San Fruttuoso Abbey: the Benedictine monastery immersed in the nature of the Portofino Park

Abbey of San Fruttuoso: a seaside monastery in the Portofino Park

In the 8th century AD, the place's inaccessibility and the presence of a freshwater spring made this bay the ideal site for the foundation of a church.

According to tradition, the martyr Fruttuoso chose the bay and indicated it in a dream to Prospero, the bishop of Tarragona. The bishop was looking for a safe place to hide the Saint's relics after fleeing Spain, which was invaded by the Arabs.

The Abbey was rebuilt in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery. In the 13th century, it passed into the hands of the noble Doria family, who modified the structure, enriching it with the loggia and moving the family tombs here.

Since 1983, the complex has been donated to Fai, the Italian Environmental Fund, which is responsible for preserving it in all its beauty.

Visiting the Abbey of San Fruttuoso is a unique experience that will make you discover a monument of great value and a place of unspoilt nature.

In addition to the monastery with its cloister, the primitive church, the tower and the Doria family tombs, you can admire the small village with its pebble beach and crystal-clear waters that invite you to relaxing swims.

In addition, a short distance from the beach, at a depth of 15 metres, in the blue waters in front of the Abbey, is the famous Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue visible even from the surface.

Reaching San Fruttuoso on foot or by sea is an evocative and exciting experience. The vision of the Abbey, the colours of nature, and the breathtaking landscapes on the coast will leave you speechless!

Useful information for visiting the Abbey of San Fruttuoso

Opening hours: January and February. Every day except non-holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3.45 p.m.

March: every day from 10 a.m. to 3.45 p.m.

April - May: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

June-July-August-first half of September: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

From 15 September: daily from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

October: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

November and December: daily except non-holiday Mondays from 10:00 to 15:45

Special closures: 25 December

Last entry 45 minutes before closing time

The Abbey will be closed in the event of adverse weather and sea conditions and suspension of boat services to/from Camogli. Opening times may vary depending on weather and sea conditions and, consequently, on the timetable of scheduled boats to and from Camogli. It is always advisable to reconfirm the opening hours in bad weather.

Tickets and costs:

Admission is free for FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) Members.

FAI members may also be required to pay only the event ticket for events or shows.

Full price: € 9

Reduced (6-18 years): € 5.00

Children up to 5 years of age: free admission

Students up to 25 years of age: € 5.00

School groups: € 3 per student

Family (2 adults and children 6-18 years): € 24.00

Groups: reduced fees for a minimum of 20 participants.

Guided tours for groups (maximum 25 people) lasting one hour are available:

Visit in Italian language: € 100

Visit in a foreign language: € 200

Free admission:

FAI (Italian Environment Fund) members.

INTO members - The International National Trusts Organisation (see www.into.org/places/)

Mécènes members and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre members,

Disabled persons and accompanying person

In the case of events or shows, even those categories that enjoy free admission may be required to pay only for the event ticket.

Accessibility information:

By its very nature, the building presents difficulties for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

To reach the Abbey from the boat landing stage, one must climb one flight of stairs up and one down, cross a stretch of beach, and climb three more flights.

The Abbey is on 3 levels connected internally by flights of stairs. There are seats along the visitor route in the upper cloister and on the terraces by the sea.

How to get to San Fruttuoso Abbey

The easiest and most practical way to reach San Fruttuoso is by sea, with boats leaving all year round from Camogli.

Golfo Paradiso Company

Blue Line Camogli-San Fruttuoso: operates all year round from Camogli (Punta Chiappa), with different timetables depending on the season.

Departures from Da Recco: from March to September. Recco is only 5 minutes by boat from Camogli.

Line Genoa - Portofino: operates from March with different timetables depending on the month

Route: Genoa Porto Antico, Nervi, Recco, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino

Tigullio Maritime Service Company

Line 1: scheduled boat/ferry service linking Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and San Fruttuoso with each other almost all year round, with different timetables according to the season and continuous departures on peak days and holidays.

Rapallo - San Fruttuoso: 1 hour

In the summer, boats depart from Sestri Levante, Lavagna, and Chiavari.

By train:

The most practical train station to reach San Fruttuoso is Camogli-San Fruttuoso, only 500 metres from the pier where the boats depart.

On foot:

To get to San Fruttuoso on foot, you can follow several paths in the Portofino Natural Park. All the itineraries are well maintained and well-signposted.

But be careful not to underestimate the fatigue and commitment required: it is necessary to use suitable shoes and sun cream and, above all, to bear in mind that the route is mainly downhill on the outward journey but has a demanding ascent on the return.

One solution could be to book the return to Camogli by boat.

