Zoagli: the perfect starting point
The Ligurian coast is not only for swimming. Behind the towns the terrain rises steeply, and a dense network of trails runs through olive groves, chestnut forests and along panoramic ridges. Zoagli sits right in the middle: a local train station, free parking near the station (up to five hours), and several historic path networks crossing here. Most routes are well marked and move between Mediterranean macchia and the Ligurian hinterland.
The classic loop connecting the five churches of Zoagli’s hamlets: San Martino (center), San Pietro di Rovereto on the ridge, San Giovanni Battista in Semorile, Sant’Ambrogio with its panoramic gulf view, and San Pantaleo, the oldest church from the 12th century. You walk historic mule tracks (the Ligurian creuze), pass abandoned hamlets like Sexi and terrace gardens with olive trees. The signage is excellent: wooden posts marked “5C”. Every third Sunday in May the Marcia dei Cinque Campanili takes place on this route.
The trail starts best at Zoagli station. After a steep climb to San Pietro di Rovereto you reach the first church square with its colorful pebble mosaic (risseu). From there, forest paths lead to Semorile, a tiny hamlet with fewer than 60 residents. Its church dates to the 17th century and features a baroque façade. The trail continues through woodland and the abandoned settlement of Sexi (named after the Ligurian word for cherries) to Sant’Ambrogio, one of the best viewpoints of the entire hike. From here you see the whole Gulf of Tigullio to Portofino.
The king route. Take the train from Zoagli to Santa Margherita Ligure (10 minutes), then walk via Portofino across the promontory to the hidden Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The bay is only reachable by boat or on foot and is one of the most spectacular spots in Liguria. Return by ferry to Rapallo or Camogli and back to Zoagli by train. You can also walk back, but that is a full‑day effort.
E‑bike and cycle paths
The former coastal rail line has been turned into a car‑free bike path linking several towns between Chiavari and Rapallo. It is flat, paved and repeatedly opens to the sea. Perfect for e‑bikes: market in Chiavari in the morning, a swim in Zoagli at noon, aperitivo in Rapallo in the afternoon. E‑bikes can be rented in Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure.
For more ambitious riders, the hill roads into the hinterland are stunning. The route via San Pantaleo to Ruta di Camogli has breathtaking views but is steep and for experienced cyclists. With an e‑bike it becomes doable and unforgettable.
More routes
The Sentiero Liguria long‑distance trail links the entire Ligurian coast and passes through Zoagli. You can hike sections as day trips, for example Chiavari to Zoagli (around 3 hours) or Zoagli to Recco (around 4 hours). Both stages offer panoramic views and end at a train station, which makes logistics easy.
For families, the Passeggiata di Zoagli is ideal: a paved coastal path over the rocks starting at the beach and running about half a kilometer. Not a hike, but a beautiful evening walk, especially at sunset.
Komoot route ideas around Zoagli, Rapallo and Portofino
If you plan digitally, Komoot offers great templates for the Riviera di Levante. Zoagli, Rapallo and Portofino combine well: start at the station, follow coastal paths, climb to viewpoints and return by train or ferry.
Cinque Campanili as a Komoot classic
On Komoot, search for “Zoagli Cinque Campanili”. The loop is ideal for panoramic views, Ligurian vibe and a true local summit directly above Zoagli.
Rapallo to Portofino for coastal variety
Popular Komoot tours run between Rapallo, San Michele di Pagana, Santa Margherita and Portofino. Perfect if you want sea views, cafés and flexible return options.
Portofino to San Fruttuoso as the king route
Komoot shows strong variants across the Portofino park to San Fruttuoso. Scenic and ideal if you want to combine hiking with a boat or ferry return.
Search terms like “Zoagli hiking”, “Rapallo Portofino hike” or “Portofino San Fruttuoso Komoot” work best. On the Ligurian coast, pay attention to elevation, shade and the return trip by train or ferry.
Hiking between Rapallo, Portofino and Santa Margherita
If you stay in Zoagli, Rapallo and Santa Margherita are only minutes away by train or car. From there you can start some of the most scenic coastal walks in Liguria: waterfront promenades, panoramic trails through pine woods and stronger routes into Portofino Park.
Rapallo: promenade, viewpoints and flexible day routes
Rapallo is ideal to start a hiking day: first along the coast, then up via San Michele di Pagana toward Santa Margherita. Great for sea views, café stops and easy return by train.
Portofino: classic coastal route to San Fruttuoso
From Portofino, beautiful paths run through the park to San Fruttuoso. You get rocky sea paths, shaded forest and dramatic viewpoints, with a perfect ferry return option.
Santa Margherita: the smooth link toward Portofino
Santa Margherita combines urban comfort and fast access to nature. Walk from here via Paraggi to Portofino, with route lengths for both short and long hiking days.
Photo gallery: Rapallo, Portofino and Santa Margherita
All photos are web-optimized and sorted by location, so visitors can quickly see the atmosphere and trail character of each area.
Rapallo
Portofino
Santa Margherita
Your own GPS map of hikes
In addition to planning, you can now view your own GPX recordings directly on the map. The hiking page becomes a real tour overview of your routes around Zoagli and Rapallo, plus a longer Tuscany tour.
Solid shoes are a must on Ligurian trails. Creuze and stone paths can be slippery when wet. Bring enough water; there are fountains on the Sentiero dei Cinque Campanili (near Semorile and San Pantaleo) but do not rely on them. In summer, start early: after noon the sun easily climbs above 30°C.
FAQ: Hiking in Zoagli, Rapallo and Portofino
The Sentiero dei Cinque Campanili is one of the most popular routes with strong sea views and half-day options.
Yes. Longer routes via Rapallo and Santa Margherita toward Portofino are possible with good planning and fitness.
Yes. GPX routes are integrated and can be followed or adapted in Komoot and similar outdoor apps.
Spring and autumn are usually best. In summer, start early due to heat and limited shade.