Two days of walking between sea and silence: from San Fruttuoso to the Hermitage of Niasca, up to La Cervara, along one of the most authentic and surprising trekking routes of the Portofino Promontory.
If we said Portofino, you would probably think of yachts, boutiques, and postcard views.
However, there is another Portofino, this Portofino trekking itinerary shows that.
Quiet. Green. Deep. At the same time, incredibly authentic.
Here, time slows down and the trails tell ancient stories.
In fact, this two-day Portofino trekking itinerary, in the heart of the Portofino Regional Natural Park, is designed for those who love walking, discovering, and traveling in a sustainable way.
As part of the “monks of the mountain” trail, this route combines sea and forest, spirituality and simplicity, and is perfect for those looking for an authentic and sustainable trekking experience in Portofino.
Ready to go?
Day 1: from San Fruttuoso to the Hermitage of Niasca
First, the Portofino trekking itinerary starts from the spectacular Abbey of San Fruttuoso, one of the most scenic monastic complexes in the world.
San Fruttuoso: a monastery between history and legend
Before, the beach did not exist here: Originally, the monastery was built directly on the sea. Only a major flood in 1915 shaped the bay as we see it today.
Moreover, according to tradition, the relics of the saint arrived here from Spain in the 8th century, giving rise to a story of faith, power, and conflicts between great families such as the Doria and the Fieschi.
Today, you can still recognize:
- the octagonal bell tower
- the medieval cloister
- the structures built on large vaults overlooking the sea
The route: technical details
- Distance: about 4.5 km
- Duration: 3h30
- Difficulty: hiking (E)
The trail climbs along the slopes of Mount Portofino, alternating forest sections with open stretches overlooking the sea. This is one of the most scenic parts of trekking in the Portofino Park, ideal for those seeking nature and sea views.
Among Mediterranean vegetation, cool woods, and sudden openings onto the sea, every turn invites you to slow down.
Don’t miss the detour to Base 0, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park.
As you approach the Hermitage of Niasca, the landscape tells a long story of coexistence between humans and nature:
- dry stone walls
- chestnut groves
- wild herbs
A balance built over time, still perfectly visible today.
Sleeping in an eco-friendly hermitage: the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca
When you arrive at the Hermitage of Sant’Antonio di Niasca, the feeling is clear: you are somewhere else.
Founded in 1317, this place began as a small settlement of hermit monks, immersed in silence and the work of the land. Over the centuries, it became the property of the Abbey of La Cervara, underwent transformations, and lost its religious function during the Napoleonic era.
Today, however, it is a hiking refuge and an eco-friendly accommodation immersed in the forest, just a few minutes from the sea… yet far from mass tourism.
The hospitality experience is sustainable thanks to:
- renewable energy sources
- rainwater collection
- vegetarian cuisine with local products
- access only on foot
Everything here invites you to slow down.
In the evening, between the silence of the forest and a simple dinner, something rare happens:
You truly reconnect with nature and with yourself.
And if you want to end the day with a swim, the small bay of Niasca is just a few steps away.
Day 2: from the Hermitage of Niasca to La Cervara
The second day begins slowly.
On the second day of this Portofino trekking itinerary, leaving the hermitage behind, you continue towards the Abbey of La Cervara, crossing forests and quiet valleys.
The route: technical details:
- Distance: about 2.8 km
- Duration: 1h45
- Difficulty: easy (T)
Meanwhile, you walk among chestnut and holm oak trees, crossing small, cool, and silent valleys. The sea appears and disappears, as if to accompany — but not interrupt — the journey.
Eventually, the destination is the beautiful Abbey of La Cervara.
After the simplicity of the Hermitage of Niasca, La Cervara surprises you.
La Cervara: history and spirituality
An ancient Benedictine monastery overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, it is now a place where history, art, and nature coexist in perfect balance.
The ancient name — Cervaria, Sylvaria — indicates a wooded and isolated place, perfect for a reflective and inner spirituality.
Founded in 1364, it quickly grew thanks also to Archbishop Guido Sette.
Over time, it became an important center, with possessions, privileges, and distinguished guests, it also faced difficulties: incursions, damage, and eventually abandonment after the suppression of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Architecture and sea-view garden
Today, La Cervara preserves its structure:
- a three-nave church
- a cloister with round arches
- elegant and austere monastic buildings
But the most surprising place is the Italian-style garden overlooking the sea.
Here grows a monumental centuries-old wisteria, still blooming today after hundreds of years.
Practical tips for sustainable trekking
- Book your stay at the hermitage in advance (places are limited)
- Start early from San Fruttuoso
- Bring water bottles (at least 1.5 L of water)
- Wear trekking shoes
- Respect the environment: leave the trail better than you found it!
- Download the trail map (PDF) or use the official Park app
An invitation to slow down
In fact, just a few steps from one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, there is still a space of silence, authenticity, and beauty.
This itinerary is an invitation to discover it.
Slowly.
On foot.
With a different perspective.
A perfect itinerary for a slow weekend in Liguria, far from the crowds and close to the most authentic essence of the territory.
Cover image: Abbey of La Cervara, the final stop of the two-day trekking itinerary near Portofino, photo by Claire0301 via Wikimedia
