Europe
Italy
Liguria
Italian Riviera
Camogli
Things to Do in Camogli
Abbazia di San Fruttuoso

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, Camogli: Address, Phone Number, Abbazia di San Fruttuoso Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Abbazia di San Fruttuoso

See all things to do
See all things to do
Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
4.5
1,431
#4 of 22 things to do in Camogli
Historic Sites
Read more
Write a review
About
Tra Camogli e Portofino, in una profonda insenatura nella frastagliata costa del Promontorio di Portofino, sorge la celebre Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte nell'intatto borgo marinaro omonimo. Dopo la prima frequentazione monastica, il complesso di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte fu umile abitazione per pescatori, spesso covo di pirati, poi proprietà per secoli dei Principi Doria: un luogo assolutamente unico, dove l'opera dell'uomo si è felicemente integrata con quella della natura. Sono visitabili il complesso monastico del X-XI secolo con il Chiostro, la Sala Capitolare, la Chiesa; e le tombe dei Doria e il corpo a mare gotico del XIII secolo.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
See all
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
264 within 3 miles
Ristorante Da Giorgio
211
184 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ristorante Da Giovanni
256
175 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Da laura
156
80 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Da Giovanni Albergo Ristorante
52
183 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
La Cantina
231
379 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
La Marina
115
141 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ristorante Mulino Del Gassetta
84
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Ligurian
La Stalla Dei Frati
220
1.4 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Bar Dai Muagetti
494
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Trattoria Do Spadin
307
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
See all
Attractions
155 within 6 miles
Baia Di San Fruttuoso
9
351 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ente Parco di Portofino
739
2.2 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Camogli - San Rocco - Punta Chiappa Trail
193
2.1 miHiking Trails
Area Marina Protetta Portofino
492
2 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Santa Margherita Ligure
1,493
2 miNeighborhoods
Piazza Martiri Dell'Olivetta
313
2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Camogli - San Rocco - Batterie - San Fruttuoso Trail
383
2.3 miHiking Trails
Chiesa di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia - Santuario di Nostra Signora della Rosa
212
2.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
Villa Durazzo
413
2.1 miArchitectural Buildings
Basilica Di Santa Maria Assunta
134
2.6 miReligious Sites
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,431 reviews
Excellent
911
Very good
356
Average
96
Poor
39
Terrible
29
Kai U
Koege, Denmark142 contributions
Great beach - cheap beach!
Couples
A beautiful stone-beach with, even it's Portofino area, pretty low prices. The beach, once you get there, is free. To rent a sunbed costs from 5€ per day... there are 3 restaurants and two bars. The beach bar has snacks and drinks for reasonable prices. The water in the Bay is amazing, but watch your kids, as the water gets deep after a couple of meters only.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brett D
Melbourne, Australia16 contributions
Great location - tough hike home to Portofino!
I can recommend a trip to this abbey and beach from Portofino. We took the ferry and that in itself was a pleasant thing to do (good views of the lighthouse, coves and clifftop villas). We made a visit to the abbey - which is worthwhile (given its long history and isolation, and association with the Doria family). We spent some time on the beach - we hired sun lounges as the public areas were jam-packed with school kids (Friday school excursions!). We swam out to the statue of Christ in the abyss, but without diving gear could only get a glimpse of the statue (the water wasn't super clear that day). We saw many fish on the swim out and back though.
We then chose to walk back to Portofino (noting some reviews suggesting it was a pleasant walk). Be aware, it was quite a tough walk and it took us every bit of two hours to cover the 5km back. The path was not in good condition and in some areas I needed my hands to get up some of the climbs. Take lots of water too. I'm in my mid 50s but pretty fit, and I was knackered by the end. Great views though.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alaka
Boston, MA17 contributions
Unique setting and mediterranean waters!
Unforgettable setting to spend a half-day by the beach. Make sure to take the early ferry or you will be stuck with no room on the beach because it is tiny and it gets very crowded. Make a reservation for lunch at Da Laura and you won't regret it. The beach is divided into two areas. We went to the beach club on the left (facing the abbey). Nice changing rooms. Would recommend (but again, only if you can get there on the early side).
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jörn G
2 contributions
Never go here during season
Family
Boat tour that was supposed to go further to portofino ended here. We were "prisoned" for three hours. Beach access only with tickets that have to be bought in Camogli but nobody tells you. Unfriendly people that did not allow to take towels to the beach. Much too small, big rip off. Dont ever do this during season, only if you want to be treated like a dumb tourist
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leejia
Bethesda, MD40 contributions
Helluva hike from Camogli
After seeing publications citing 2.5 hour hiking time from Camogli to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, we (athletic parents with 10 & 14 yo athletic kids) decided to give it a try. Boy, were we surprised. This hike took just over 4 hours and was quite strenuous. After about 1-2 km of easy walking from the Camogli train station, you start climbing hundreds of steps, which probably represented over 30 minutes of non-stop climbing and sweating. You're soon rewarded by arriving at a small but quaint hilltop town with shade and great views of the sea. We should've turned back here, but didn't realize that the REAL hike was just getting started. If you decide to continue, make sure to stock-up on snacks and water because you won't have an opportunity to do so for the next 3+ hours. Leaving this town, the trail becomes unpaved and takes you through beautiful wooded sections with frequent views of the sea. The trail is very well marked. There's a 2-hr option for a shorter (but probably steeper) inland route to the Abbey, but we opted for the 2.5-hr trail that went toward the sea, hoping it would be less strenuous. However, even this sea trail has a lot of steep parts. In fact there are several sections in which there is no trail at all. You come to a sheer rock face and the only way to continue the hike is to traverse this sheer rock face with the aid of sturdy metal cables that have been pitoned into the rock. There are at least two stretches, each probably being only 50 meters in length, where the only thing between you and certain death is your trust and grip on these cables. They are definitely sturdy and can hold a truck, but traversing these stretches can be scary. The rock face is nearly vertical, so you are going hand-over-hand along this horizontal cable while your feet are doing the same along the rock face. Looking down is truly terrifying as it must literally be 50-75 meters straight down to surf crashing over jagged rocks. It's been over two weeks since we completed this hike and my palms are still sweating over the recollection. Even though it was a 4+ hour hike, these 100 meters are the most vivid memory we have of the hike. We were about three hours into this hike, when we passed a couple coming from the Abbey. They were only 1.5 hrs out of the Abby but looked very tired - and really disheartended when we told them they had nearly 3 hours to go. The last 45 minutes to the Abbey are pretty excruciating. You climb nearly 30 straight minutes along steep switchbacks, then crest a ridge and descend some fairly steep trail with rubbery legs down to the Abbey. Thankfully, there is a well-stocked cafe adjacent to the Abby and beach, where we got some badly needed refreshment and had some time to refelect on our death-defying trek. Unfortunately, this left practically no time for us to explore the Abby as the final boat of the day leaves for Camogli at 5:00 pm. The boat ride back takes only about 15 minutes and is beautiful.

