The Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso (between Camogli and Portofino in the Portofino Nature Park) can only be reached by foot or by sea. It was built by the Doria family in the sixteenth century.
On the approach, we see the tall, eleventh century look out tower, then, a full view of the half moon beach and the Abbey.
We’re going for lunch at “Da Laura” in the far corner (look for the aqua umbrella).
The kitchen is in this little beach shack, but the tables are in the shade under the arches of the old Abbey. I remember eating sandy PB and J’s at the beach in North Carolina. It’s different in Italy.
We’re having traditional Genovese pesto with wide pasta for the primo…
and fresh, grilled fish, which was filleted at our table for the second…with a bottle of local Vermentino.
Afterwards…a swim and the boat ride back to Camogli.
To get to San Fruttuoso by ferryboat (about 10 euro), there are two companies, one leaving from Camogli (Schedule)
and another from Portofino (Schedule). Alternatively, you could book a yacht charter and travel from Portofino in luxury and at your own leisure.
To walk, you can begin from either place and follow the paths through the Portofino Nature Park (about two hours)
(Map of trails)
There are also water taxis leaving from Portofino and Camogli. Ask in the harbor.
To learn more about the Abbey which is maintained by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano… more
