Camogli to San Fruttuoso via San Rocco and Pietre Strette

The walk from Camogli to San Fruttuoso via San Rocco and Pietre Strette crosses the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, on the coast about 25 km east of Genoa in Liguria, Italy. The start is Camogli railway station and harbour, 16032 Camogli GE, reached by regional train from Genova Brignole or Principe to Camogli-San Fruttuoso station. No permit is required for the park paths. From the harbour the route climbs to the hamlet of San Rocco and continues along the ridge to the Pietre Strette crossroads before dropping to the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso and its abbey. One 2011 account gives about 5 km of walking, though longer variants exist and the park network totals 70 to 80 km depending on the source. The route described by A Path to Lunch involves climbs and drops of roughly 500 m, so it is moderate: no scrambling, but steady ascent and a long descent on uneven ground. Surfaces are stone steps, dirt paths and mule tracks through Mediterranean scrub and woodland, with good shade on the descent and more exposed stretches on the ridge. Landmarks include the church at San Rocco with its view back over Camogli, the Pietre Strette junction and finally the bay at San Fruttuoso. The walk takes 3.5 to 5 hours, and the usual finish is a boat back to Camogli by Golfo Paradiso; the one-way fare is EUR 8.50 (about $9.80) per the Trenitalia San Fruttuoso Link page, with a crossing of about 30 minutes. Boats also serve other ports, so cash and a check of the schedule are wise. San Fruttuoso has restaurants and refreshments, so there is water and food at the end, but none along the path. Hiking boots, 1.5 litres of water and sun protection are recommended.