Activities and Passions

The Portofino Park offers numerous trails ideal for all trekking enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced hikers.

One of the most scenic routes is the trail leading to Monte di Portofino. The first section of the path runs through the area where the two main rock formations of the Promontory meet: the limestones of Monte Antola and the Portofino conglomerate. Here, only the latter emerges, covering the limestone beneath with massive boulders that have broken away from the main rock mass.

Discover all the trails at this link.

For centuries, the trails of the Cinque Terre were the only connection between one village and another, as well as between the coast and the inland areas.

Today, this network—stretching over 120 kilometers—allows visitors to explore and appreciate the entire territory through a variety of trails suited to different levels of experience.

Discover all the itineraries at this link.

The Ligurian Sea offers delicious seafood delicacies such as the Anchovies of Camogli and the prized red shrimp of Santa Margherita Ligure. Anchovies from the Ligurian Sea have a uniquely salty yet delicate flavor, whether eaten fresh or preserved. They were already a valuable trade item with Piedmont in the Middle Ages.

Our local fish—like sea bream and sea bass—oven-baked with potatoes and Taggiasca olives, is a true delicacy and a highlight of Ligurian cuisine!

Traditional Pesto Genovese is made using a marble mortar, where small, tender leaves of Genoese basil are crushed together with garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
The first written recipe appeared in 1852 in La Vera Cuciniera Genovese by Emanuele Rossi, where it was referred to as Pesto d’Aglio e Basilico.
Pesto alla Genovese is officially recognized as a Traditional Agri-Food Product (PAT) of Liguria by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture.

Wine—especially white wine—deserves to be savored either in one of our homes or in one of the many seaside restaurants.

At Niasca Portofino, cooking classes begin with a walk through the land to gather fresh herbs, eggs, or other local products that will later be used in the dishes. This experience allows visitors to explore the connection between Ligurian cuisine and the land—highlighting the importance of nature and the sea in what we cook and eat.

At U Giancu, you can take part in the Cooking Together workshop. In the kitchen, everyone gets involved: kneading bread, preparing focaccia, picking herbs from the garden, tasting dishes to check for salt—or maybe add a pinch of pepper. At the end of the morning, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor with pride… naturally accompanied by a chilled bottle of white wine.

Entertasting—a blend of tasting and entertainment—is the unique format offered by Parla come mangi, with experiences organized in the shop, on ferries, yachts, villas, castles, and even corporate venues, combining the quality of local products and dishes with unforgettable settings.

At La Portofinese, each activity is tailored to the location, making it possible to celebrate special moments and meaningful occasions. A professional and attentive staff will listen to your needs and respond with personalized proposals, designed to reflect individual styles and exceed every expectation.

Paraggi Beach is ranked among the 15 most beautiful in Italy, thanks in part to the emerald green color of its waters, which gives this spot a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere. This small cove is located along the road leading to Portofino, near the town of Santa Margherita Ligure.

What makes Paraggi special is that it’s one of the very few sandy beaches along the eastern Ligurian Riviera, together with the nearby Niasca Hermitage.

Equally enchanting and unmissable are the coastal coves accessible only by sea, where you can listen to the gentle song of the cicadas.

At the equipped beaches of the villages in the Gulf of Tigullio, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUP) for trips and excursions to discover the wonders that our coastline offers to those who explore it from the sea.

In particular, near the bay of Paraggi, guided tours depart from Niasca Beach to explore the Portofino Marine Protected Area.

The shape of the Ligurian coastline makes it perfect for underwater exploration, even for those who enjoy snorkeling with just a mask and snorkel.

One of the best spots for snorkeling in Liguria, the bay of Paraggi will captivate you with its rich variety of marine life.

Fishing tourism is a sustainable initiative that allows tourists and enthusiasts to experience an authentic adventure at sea alongside professional fishermen.

It’s the perfect way to discover the secrets of traditional fishing, spending a day offshore aboard a fishing boat or a traditional Ligurian gozzo, learning how to use longlines, nets, and traditional equipment—or quietly observing the manual hauling of natural-fiber nets used in the ancient tonnarella of Camogli.

At the same time, it’s the most genuine way to understand what life at sea truly means, rediscovering the coastline and fishing villages from a new perspective, and enjoying the freshest fish cooked according to traditional local recipes.

With its deep waters and the presence of underwater canyons, the Ligurian Sea is one of the most important marine protected areas in the Mediterranean. Just off the Ligurian coast lies the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, a key habitat for many marine mammal species and the best place to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Whale Watching—the observation of whales and dolphins in the wild—is a unique and captivating experience that excites both adults and children alike, from animal lovers to amateur and professional wildlife photographers.

Each excursion combines fun and education, guided by a skilled team including the crew, a marine biologist, a whale watcher specialized in the Sanctuary, a photographer, and researchers from various scientific institutions.

For golf enthusiasts, Rapallo offers an excellent golf course set amidst the greenery of the hillside—a perfect spot to enjoy a round of golf in a peaceful and scenic environment.

To bring complete relaxation and well-being to body and mind, several wellness centers in the area offer a wide range of services, including sauna, Turkish bath, Mediterranean bath, indoor pool, hydromassage areas, water jets and waterfalls, Jacuzzi, and sensory showers.

The Festival of Communication is the first event in Italy dedicated entirely to communication. Held in the picturesque seaside village of Camogli, the festival transforms public spaces—squares, terraces, and promenades—into vibrant meeting places.

It quickly established itself as one of the most highly regarded cultural events, becoming a key reference point in the complex landscape of communication and a platform for intergenerational dialogue on current issues in Italy.

This event, which dates back to the 1400s, is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of August and reaches its peak with the release of thousands of lit (biodegradable) candles onto the sea in honor of the Virgin Mary—known to local fishermen as the “Star of the Sea.”

In the morning, a cannon shot announces the departure of the Dragun, a traditional boat that, followed by festively decorated vessels, carries the parish priest to the altar of “Stella Maris” located on Punta Chiappa, where Holy Mass is celebrated.

In the evening, as floating candles are gently placed on the water, the Dragun parades along with canoes in a magical display of lights and music.

The caruggi of Genoa are the typical narrow alleys and arcades found in Ligurian historic centers. In the Middle Ages, these narrow streets formed the backbone of Genoa’s urban layout, often controlled by the city’s powerful merchant families.

In some cases, private citizens walled off arcades for personal use, transforming them into warehouses and shops, gradually reducing public access.

The most famous caruggio in Genoa is Via di Prè, which also gives its name to the historic district known as the sestiere di Prè.

Just a short walk from the center of Genoa, nestled in a small cove overlooking the beautiful sea, lies the charming neighborhood of Boccadasse.

Also known as the “Lovers’ Village”, this quaint fishing hamlet is characterized by narrow streets lined with colorful, elegant buildings that frame a small but picturesque beach.