We left Camogli around 12 noon, and arrived at the Abby around 4:20 pm. This hike was pretty tough, and we had considered turning back several times, but we were all glad we accomplished (survived) it. For those considering it, you'll want to leave Camogli no later than 10:30 am in order to give yourself some time to see the Abbey and get some refreshment. There's a small, intimate (paid) beach that's not very crowded (which is a summer rarity in Italy), so don't forget your bathing suit, but be sure to leave even earlier.
Written August 12, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NekoCat
Franklin, MA588 contributions
Hike to Fruttuoso, Boat Back
A hike to Abbey San Fruttuoso was not on our itinerary for Portofino, but when the hotel proprietor stated, "You walk to San Fruttuoso." and handed me the brochure, I felt compelled to do so.

The abbey can be reached by walking "over the hill" or by taking a 30 minute ferry from Portofino. Other towns in the area have ferries as well. The stated time to "walk" is 90 minutes, but we did it in 1 hour 15 minutes.

The trail from Portofino starts out as a nicely paved flagstone street with immediate inclines to get the heart pumping. You will pass a few posh homes and some really nice shore views. There are pretty olive groves, farms with cats, and wild flowers galore. An occasional vespa or smart-car may zing by you, but mostly it is just you and the little lizards sunning themselves. You will pass a small church with a sea horse mosaic made of stones at the entrance. Around this area beware of the unfriendly wild boar roaming the woods. Clearly, this is his territory.

At about the 30 minute mark, you will see a cardboard sign for a café advertising drinks. Stop in for a refreshment or keep on moving. Soon you will come to a cross-roads where the different trails disperse. There is a large display sign with photos of the sights to walk to. The sign for San Fruttuoso says 1 hour from here. At this point the trail is no longer flat flagstone, but pretty quickly turns to a dirt hiking tail. There are a few ocean views, but it is primarily a hiking trail through a dense forest. At one point we feel like Hansel and Gretel in the dark woods.

