Fresh woods and spectacular sea views, the scent of pines and olives. The Portofino Natural Park is a jewel of the Ligurian Riviera, a promontory that offers a concentration of biodiversity, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Protected since 1935, it is the northernmost coastal protected area in the western Mediterranean: a mosaic of trails, natural environments, and marine vistas, easily accessible from the picturesque villages of Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino.
Between Trails, Cliffs, and Peaks: Exploring the Portofino Natural Park
With over 80 km of well-marked hiking trails, the park welcomes curious travelers not only with stunning scenery but also with routes suitable for every level. You can start from Nozarego or from the Camogli side, hike up to Portofino Vetta, or venture into the “Valle dei Mulini,” a valley where ancient watermills tell stories of the flowing streams that once powered them. Along the way, you’ll encounter strikingly contrasting environments: from cool chestnut and oak forests on the northern slopes to the sun-drenched Mediterranean scrub that clings to the cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea. Some trails include scenic loops, such as Semaforo Nuovo – Paradiso – Pietre Strette, offering breathtaking views stretching from one gulf to another. Along the paths, it’s not uncommon to come across World War II relics, such as restored coastal batteries, adding a touch of history to your outdoor adventure.
A Protected Sea and Its Hidden Secrets
You can’t speak about the Portofino Park without mentioning its shimmering counterpart: the Marine Protected Area that surrounds the promontory, a true underwater treasure chest of biodiversity. Established in 1999, it stretches over about 374 hectares of coastline between Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure, representing one of the richest and most fascinating marine zones in the entire Mediterranean. Its waters are divided into three protection areas (A, B, and C): in Zone A, Cala dell’Oro, access is strictly prohibited to ensure total ecosystem preservation; Zones B and C instead allow environmentally compatible activities such as guided diving, swimming, and sustainable boating.
Beneath the surface, the sea reveals a world of extraordinary beauty. Vertical walls covered with coralligenous formations, red and orange gorgonians, and rare colonies of red coral coexist with posidonia oceanica meadows—natural refuges for fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Moray eels, groupers, and barracudas glide among crevices and caves, while colorful starfish and sponges decorate the rocks, creating an underwater landscape that enchants divers and marine biologists alike.
And then there’s the Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue and a universal symbol of peace and respect for the sea. Placed in 1954 at a depth of about 17 meters in San Fruttuoso Bay, it has become an iconic destination for divers from all over the world. Descending to meet it—surrounded by silence, filtered light, and schools of fish—is a moving experience that speaks of the deep harmony between humans and nature that the Portofino Park strives to protect every day.
How to Visit the Portofino Park
Visiting the Portofino Natural Park means immersing yourself in a perfect balance of nature and culture, discovering a territory that invites you to slow down and reconnect with the environment. The park is easily accessible from Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and San Fruttuoso, all well connected by regional trains and bus lines. From these charming villages, main hiking trails lead into the woods and along panoramic ridges—some suitable for families or for those who prefer shorter walks. The paths are well marked, and official maps are available at the park’s visitor centers or on the website parcoportofino.it.
Thanks to its mild climate, the Portofino Promontory is ideal for hiking all year round. In winter, you can enjoy the sunlit trails along the sea, while in summer it’s pleasant to explore the shaded northern slopes. During the warmer months, you can visit the park and the Portofino Marine Reserve, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Always wear trekking shoes, carry enough water, and follow the trail markers carefully. This is a fragile environment that deserves to be cared for.
An Eco-Sustainable Stay in the Portofino Natural Park
For those seeking an immersive and authentic experience, we highly recommend booking a stay at the Hiking Lodge L’Eremo di Sant’Antonio.
Nestled in the heart of the Portofino Natural Park, this lodge is an oasis of simplicity and harmony with nature: cozy rooms, a zero-kilometer kitchen with organic garden produce, renewable energy, and sustainable practices that fully respect the surrounding environment.
Set between forest and sea, and reachable only on foot after a short panoramic walk of about ten minutes from the village of Niasca, the Eremo offers days and nights of peace, wrapped in the scents of the Mediterranean—far from noise, close to nature.
Staying here means more than just finding accommodation: it’s joining a small community that lives in deep connection with the land—between ancient stories, simple and genuine food, silence, and beauty. If you want to make your journey through the Portofino Natural Park truly unforgettable, this is the perfect place to stay.
