Ferry for Portofino and San Fruttuoso departing from Genova (Porto Antico); this is a splendid outing which gives you the possibility of admiring from the sea a part of the Ligurian coast which is hidden from land vehicles and discover in the buildings overlooking the sea examples of architecture from the first half of the Twentieth century, as well as to photograph beautiful environmental panoramas.

IN BRIEF:

• Length: 1 day
• Cost (excluding food):
• Period: from April to September

ITINERARY:

Departure is planned on the Moto Nave “Città di Camogli” at 9:00am from Genova P. Antico (Calata Mandraccio) or 9:30 from Genova Nervi (Porticciolo). It then continues sailing along the coast to the port of Camogli arriving at 10:00.

Ferry route from Genoa to Portofino, with stops in Nervi, Camogli and Puntachiappa

Having reached Camogli, you can visit the characteristic fisherman’s pier and enjoy a piece of famous Focaccia Genovese in the traditional bakeries.

Departure for San Fruttuoso is scheduled at: 10:00 /11:00/12:00/13:00 or 14:00 and it usually takes about 30 minutes’ sail to reach the old village. During navigation you can admire the Promontory of Portofino and the Tonnarella di Camogli, which is still functioning today and is a tourist tour location. This is also the area where the Portofino Marine Reserve begins, you will notice that no vessels are anchored here. In addition, due to the depth of the water, there are often dolphin sightings.

Having reached San Fruttuoso you can visit the small fishing village located on the Promontorio di Portofino and, if you like, the Abbazia dei Doria. If you like snorkeling or diving we suggest bringing along your mask and fins and diving into the splendid waters of the little cove, where, if you are lucky and visibility allows, you can admire the famous Cristo degli Abissi at 15 metres deep.

Departure for Portofino is possible at 11:30-12:30- 13:30-14:30-15:15.

Having reached Portofino, you can admire, in all its glory one of the gems of the Eastern Riviera. In this small village you can visit the Fortezza di San Giorgio which has a beautiful view overlooking the Tigullio Gulf or, if you are lucky enough to happen upon one of the many food festivals in the summer, you can enjoy one of the many local dishes. Famous festivals are the Sagre del Bagnun, del Pesce, del Pesto and the Festa patronale di San Giorgio.

The ferry arriving in Portofino

To return, there are a number of ferries in the afternoon. Below are the times of the last run of the day:

• Portofino: 16:50
• San Fruttuoso: 17:10
• Camogli: 17:30
• Arrival in Genoa is expected to be at 18:30

WHERE TO EAT

You can enjoy a piece of focaccia (even in its local variant, focaccia di Recco, with a soft cheese called stracchino) in Camogli or in one of the famous restaurants located along the path to Punta Chiappa to enjoy delicious fish dishes like in Da Spadin, Stella Maris or Dal Mulino da Drin. Alternatively, if you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can find delicious restaurants in San Fruttuoso or Portofino where you will be served excellent fish accompanied by Ligurian wines like Bianchetta or Vermentino.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

You do not need to make a reservation for this excursion, but we suggest phoning (+39) 0185 772091, (+39) 392 1375558 the day before for information on weather and sea conditions.

The departure of the ferry is in the Porto Antico di Genova near the aquarium, and we suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before your planned departure time. You can park your car in one of the many pay and display parking areas in the area, including the nearby Parcheggio “Acquario/Porto Antico”.

VIDEO