Ruta di Camogli - Santuario di Caravaggio

This is the most classic trail to reach the Santuario di Caravaggio on Monte Orsena. It's suitable for families, as it poses no significant challenges, and for seasoned hikers who can continue to various destinations from the Santuario.
Remember to bring water, as there are no water sources along the way.

The trail starts in Ruta di Camogli, near the Millenary Church. You can get there by car (parking is available along the road) or by bus from Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, or Camogli/Recco.

Marked by a Ente Parco Portofino sign, the trail begins on Via Caravaggio, a staircase beside the garden of the ancient Romanesque church overlooking the sea, and is marked with .
After passing through the residential area, the path climbs through a lovely forest to a meadow, especially beautiful in spring with blooming primroses. Next, a shaded section with natural stone steps leads to Pian di Cren, where you can pause to take in views of Golfo Paradiso and Golfo del Tigullio.

Near a hunting post, you can choose the official, straightforward path or a slightly longer, more scenic route. The latter is a narrow trail to the right that climbs steeply through vegetation to Monte Ampola (573m). Here, a repeater tower stands, and the views are stunning. Descend to a plain, popular on weekends, to rejoin the main trail and continue on a flat stretch to Piane di Caravaggio.

From here, you have two options to ascend to the Santuario: on the left (directly ahead), take the ancient stone staircase, though it's somewhat uneven, or on the right, follow the flat path around the Santuario to the helicopter landing pad. From there, a newer but equally steep staircase leads to the Santuario della Madonna di Caravaggio (615m).