In stage 1 of the Tigullio Walk, we climb from 0 m. a.s.l. in Chiavari to 612 m. a.s.l. at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro. We cross Chiavari via the sea promenade. We continue inside the oak forest uphill until we reach the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie. From the Grazie, we follow the signs for Monte Telegrafo. We continue on through Case Sparse di Sant’Andrea di Rovereto, continuing on to the Cappella della Madonnetta (Chapel of the Madonnetta) and then to today’s first peak of Monte Anchetta. After taking 5 minutes to relax, we cover a short stretch of asphalt road to then find the fork that leads to Montallegro. From here another 2 h at a steady pace to arrive at our destination. Average time for the stage, about 5h, given the beautiful views to admire and possible encounters on the way.

In stage 2 of the Tigullio Walk, we descend from 612 metres above sea level to 599 at the Crocetta Pass and then reach 774 metres above sea level at Monte Pegge and 801 at Monte Manico del Lume (the highest in the Gulf). Finally, we descend into the historic village of Chignero to end the stage in the hamlet of Sant’Andrea di Foggia. Average walking time about 5 hours. Fantastic views, it really does feel like being in the high mountains. Difficulty level: medium. Only suitable for those with experience in mountain trekking.

On stage 3 of the walk, after a short stretch on the flat, we climb with a fair gradient to Ruta di Camogli, 269 metres above sea level (here we can admire the beautiful thousand-year-old church near the track). We arrive in Ruta and find a cool water point waiting for us. Then we get onto the Aurelia and continue in the direction of Santa Margherita Ligure. After a couple of kilometres we find the junction for the Agriturismo il Monte (Monte Parco di Portofino) in San Lorenzo della Costa, we climb for about 1 km and thus reach the end of our stage.

In stage 4 of the walk, from the agriturismo il Monte we climb up a small crêuza. We climb again following ‘The paths of Monte di Portofino’ and arrive at 420 metres above sea level. After an hour we arrive at Pietre Strette and then down to the sea, reaching San Fruttuoso di Camogli. Here you can enjoy the bluest, bluest, greenest sea that the Gulf knows. It is all magic, from the Abbey, to the Watchtower, to the seabed, to the Christ of the Abyss, to the numerous small restaurants perched among the inlets. From here we take the boat to Portofino, about a 20-minute crossing through breathtaking scenery and views. Once in Portofino, we recommend (optional) a visit to the Brown Castle and the panoramic Church of San Giorgio. Then we leave the village, climbing up the right-hand side of the Piazzetta where we meet the other church, Divo Martino, and immediately next to it the carriage road. Now it is all flat for another 5 km to the beautiful Santa Margherita Ligure, the stage finale.