Il sentiero dei Monaci

The Monks' Path is an itinerary within the Portofino Park that connects five religious monuments of medieval origin, set in an extraordinary natural environment, along the trails used by pilgrims.
We describe the route as it has been planned and indicated by the Park's signposts, but we suggest two variations.
For those who want to take the walk more calmly, dedicating the necessary time to visit the sites, it is possible to divide the route into two stages.

The itinerary begins in Ruta di Camogli, accessible by public buses from Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli (check the schedules), precisely at Via Bana near the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, better known as "La Millenaria", the first stop of the route and the official starting point.
Here, the Portofino Park has installed a panel illustrating the history of the church, dating back to the year 1000, and included on the signpost the monk symbol to follow throughout the journey.

On one side of the church, you can see a reflective glass that offers different images depending on the point of view. This is "The Narrow Gate," one of the artworks created by the artist Ester Pasqualoni and installed in four sacred places of Portofino Park during the Donum exhibition (2019).

Following Via XXV Aprile, towards Ruta for 200 meters, you will find, on the left, Via Romana, leading to the new Church of San Michele and, further along, to the beginning of the trail that enters in the Park.
In about 20 minutes, you ascend to Portofino Vetta, pass the barrier, and continue on the main trail to the Gaixella locality, where you can refill drinking water.

Proceed to the right on the trail marked descending into the forest to reach an area with a small altar and some benches.
Here begins the devotional path, characterized by 15 stations with painted tiles depicting the stages of the Via Crucis, descending into a rural environment that becomes increasingly panoramic as you approach the Galletti village.

With a final staircase, you arrive at the square of San Rocco di Camogli, next to the church, where you can pause to admire the landscape, with opportunities for food supplies at Panificio Maccarini or a stop at the bar.
Near the church, there are public restrooms and a drinking water tap.

Following the trail marker , walk 200 meters along the promenade overlooking the Golfo Paradiso, then take the steep staircase descending to the right towards Punta Chiappa, the characteristic tongue of rock jutting into the sea.

After passing through a small forest and the tiny cluster of houses at Pego, the San Nicolò di Capodimonte church, with its welcoming square, suddenly appears. This medieval building, which has undergone various modifications over the years, is the second monument of the "Monks' Path."

Continuing downhill, you reach the houses of Mulino del Moro and the extraordinary seaside walk in the Porto Pidocchio inlet.

Here, the official itinerary requires taking a boat to San Fruttuoso di Camogli; however, we suggest continuing on foot.

Climb the stone staircase leading to Punta Chiappa (For those who have never been there, the detour is highly recommended) until you find, on the left, a Park signpost marked , indicating the trail ascending to Batterie.

The climb is the most challenging part of the route, as it is steep and irregular, but in about 20 minutes, you reach one of Portofino Park's most historically and scenically significant points, Batterie, which also features another drinking water tap.

The ascent continues more comfortably and panoramically, following the marker to Semaforo Nuovo, arriving in about 20 minutes at a stunning spot offering a commanding view of the coastline. Equipped with benches and wooden tables in both sun and shade, it is an ideal lunch spot.
Continue on the narrow path to the left, ascending through the forest, then descending to the Toca locality, where multiple trails converge.

The direction to follow is now towards Pietre Strette, taking the trail to the right marked . This is part of the "Sentiero Liguria," a 675 km route along the Ligurian coast from Luni to Ventimiglia, leading in about 30 minutes to Pietre Strette, considered the heart of Portofino Park.

At this point, follow the signs to San Fruttuoso di Camogli, descending to the right following the trail marked .
Initially, the trail descends through the forest with a series of switchbacks, then traverses a more open area offering the first glimpses of the bay.
There is a drinking water tap here.

A few more meters and you’ll reach the agrifugio Molini: for those wanting to split the walk into two days, this is an excellent spot to end the first day (check for seasonal opening times and availability).

Continuing downhill, you’ll pass through a final stretch of forest, where wild goats are often spotted, before nearing the bay and catching a view of Torre Doria. Shortly thereafter, you’ll arrive, gazing down upon the Abbey in all its splendor.

As you descend further, you’ll pass a small hut known as "battilisca" where, in ancient times, lisca grass leaves were processed to create nets for tuna fishing. Finally, you’ll enter the heart of the village, reaching the square where the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Camogli is located.

The Benedictine monastery, dating back to the year 1000, is the third monument of the "Sentiero dei Monaci". At San Fruttuoso di Camogli, you’ll find several restaurants, restrooms, and two potable water fountains.

From the beach, a staircase leads back up toward the houses, where you can pick up the trail again, following the official footpath sign.

Passing between the old fishermen's houses, now restored (some converted into B&Bs), you’ll begin a steep ascent through several switchbacks in the forest until reaching Base O (also known as Base Zero). Here, you’re encouraged to take a moment to visit the small panoramic terrace accessible by circling the large rock.

After this detour, stay on the level path marked with and , following the western side of the promontory. This pleasant section, mostly flat with a few rocky steps, offers constant sea views except for a brief wooded passage.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Prato, where there’s another water fountain.

From here, follow the cement road descending gently through cultivated land and terraces. At a fork with a picnic table and benches, ascend a short stretch before descending again on a trail marked with through the Terruzzo area, characterized by beautiful villas and a sports field, eventually arriving at the Chapel of San Sebastiano.

Continue descending to the Fossello junction, where you leave the main trail to follow a level path through the woods. On the right, you’ll find a trail descending into the forest. This short section, though potentially slippery when wet, brings you to the Eremo di Niasca, the fourth monastic site along the route. The medieval complex has been restored and now serves as a refuge and refreshment point.

We recommend deviating from the official path here due to the poor condition of the section leading from Gave to Cervara. Instead, follow the Walk of Kisses ("Passeggiata dei Baci"), the pedestrian route connecting Portofino to Paraggi. Turn left, and in about 10 minutes, you’ll descend to the Paraggi bay. Continue along Lungomare Rossetti toward Santa Margherita Ligure until you find Via Cervara on the left, leading to the Abbazia della Cervara, the final monument of the route.

For those who prefer the official route, from the Eremo di Niasca, retrace the trail upward until reaching a fork. Continue right past a few houses, and follow a narrow, level path before descending into the woods.

Arriving at Mulino dell’Uva, intersect with the trail running through the Valle dei Mulini. Following the marker, climb through the forest and pass under terraced fields before nearing the first houses, heralding your arrival at the Cappelletta delle Gave, where you’ll find a water fountain.

Take the steep cement descent to the right toward Paraggi, leaving it in San Gioachino at a park post indicating the direction to the Abbazia della Cervara.

This poorly maintained section worsens as you descend, making the descent challenging. This is why we suggest the deviation at Eremo di Niasca. In 20 minutes, you’ll reach the final sacred monument of the route, the Abbazia della Cervara.

To complete the route in either case, follow the seaside promenade to Santa Margherita Ligure, served by buses and trains.

Opening hours of the 5 sacred monuments on the route:

• CHIESA MILLENARIA: every Sunday at 8:30 AM for Mass, plus extraordinary openings for twenty
• CHIESA DI SAN NICOLO' DI CAPODIMONTE: every day
• ABBAZIA DI SAN FRUTTUOSO DI CAMOGLI: every day, except for non-holiday Mondays in November, December, January, and February.
• EREMO DI NIASCA: from March to November
• ABBAZIA DELLA CERVARA: guided tours by reservation

The GPS path on Google Maps

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