Walks & Nature

The Splendido is more than just the perfect hotel perched high on a picturesque hillside.  It is on the promontory of Portofino, a regional park of great natural beauty, and a mecca for walkers, hikers, and picnickers.  No roads, only walking paths, leading through olive groves, gardens, vineyards, up into the shady forest with pines overhead, chestnuts underfoot and ferns all around. They lead high above the see along steep slopes that dive cleanly into the deep Ligurian Sea, and may guide you to a monastery established in the 10th century, hidden in the tranquil cove, accessible only by boat or on foot.

These are ancient paths, which have served the local inhabitants for hundreds of years. With the establishment of the regional park the principal paths have been improved and marked with red symbols. Intersections have direction signs: large maps show the overall network of trails. Some trails are still under construction: the network is expanding.

In order to increase the pleasure of your stay at the Splendido we have described below a number of itineraries that begin with the short walk from the hotel into Portofino.

• Into Town and to the Lighthouse
• From Portofino Mare to Pietre Strette
• From Portofino Mare to San Fruttuoso
• From Pietre Strette to San Fruttuoso
• From Pietre Strette to Santa Margherita
• From Pietre Strette to Portofino Vetta
• From Olmi to Nozarego  

These range from an hour walks to excursions that fill the whole day. All may be done in tennis or running shoes or good walking shoes.  Hiking boots or other equipment is not required.

These walks are extracted from The Walker in Portofino, by Malcom Spector, a small guide that is exclusively available to guests of the Hotel Splendido.

Guided tours are available if you would like to spend a day discovering the beauty of the Cinque Terre region, or be accompanied by a local botanist on a half day walk from the hotel to San Fruttuoso, with lunch in a local restaurant.