Hidden along the trails of the Portofino promontory, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach of Niasca, lies a place suspended in time: the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca. This hiking lodge, blending nature, history, and sustainable hospitality, is a shining example of slow and mindful tourism.
Surrounded by unspoiled nature where the green of the forest merges with the blue of the sea, the Hermitage invites guests to live an authentic experience, far from the coastal hustle. We interviewed Giancarla, one of the driving forces behind this project, to discover what makes this little Ligurian paradise so special.
Interview with Giancarla: the heart of the Hermitage between history and sustainability
How did the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca come to be, and what inspired you?
The Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca was founded by three monks in 1317 and is located within the Portofino Park, in the province of Genoa.
This protected area experiences a deep contradiction between conservation and the high value of real estate, which attracts demanding tourists who dislike discomfort, yet discomfort is embedded in the rugged terrain.
The guiding idea was to rescue a historical structure from commercial interests and give it a use aligned with the area’s nature and history: a hiking lodge accessible on foot via a short climb, 80 meters above sea level, and a starting point for beautiful hikes in Portofino Park.
Turning your back—physically and metaphorically—on the (overcrowded) sea reveals wonderful nature; while staying at the Hermitage, you can still enjoy a swim at the Niasca beach just below!
What sustainability practices have you implemented at the Hermitage?
Our mission involves caring for the land and sharing eco-friendly practices on a site that is fortunately in excellent health.
Traditional farming methods are a necessity and a choice (the slope is too steep even for small machines), and our gardens provide ingredients for the lodge’s small restaurant.
We use solar panels and collect river water for the toilets.
We secured and completed a PNRR grant to restore the Hermitage’s historic water system (originally a mill), to Collect, Save, and Reuse water through an integrated setup of outdoor and indoor areas.
The main effort of the project was the dry-stone restoration of the terraces above the building, rebuilding collapsed walls and emphasizing their hydrogeological protection role through educational work.
What do your guests appreciate most during their stay?
The peace, the nighttime silence, the sounds of the forest, and the simplicity and sincerity of the welcome. Healthy food, homemade herbal teas, and the chance to enjoy vegetarian meals inspired by Liguria’s rich vegetable-based culinary tradition.
All these elements are perfectly summed up in the typical happy comment from our guests: “a different world just 10 minutes from the coast!“
What slow itineraries or authentic experiences should visitors not miss nearby?
A must-do for those wishing to explore the area at a slow pace is the “Monks’ Trail“, a multi-stage route created with Portofino Park to highlight the promontory’s spiritual and cultural heritage, often overshadowed by fast-paced beach tourism.
This path connects five ancient places of worship scattered along Monte di Portofino, telling a millennia-old story that began in prehistory and flourished in the Middle Ages when monastic communities sought out the quiet, isolation, and wild beauty of the area.
The trek takes three to four days and offers a stunning variety of landscapes: sheer coastal paths, fragrant woods, olive groves, and small villages. The main stops are:
- San Michele Arcangelo Church: A Romanesque church strategically placed between Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure.
- San Nicolò di Capodimonte Church: Overlooking Punta Chiappa, reachable via an old mule track. Camogli sailors came here to pray before setting sail.
- San Fruttuoso Abbey: Set in a magical bay and managed by FAI, this 8th-century Benedictine treasure blends history and nature.
- Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca: Nestled between Paraggi and Portofino, it’s a perfect stop to reconnect with nature and the spirit of walking.
- San Girolamo della Cervara Abbey: Near Santa Margherita Ligure, now a private residence open for visits, it was a cultural and religious hub from the 14th century, with a stunning Italian garden overlooking the Tigullio coast.
The trail follows the ancient links between these sites, allowing you to sleep in different stages, including our Hermitage, from where you can continue to San Fruttuoso and along the ridge to San Nicolò and the Millennial Church.
A free app supports the trail, filled with historical facts, maps, and insights, available on both Android and Apple. At the Hermitage, we’re also happy to share oral history and personal stories of the area.
Walking this path truly takes you into another world: one that is quieter, more authentic, and deeply connected to the history and nature of our land.
What does being an Ecobnb mean to you?
Being an Ecobnb means being true to our mission: protecting the land, not just appreciating its beauty, but embracing limits to honor its origins, rural traditions, and characteristics: a steep and narrow terrain, uncomfortable yet fertile and generous, rich in water and perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, Mediterranean essences, and trees of all kinds—for the delight of our bees.
Silence, Garden, and Sea: Sustainable Life at the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca
The Hermitage of Sant’Antonio is not just a hiking refuge: it’s a way of living in harmony with the land’s ancient soul.
Here, just steps from the sea but far from the crowds, time slows down and the essential takes center stage: nature, silence, shared work, and authentic hospitality.
Those who choose the Hermitage are not just looking for a vacation, but a regenerative experience, a return to simplicity, and a deep connection with a hidden and honest Liguria.
Backpack on your shoulder and an open heart: Giancarla, Luca, Antony, Federica, Ale, Francesca, and Babi are waiting for you at the Hermitage… ready to welcome you into another world!
