Portofino Regional Park
The charming Parco di Portofino offers trails for all ability levels and sea views you will never forget.
🚆 How to Reach the Park from Chiavari
1) Train + Bus
From Chiavari to Santa Margherita Ligure
Take a regional train from Chiavari to Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino station (Genoa–La Spezia line).
📍 The journey takes about 30–40 minutes.
From Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino
From the station, you can take the local ATP bus (e.g., line 782/82) to Portofino. The ticket costs about €5 round trip if purchased in advance, or slightly more if bought on board.
2) Train + Bus + Trail
From Santa Margherita Ligure, you can also take a bus to Ruta di Camogli or San Rocco di Camogli, both of which are access points to the Park’s hiking trails.
3) Seasonal Ferry (Spring to Early Autumn)
In certain seasons, there is also a scenic ferry service from Chiavari along the coast to San Fruttuoso and Portofino (schedules vary — check updated timetables).
💡 Practical tip: Train + bus is generally the easiest and most frequent option.
🥾 Hiking Routes in the Park
🌄 1. Portofino Vetta – Panoramic View
One of the most popular hikes in the Park runs from Ruta di Camogli up to Portofino Vetta, offering spectacular views over the Gulf. From the summit, you can descend toward San Fruttuoso or Portofino itself.
📍 Easy–moderate – easily accessible by bus and well-marked trails.
🏙️ 2. San Fruttuoso – Portofino Panoramic Loop
A circular route through meadows, woods, and coastline, passing by the Abbey of San Fruttuoso (a seaside abbey) before returning toward Portofino. This route requires some training but rewards you with unique views.
⏱️ Difficulty: moderate–challenging – about 14–15 km and over 5 hours of walking.
🥾 3. Alternative: Chiavari – Rapallo (Sentiero Liguria)
For long-distance trekking enthusiasts, it is possible to hike Variant 08 from Chiavari to Rapallo via Montallegro, part of the regional hiking network.
⏱️ Long hike: about 4h30’, with significant elevation gain.
🌊 4. Coastal Walk (Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino)
If you are looking for a more relaxed walk, the coastal path from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino is scenic and panoramic, with stretches through Mediterranean vegetation and sea views.
📅 Practical Tips
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (mild climate).
Recommended equipment: Hiking shoes, water, hat, sunscreen.
Public transport: Train and bus schedules may vary depending on the season; check the official websites of Trenitalia for trains and ATP / AMT for local buses.
Guided hikes: The Park sometimes offers guided excursions (some free or with a small contribution), but advance booking may be required.
💡 Return Trip Tip
At the end of the day, you can take a bus from Portofino back to Santa Margherita Ligure and catch a regional train to Chiavari. Regional trains run frequently, especially during peak tourist periods.
If you prefer to reach the Park by car — although not recommended due to limited parking — here are the directions:
At the end of the day, you can return to your apartment and relax while enjoying the view over the hills.