{"id":60434,"date":"2025-05-29T10:19:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T08:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=60434"},"modified":"2025-05-30T15:55:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T13:55:14","slug":"santantonio-di-niasca-hermitage-portofino-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/santantonio-di-niasca-hermitage-portofino-park\/","title":{"rendered":"A hidden world 10 minutes from the coast: discover the Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca Hermitage in Portofino Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hidden along the trails of the Portofino promontory<\/strong>, just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the beach of Niasca<\/strong>, lies a place suspended in time: the Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca<\/a><\/strong>. This hiking lodge, blending nature, history, and sustainable hospitality, is a shining example of slow and mindful tourism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by unspoiled nature where the green of the forest<\/strong> merges with the blue of the sea<\/strong>, the Hermitage invites guests to live an authentic experience, far from the coastal hustle. We interviewed Giancarla<\/strong>, one of the driving forces behind this project, to discover what makes this little Ligurian paradise so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview with Giancarla: the heart of the Hermitage between history and sustainability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How did the Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca come to be, and what inspired you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca<\/strong> was founded by three monks in 1317 and is located within the Portofino Park<\/strong>, in the province of Genoa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> is embedded in the rugged terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The guiding idea was to rescue a historical structure from commercial interests and give it a use aligned with the area\u2019s nature and history: a hiking lodge<\/strong> accessible on foot via a short climb, 80 meters above sea level<\/strong>, and a starting point for beautiful hikes in Portofino Park<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning your back\u2014physically and metaphorically\u2014on the (overcrowded) sea reveals wonderful nature<\/strong>; while staying at the Hermitage, you can still enjoy a swim at the Niasca beach<\/strong> just below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aereal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What sustainability practices have you implemented at the Hermitage?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our mission involves caring for the land<\/strong> and sharing eco-friendly practices<\/strong> on a site that is fortunately in excellent health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional farming methods are a necessity and a choice (the slope is too steep even for small machines), and our gardens<\/strong> provide ingredients for the lodge\u2019s small restaurant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We use solar panels<\/strong> and collect river water for the toilets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We secured and completed a PNRR grant to restore the Hermitage\u2019s historic water system (originally a mill), to Collect, Save, and Reuse water<\/strong> through an integrated setup of outdoor and indoor areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The main effort of the project was the dry-stone restoration of the terraces<\/strong> above the building, rebuilding collapsed walls and emphasizing their hydrogeological protection<\/strong> role through educational work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do your guests appreciate most during their stay?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The peace<\/strong>, the nighttime silence<\/strong>, the sounds of the forest<\/strong>, and the simplicity and sincerity of the welcome. Healthy food<\/strong>, homemade herbal teas, and the chance to enjoy vegetarian meals<\/a><\/strong> inspired by Liguria\u2019s rich vegetable-based culinary tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these elements are perfectly summed up in the typical happy comment from our guests: “a different world just 10 minutes from the coast!<\/strong>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nature<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What slow itineraries or authentic experiences should visitors not miss nearby?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A must-do for those wishing to explore the area at a slow pace<\/strong> is the “Monks’ Trail<\/strong>“, a multi-stage route created with Portofino Park to highlight the promontory\u2019s spiritual and cultural heritage, often overshadowed by fast-paced beach tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Map
Map of the Monks\u2019 Trail, view of Camogli and Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Photo via Wikipedia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This path connects five ancient places of worship<\/strong> scattered along Monte di Portofino, telling a millennia-old story<\/strong> that began in prehistory and flourished in the Middle Ages<\/strong> when monastic communities<\/strong> sought out the quiet, isolation, and wild beauty of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"San
San Fruttuoso Bay from above and Church of San Nicol\u00f2 di Capodimonte. Photo via Canva PRO and Wikimedia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The trek takes three to four days<\/strong> and offers a stunning variety of landscapes: sheer coastal paths, fragrant woods, olive groves, and small villages. The main stops are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. San Michele Arcangelo Church<\/strong>: A Romanesque church strategically placed between Camogli and Santa Margherita Ligure.<\/li>
  2. San Nicol\u00f2 di Capodimonte Church<\/strong>: Overlooking Punta Chiappa, reachable via an old mule track. Camogli sailors came here to pray before setting sail.<\/li>
  3. San Fruttuoso Abbey<\/strong>: Set in a magical bay and managed by FAI, this 8th-century Benedictine treasure blends history and nature.<\/li>
  4. Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca<\/strong>: Nestled between Paraggi and Portofino, it\u2019s a perfect stop to reconnect with nature and the spirit of walking.<\/li>
  5. San Girolamo della Cervara Abbey<\/strong>: Near Santa Margherita Ligure, now a private residence open for visits<\/a>, it was a cultural and religious hub from the 14th century, with a stunning Italian garden overlooking the Tigullio coast.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"La
    La Cervara\u2019s garden – photo by Carmelo Marino, via Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The trail follows the ancient links between these sites, allowing you to sleep in different stages<\/strong>, including our Hermitage, from where you can continue to San Fruttuoso<\/a> and along the ridge to San Nicol\u00f2 and the Millennial Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A free app<\/strong> supports the trail, filled with historical facts, maps, and insights, available on both Android<\/a> and Apple<\/a>. At the Hermitage, we\u2019re also happy to share oral history and personal stories of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Silence,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Walking this path truly takes you into another world<\/strong>: one that is quieter, more authentic, and deeply connected to the history and nature of our land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What does being an Ecobnb mean to you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Being an Ecobnb means being true to our mission: protecting the land<\/strong>, not just appreciating its beauty, but embracing limits to honor its origins<\/strong>, rural traditions, and characteristics: a steep and narrow terrain<\/strong>, uncomfortable yet fertile and generous, rich in water and perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, Mediterranean essences, and trees of all kinds\u2014for the delight of our bees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Zero-km<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Silence, Garden, and Sea: Sustainable Life at the Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio<\/a><\/strong> is not just a hiking refuge: it\u2019s a way of living in harmony with the land\u2019s ancient soul<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here, just steps from the sea<\/strong> but far from the crowds, time slows down<\/strong> and the essential takes center stage: nature<\/strong>, silence<\/strong>, shared work, and authentic hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Those who choose the Hermitage are not just looking for a vacation, but a regenerative experience<\/strong>, a return to simplicity, and a deep connection with a hidden and honest Liguria<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Backpack on your shoulder<\/strong> and an open heart: Giancarla, Luca, Antony, Federica, Ale, Francesca, and Babi are waiting for you at the Hermitage\u2026 ready to welcome you into another world!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Hidden along the trails of the Portofino promontory, just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the beach of Niasca, lies a place suspended in time: the Hermitage of Sant\u2019Antonio 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":60435,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSant\u2019Antonio di Niasca Hermitage: In the Heart of Portofino Park<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca: a hiking retreat in Portofino Park, blending nature, history, and sustainable hospitality.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/santantonio-di-niasca-hermitage-portofino-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sant\u2019Antonio di Niasca Hermitage: In the Heart of Portofino Park\" \/>\n<meta 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