It is not possible to get to San Fruttuoso by car.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting San Fruttuoso Abbey

How do I get to San Fruttuoso Abbey?
San Fruttuoso Abbey can be reached by sea by boats that leave from various towns along the Ligurian coast. The ships that depart from Camogli operate all year round. Depending on the season, other departures are available from Genoa, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Lavagna, Chiavari, Moneglia, and Deiva Marina. It is possible to reach San Fruttuoso on foot, following the paths of the Portofino Natural Park. Some of these paths can be challenging in places and require hiking boots and sports clothing. It is not possible to reach San Fruttuoso by car.

How long does a visit to San Fruttuoso Abbey last?
There is no maximum duration for a visit to the Abbey. To visit the three levels of the building at a leisurely pace and to enjoy its atmosphere, we can consider an hour's visit. Those who wish to stay a while in the upper cloisters or terraces may do so. Guided tours for groups last one hour.

How long is the walk from Camogli to San Fruttuoso?
The Abbey of San Fruttuoso can be reached on foot via paths immersed in the Portofino Natural Park. From the centre of Camogli, you have to reach Via San Bartolomeo. From here, the path marked with two red stickers begins, and it takes about 4.5 hours to get to the Abbey. The first part of the path, via a long series of steps, leads to San Rocco, where, in about 2 hours, you reach La Mortola and Batterie, where there are former anti-aircraft emplacements from the Second World War. The route offers extensive views of the Gulf of Paradise. The second part of the trail is more demanding and unsuitable for those suffering from vertigo as some points are sheer above the sea. Some passages also have safety chains because you are walking on smooth rocks. Between several ups and downs, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, we reach the Bacio Pass and the Costa del Termine Pass. From here, a long descent leads to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The route is 8.5 km long and has an altitude difference of 800 m. Due to its characteristics, it is suitable for experienced hikers. There is an alternative path that is easier and suitable for everyone: the Pietre Strette path. This path starts at San Rocco and leads to San Fruttuoso in about three hours. The signs to follow along the path are Portofino Vetta and Pietre Strette. To tackle these itineraries, it is essential to use hiking boots (NO smooth-soled sneakers) and to obtain water because there are no fountains along the way. For the return journey, you can walk back to Camogli via an inland route that takes about 2 hours and involves a 450 m altitude difference. Alternatively, you can also return by boat.

How much does the boat to San Fruttuoso cost?
Below are the fares for the main routes to San Fruttuoso Abbey. Prices may vary according to the season.

Fares of the Golfo Paradiso company:
Camogli - San Fruttuoso - Full price: € 10.00 - Return € 16.00 - Reduced: A € 7,00 - Return € 10,00

Recco - San Fruttuoso - Full price: A € 12,00 - Return € 18,00-Reduced: A € 8,00 - Return € 12,00

Tigullio Maritime Service Company Fares

Rapallo - Portofino/ San Fruttuoso: OW: € 17,00 - Return € 25,00

Sestri Levante - Portofino/ San Fruttuoso: OW: € 16,00 - Return € 24,00

Lavagna/Chiavari - Portofino / San Fruttuoso: OW: € 15,00 - Return € 22,00

Moneglia - Portofino/ San Fruttuoso: OW: € 20,00 - Return € 31,00

Deiva Marina - Portofino/ San Fruttuoso: OW: € 21,00 - € 33,00

San Fruttuoso di Camogli

San Fruttuoso di Camogli is a small bay between the crystal clear sea and the mountains of the Portofino Natural Park.

This peaceful place can only be reached on foot or by sea. In this inlet, between the blue sea and the green of the Mediterranean maquis, are a few simple fishermen's houses, a tower and an ancient abbey overlooking a pebble beach.

The beach of San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso Beach is located between Camogli and Portofino. It is a small beach of white pebbles, washed by an emerald green sea, surrounded by rocks and the dense Mediterranean scrub of the Portofino Natural Park.

This beach, which is located in a protected marine area, can only be reached by boat or on foot, and this has made it possible to preserve its pristine beauty.

Arriving by boat, the view of the beach is marvellous: crystal-clear sea, lush nature, and the Abbey, which adds a special atmosphere to the whole natural setting.

Sunbeds and parasols can be hired on the beach. Alternatively, you can stop on the nearby rocks. You can snorkel in the crystal-clear sea. About 300 metres from the beach and at a depth of 15 metres is the Christ of the Abyss, a 2.50-metre-high statue by sculptor Guido Galletti. The sculpture depicts Christ with his arms pointing upwards. It was placed at the bottom of the sea in 1954, and it can be admired by diving with certified guides. Good swimmers can reach the statue by swimming. The crystal clear water and the statue is visible even from the surface.

Alternatively, you can reach the statue by kayak, dinghy or stand-up paddle.

San Fruttuoso: where to sleep

There are few fishermen's houses in San Fruttuoso. Visitors can choose accommodation in one of the many neighbouring towns and villages. The nearest and most convenient town for travelling is Camogli. From here, you can reach San Fruttuoso by boat and on foot.