while remaining completely immersed in the greenery of the Portofino Promontory.
Once in Portofino, near the striped yellow-and-grey parish church, continue towards the parking area near the Carabinieri station to follow Via del Fondaco, which after the hotel becomes a steep staircase climbing through Mediterranean vegetation.
The staircase ends near a few houses in the locality of Cappelletta, where a gate has been installed to prevent wild animals from passing; a small chapel also stands just above the trail.
After about 50 metres, at the fork (straight ahead leads to Pietre Strette), the trail continues left, narrower and almost level, towards Base 0.
Beyond the junction for Cala degli Inglesi, in the locality of Vessinaro (190 m), the trail crosses shaded chestnut woods before climbing briefly but steeply on a service road ending near the houses and vegetable gardens of Prato.
There is a drinking water fountain here.
From here the route continues left, alternating level sections and short ups and downs between large conglomerate rocks, constantly overlooking the sea and the small coves below. During summer this stretch can be very exposed to the sun.
Upon reaching Base 0 (220 m), a former military post now equipped as a resting area with wooden benches, the descent towards San Fruttuoso di Camogli begins, with the abbey gradually appearing through the trees.
The descent, at times steep and uneven, winds through shaded woodland offering increasingly spectacular views over the village and abbey below.
The trail ends directly at the helicopter landing platform, from where a narrow passage between fishermen’s houses leads to the beach and the extraordinary abbey of San Fruttuoso di Camogli.
Along this section there is a drinking water fountain.
Several restaurants are available in the village.
Before continuing the hike, it is recommended to stop and refill water supplies, as the next drinking water fountain is located in San Rocco di Camogli.
First exit option: from San Fruttuoso it is possible to return to Santa Margherita Ligure by ferry.
The trail resumes near the pier opposite the abbey, climbing a long staircase followed by switchbacks through woodland rich in magnificent centuries-old pine trees, reaching in about 30 minutes the Valico della Costa del Termine (257 m), close to Punta Torretta.
From here a steep descent, often slippery due to fallen leaves, enters a shaded valley overlooking Cala dell’Oro, a protected and inaccessible marine reserve. After crossing a usually dry streambed, the most spectacular section of the itinerary begins, where the rocky cliffs of the Promontory plunge dramatically into the deep blue sea below.
The trail, sometimes narrow and uneven, is classified EE (for experienced hikers) due to a few exposed sections — one in particular crossing a rock face with limited footholds above the sea. Chains, proper hiking shoes and extreme caution are strongly recommended, and hikers are invited to pay maximum attention.
The view over Punta Chiappa announces the arrival at Batterie (246 m), a panoramic area named after the remains of World War II bunkers.
The route now leaves the coastline and enters woodland with several gentle ups and downs before reaching Fornelli (238 m), where the trail joins the route coming from Toca and Pietre Strette and continues easily towards the first houses and cultivated terraces.
The small hamlet of Mortola is crossed before passing the junction for Punta Chiappa and continuing along the scenic seaside promenade to the panoramic churchyard of San Rocco di Camogli (drinking water fountain, bars and small shops available here).
Second exit option: from San Rocco di Camogli it is possible to return to Santa Margherita Ligure either by bus (changing at Ruta di Camogli), or by train after descending on foot to Camogli.
The staircase beside the church climbs once again towards the summit of the Promontory before descending back to Santa Margherita Ligure. This ancient mule track, once part of a Via Crucis route, passes through the small settlement of Galletti surrounded by terraced fields before entering woodland and reaching Gaixella (412 m), an equipped rest area with tables, benches and drinking water connected to the main Portofino Vetta–Portofino Mare trail.
Turning right, the wide and comfortable path reaches Pietre Strette (464 m) in about 15 minutes, a major trail junction equipped with picnic tables, benches and drinking water.
Following the direction towards “Portofino mare”, after another 10 minutes take the trail on the left marked with 
descending towards Santa Margherita Ligure.
After a steep and uneven woodland section with steps, the path becomes easier with a short level stretch before descending again towards the first houses and leaving the forest behind.
Alternating cobbled sections and asphalt roads, the trail passes elegant villas and terraced landscapes before continuing along the ancient mule track, descending through panoramic viewpoints over Santa Margherita Ligure and finally ending behind Piazza del Municipio after about 15 minutes.
WARNING!
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