Day Trips from Portovenere

Portovenere is a wonderful place to spend a few days exploring the Ligurian coast. While the nearby Cinque Terre are often at the top of visitors’ itineraries, there is plenty more to see beyond the five villages.

Head northwest along the coast, and you’ll find colourful seaside towns, small fishing harbours, beautiful beaches and places that can only be reached on foot or by boat.

If you’re staying in Portovenere and would like to explore a little further, here are three destinations worth considering for a day trip: Sestri Levante, Camogli and San Fruttuoso.

Sestri Levante: the town of two bays

Sestri Levante is one of the prettiest seaside towns on the Ligurian Riviera, known for its unusual geography and aid-back atmosphere.

Its historic centre occupies a narrow strip of land between two bays: the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales) and the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence).

The first is a broad bay with a sandy beach, a promenade and views along the coastline. The second is smaller and more intimate, framed by pastel-coloured houses overlooking the water.

The Bay of Silence is Sestri Levante’s most photographed spot, but it is also a peaceful place to pause, especially outside the busiest summer hours.

What to do in Sestri Levante

Start with a walk through the old town, following its narrow streets towards the Bay of Silence. Along the way, you’ll find small shops, cafés and restaurants serving traditional Ligurian dishes.

For a different view of the coast, walk up towards the Church of San Nicolò dell’Isola, one of the town’s oldest churches, located on the former island that gives Sestri Levante its distinctive shape.

If you enjoy walking, the surrounding hills offer several scenic trails, including the route towards Punta Manara, with views over Sestri Levante and the Gulf of Tigullio.

And if you’re visiting in warmer months, leave some time for the beach. Unlike many stretches of the Ligurian coast, Sestri Levante has sandy areas that are good for swimming and sunbathing.

Camogli: a fishing village with a strong maritime tradition

Further west, Camogli is one of Liguria’s most characteristic fishing villages.

Its waterfront is easy to recognize: tall houses painted in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red, a small pebble beach and fishing boats gathered around the harbour.

Unlike some of the region’s better-known resorts, Camogli still feels closely tied to its maritime past. Fishing remains part of the town’s identity, and its harbour is still an important part of everyday life.

What to do in Camogli

Begin at the harbour and walk along the seafront, where the colourful buildings rise directly behind the beach.

One of the town’s landmarks is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, situated near the water, with the medieval Castello della Dragonara just a short walk away.

Take your time exploring the streets behind the waterfront, stopping for a coffee or a slice of focaccia. Camogli is also a good place to enjoy fresh seafood, particularly anchovies and other locally caught fish.

If you happen to visit on the second weekend of May, look out for the Sagra del Pesce, one of Camogli’s best-loved festivals.
Camogli is also one of the main access points to the Portofino Regional Natural Park and for boats to San Fruttuoso.

San Fruttuoso: a hidden abbey by the sea

San Fruttuoso is the most remote of the three—and for many visitors, the most rewarding.

Tucked into a small cove on the Portofino promontory, between Camogli and Portofino, this tiny settlement has no road access. Visitors arrive by boat or on foot along the trails crossing the surrounding hills.

At the centre of the cove stands the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a historic complex that dates back more than a thousand years.
The abbey sits just metres from the sea, surrounded by steep, wooded hills and a small pebble beach.

What to do in San Fruttuoso

The main attraction is the abbey itself, now cared for by FAI, the Italian National Trust. Its architecture reflects different periods of construction, and visitors can explore the historic rooms, cloister and burial spaces associated with the Doria family.

After visiting the abbey, spend some time by the water. The small beach is lovely on a sunny day, although it can become busy during the summer.

San Fruttuoso is also known for the Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss), a bronze statue of Christ placed underwater in 1954. It has become a well-known destination for divers.

Hikers can also follow trails from San Fruttuoso to Camogli, San Rocco and other points on the promontory. Some routes are demanding, so it’s important to choose one suited to your experience and check the conditions beforehand.

Can you visit Camogli and San Fruttuoso on the same day?

Yes. Camogli is a natural starting point for a visit to San Fruttuoso. You can spend the morning exploring the fishing village, then take a boat to the abbey and enjoy the afternoon by the sea.

Alternatively, experienced walkers can reach San Fruttuoso along the hiking trails of the Portofino promontory, returning by boat if services are operating.

If you’re travelling in the warmer months, remember that San Fruttuoso is a popular destination.

Other places to explore along the Ligurian Riviera

If you have more time, there are several other destinations worth discovering along the coast.

Santa Margherita Ligure is known for its elegant waterfront, gardens and cafés, while nearby Portofino is one of Italy’s most famous harbours, with colourful houses gathered around a small bay. Both are beautiful, though they can get busy, especially in summer.

If you would rather avoid the crowds, Zoagli is another good option. It is a small seaside village between Rapallo and Chiavari, known for its coastal walkway and traditional silk-weaving heritage.

Planning a day trip from Portovenere

All three destinations can be reached from Portovenere, but day trips require a little planning.

• The easiest route is usually to travel from Portovenere to La Spezia by bus, taxi or car, then continue from La Spezia Centrale by train along the coast towards Sestri Levante or Camogli. Both towns have railway stations within easy walking distance of their historic centres, making them convenient choices for visitors who prefer not to drive.
• If you are travelling by car, keep in mind that parking in Ligurian seaside towns can be difficult, particularly at weekends and during the summer months. Camogli and Sestri Levante are both compact destinations where arriving by train is often simpler and less stressful than searching for a space.
• San Fruttuoso requires an extra step. The village has no road access, so you will need to arrive by boat—often from Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure or Portofino—or on foot along one of the trails across the Portofino promontory. Boat services and hiking routes can be affected by weather, sea conditions and seasonal schedules, so check timetables before setting out, especially outside the summer season.

For a more comfortable way to reach San Fruttuoso and nearby Portofino, private boat tours are also available from hotels such as Grand Hotel Portovenere.

You do not need to visit all three places in one day. For a relaxed day by the sea, choose Sestri Levante; for a combination of village life, history and coastal scenery, pair Camogli with San Fruttuoso. Allow plenty of time for the journey, then return to Portovenere in the evening to enjoy the views over the Gulf of Poets.

Cover image of San Fruttuoso by @stregacaramella on Pixabay