San Fruttuoso is the bay next to Portofino with no road into it. Its abbey is the one ticket most visitors buy on the promontory. Before you pick a Portofino ticket prices with a stop here, know what the ticket costs and when the doors close.
The Abbey of San Fruttuoso sits at the head of a small bay, under a watchtower. It belongs to the FAI, Italy's national trust, and it lies in the comune of Camogli, not Portofino. You can reach it only on foot or by sea.
A church stood here in the 8th century, the FAI says. It was rebuilt in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery. The Doria family moved their tombs here in the 13th century, and the 14th-century marble tombs are still inside.
In 1551 Pope Julius III gave the patronage to Admiral Andrea Doria. His heirs built the watchtower in 1562 against pirates. The family gave the abbey to the FAI in 1983, and in 2017 the FAI restored its spring.
No tour fare includes this ticket. So if your boat gives you time ashore, carry the fee yourself. For questions, you can phone the abbey on +39 0185 772703.
| Months | Opening hours | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January and February | 10:00 to 15:45 | Closed on Mondays that are not public holidays |
| March | 10:00 to 15:45 | Daily |
| April and May | 10:00 to 16:45 | Daily |
| June to 14 September | 10:00 to 17:45 | Daily |
| 15 to 30 September | 10:00 to 16:45 | Daily |
| October | 10:00 to 15:45 | Daily |
| November and December | 10:00 to 15:45 | Closed on Mondays that are not public holidays, and on 25 December |
Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. The abbey also closes whenever the Camogli boats stop for sea conditions, because then nobody can reach it. On a rough morning, call ahead.
Offshore, the bronze Christ of the Abyss stands on the seabed at about 17 m. It is about 2.5 m tall. Guido Galletti made it, on an idea of the diving instructor Duilio Marcante.
It was placed in the bay in August 1954, near where the diver Dario Gonzatti died in 1947. One small-group boat from Rapallo gives you an hour to snorkel over it.
Ferry lines 1 and 2 continue from Portofino to the bay. The 2026 return from Portofino costs €20. From Santa Margherita it is €24, and from Rapallo €27, both with a stop in Portofino allowed.
The FAI says the boat from Camogli runs all year. Those from Portofino, Santa Margherita, Rapallo and further along the gulf are seasonal. Getting there has the full fare table.
The trail from Portofino crosses the south side of the park through Mediterranean scrub. The park's own guided hike on this route was rated medium and timed at 2 hours 30 minutes.
Many walkers take the ferry back. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and check the park's notices for closures before you go.
| The trip | What it does at San Fruttuoso | The abbey ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Small-group boat from Portofino harbour | 30 minutes in the bay; the listing does not say you step off | Not mentioned |
| Small-group boat from Rapallo | An hour snorkelling over the statue | Not mentioned |
| Private boat from the three harbours | About an hour to swim and snorkel | Not included |
| Private day boat from Genoa | Ashore for about 1 hour 30 minutes | Not in the fare; budget it |
| Private boats with stops agreed | Pass the bay, or a 20-minute swim | Not mentioned |
| Private guided hike | About an hour, with the abbey and a swim | Not included |
A boat that anchors to swim does not always land you. If you want the abbey, pick a trip that says it goes ashore, or take the ferry and give yourself the time.
From the jetty you climb one flight of steps, go down another, cross a stretch of beach and climb three more. The abbey itself is on three levels, joined by stairs.
The FAI calls it difficult for visitors with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair. If that matters to you, phone ahead before you travel.
Every year on 24 December, the FAI says, a mass is celebrated in the abbey church. The abbey closes on 25 December.
You can also stay the night. The FAI lets a fisherman's house in the hamlet for up to three people. There are no shops, and after the last boat you are on your own. Where to stay has the details.
Boats that stop to swim, one that snorkels over the statue, and a hike that arrives on foot.
The history, tickets, hours, access and the Christmas Eve mass are the FAI's own page, checked 28 September 2026. The ferries and fares are the consortium's 2026 pages. The statue's details come from Wikipedia. Every boat's stop comes from its own listing.
Two and a half hours from Molo Umberto I in Portofino harbour: past the lighthouse, over the statue's bay, a swim stop and on to Camogli, with drinks and limoncello, up to 12. Fuel is paid in cash at boarding.
From $103 per person plus €10 fuel surcharge a person, cash at boarding
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Three hours on a traditional Ligurian boat of your own, round the promontory past San Fruttuoso and Camogli, with stops agreed with the skipper. Snorkel gear on board.
From $1,378 per group (up to 6)
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Eight hours on a private boat from Rapallo with a captain: the bay of Paraggi, a walk ashore in Portofino, a snorkel at San Fruttuoso and the seafront at Camogli. Prosecco, towels and fuel on board.
From $580 for one traveller; more with each person added
Check AvailabilityNext: see things to do in Portofino, read activities, or book a trip on Portofino Tours.