After many inclines and declines we see the signs for the Abbey and our adventure is soon over. I would say this is a hike for people of good health only. It is fairly challenging with lots of steep inclines and declines. The trails are fairly well maintained. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

The Abbey was not as exciting as the hike, but still an interesting and old place to tour for an hour. Outside, there is nice little pebble beach and a few cafés to sit at and stare at the gorgeous blue water. We took a boat back to Portofino for 7 EUR - well worth it. The thought of hiking back "over the hill" was not that enticing. Keep in mind, boats do not run if "high-seas".
Written September 21, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sonyabart
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
Ferry to San Fruttuoso
Couples
Taking the ferry to San Fruttuoso is, in my opinion, the only way to visit. Arriving by sea shows the remoteness and simplicity of the place. There is very little there, but that is the charm. The water is divine, and is a great swimming spot. We travelled by ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, then to San Fruttuoso. The abbey which first began in the 10th century, is being restored and is small but enchanting. My husband and I visited 10 years ago, and can see so much work has been done. Although one can walk from either Portofino or Camogli, I would not advise it. Despite what the locals say, it is a steep climb and a huge effort. If you are a keen hiker after a challenge, fine, but if you want to see a quaint, ancient corner of the Ligurian coast, take the ferry. Be careful to check the ferry schedules in person before embarking, as the printed timetables can be cancelled at any moment if the seas are considered too rough.
Written June 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ricardo B
Miami, FL2,968 contributions
Worth every Euro cent of the water taxi
Couples
We decided to take a water taxi from Portofino to visit the Abazzia and it is one of those experiences things that you will always remember, because the trip, the scenery and the overall place are stunning, so if you are in Camogli or Portofino, go for it
Written October 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VitPetersburg
Russia139 contributions
Great place!
Couples
The Abbey of St. Fruttuoso is a small used to be abbey seating inthe middle of Portofino peninsula. You are sure read that to reach it you may either walk or boat there... well we walked - there are two ways through the reserve of Portofino - please be aware that the one with two solid dots are rather demanding and includes some climbing skills! So it is not for everyone, we had the way marked with one emptyy circle through the forest and downhill from Piettre Striete - weel the way is long - if you star from Camogly is may take ca 3 hours in total and will include some uphil and downhill pathes - the nice part is the it startes with uphill and finishes with downhill, well the downhill part is long - ca 1 hour and goes through the great places, but a bit tirong afterwards.

The very nice proice for those who made it the Abeey and the small swiming area in front of it - not much other options in Portofino were you can swim and were the view back to your path is so nice and pictureresque. It will stay in my mind for a long time - the look from the sea to the abbey with the surrounding olive trees gardens and the pine forests... - amazing indeed.

To go back to Camogly with took the boat - please be aware that the boat scedule from the Camogly post (the brochure) was not corresponding to the real time of departure (it was in fact half an hour later than written), so advise to check it carefully as the last boat leave at ca 16.00 usually and afterwards only the taxi boat are the options! The cost to Camogly is 8 euro per person and to Portofino is 10 euro one way, you pay on the boat and it is also a nice part of the Abbey trip to see it disappearing from the boat !

Overall you need a good half a day for the walk, swimm and boat back to the villages - so you may also have a luch in one of the port restaurants afterwards, as we did. You also may eat around the abbey - we have not checked the option, while trying to enjoy the sea the view and get the ship.

The place is magnificient and the walk to it very pleasing and nice. Advise for all who have a day in the area!
Written October 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ferhardt
Malmö, Sweden42 contributions
Terrible tourist trap -avoid !!!
Couples
This probably used to be a pretty nice place however due to overdevelopment and too many tourists this place is a terrible and suffocating place .

We went there on a Thursday afternoon which is supposed be less crowded.

We were lucky to even find 1 square meter to place our towel on .

You can only go by ferry or foot( very far)

It was ok going there however with a change in portofino (not recommended if you get sea sick due to small boats )

Arriving we see a overtly crowded beach , and full restaurants.

We only stayed an hour and had a hassle of even getting on the ferry to the return trip.

Conclusion don't go here if you value your time and personal space .
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 188
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
We recommend booking Abbazia di San Fruttuoso tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Abbazia di San Fruttuoso tours on Tripadvisor