GE_37 Seafront S. Margherita Ligure – Paraggi - Portofino

From Santa Margherita (piazza Vittorio Veneto) follow the seafront going west. You pass the sixteenth-century castle and the characteristic little tourist harbour which also hosts several fishing boats. A little farther along after the harbour you leave the town and walk beside the first beach resorts. You pass Punta Pedale (Covo di Nord Est) and after c. 3.5 km you walk below the Abbey of Cervara, religious building which dates back to 1361 and San Girolamo dedicated to (locality Punta Cervara). After 1 km you arrive in the splendid bay of Paraggi (1 hour). After Paraggi, you cross the road taking a short stair indicated by signs which lead to a footpath above the road. You walk through an evergreen oak wood where you ignore a pathway for the Eremo di Sant&039;Antonio di Niasca (XV century). After you have crossed a paved road you reach the first houses of Portofino: the access to the historical centre is through a short tunnel which lets you out in front of the church of San Martino (1.30 hours), very close to the famous “Piazzetta”. To go back to S.Margherita you can either take the public ferry boat (Consorzio Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio tel. 0185 284670;) or the public bus (linee ATP 882 e 82; www.atpesercizio.it).