Hike from Camogli to San Fruttoso

You can either start in Camogli, hike to San Fruttoso and take a ferry back (like we did). Do this as an out-and-back hike. Or take the ferry to San Fruttoso and hike in the reverse to Camogli. Here is a link to the schedule, but always double check. Also, you're exposed for roughly 80% of this hike, so be prepared with water and sunblock. 

Starting in the heart of Camogli, you'll need to walk to the southern most end of the town, head up past Parking #1 and you'll see a sign (in Italian) as well as 2 red dots painted on the stone (plus an arrow, image #2)...this is the start. From there you head almost directly up via, what seems like, 3000 stairs. There is really no other way to go, so you won't be lost. You just keep taking this until you reach a small hilltop town that has a market and an amazing church. Take a quick water break here. And this is also where the trail diverges. 

If you feel like an easier 2+ mile hike that is relatively flat, you can take the high trail next to the church (ocean side of the church). We did not and took the lower trail (also on the ocean side of the trail). 

From here you will gain and lose elevation all while keeping the ocean on your right. Some of it will be on loose gravel, some on dirt, some on the trail, but all of it very well marked. This goes on for ~2.5 miles. Make sure to stop and enjoy the views and drink your water and have a snack.

After about 2.5 miles, you'll come to some obstacles which takes this from a relatively moderate hike to something a bit more challenging. There are bolted in metal chains that you'll use to traverse slippery rocks, rock faces and semi-scary cliff faces. They are totally doable and super safe, but it's just one more added element to this hike. There are about 6 of these spaced out over the next 2 miles.

Just as you come around the bend you'll see an amazing bay with turquoise water that just looks so inviting. Sorry, you still have one final push that will really test you. It's about 1 mile of straight-up switch-backs that just seem unrelenting. Once you reach the top it's all down hill until you reach the most idyllic and tranquil beach, this is San Fruttoso, and your pilgrimage is done. 

Have a drink, take a dip, eat some food, relax on the beach and if you are taking the ferry back, make sure to check the times for rides back and buy your 9 euro ticket.