Portofino is a top-class jet-set destination. But, of course, you will not be there for that reason. You can, however, take a glance at the luxury boutiques and expensive bars. I will patiently wait for you. But, Portofino is not only that. It is one of the ancient villages along the rugged Ligurian coast; if you look at it from the see, you can still catch the beautiful row of tall houses, at the bottom of the deep bay. But, Portofino is mainly the name of the mountain, with all its beauties. Mount of Portofino is a block of rocks protruding into the Ligurian sea, delimited, west and east, by two ample gulfs.
Camogli is a spectacular little town, sited at its west side; Santa Margherita lays at its east side. The railroad tunnel passes under the mountain, connecting the two towns. A road goes from Santa Margherita to Portofino, along the coast; another one connects Camogli with some hamlets; a third road winds up to the pass of Ruta, descending on the other side. Then, a well-maintained trail network will allow you to set up your personalised experience.But, first of all, let's mention the star of the place: the San Fruttuoso Abbey, isolated into a bay, reachable by foot or by boat. It is a famous place, so it can be really overcrowded but is worth the visit either by a pure hike of varying intensity (that will depend on your choice !), or a combination of hiking with a boat return, or vice-versa. So, what is the best time to come? Maybe a bit out of season.
For the rest, your hikes can combine olive groves, pine and Mediterranean oak forests, Mediterranean bush, ancient settlements, and the dramatic views from high above the sea that are hard to miss. And, why not: if you stay longer in the area and like to explore the surroundings, taste the renowned cheese focaccia of Recco, or explore the archaic remains of the pastoral life in the mountains crowning the inland side of these places.