Nature always knows how to be unique and original. There are no two places in nature that can be defined identical. Maybe they can be similar, or have some common characteristics, but never identical. In the case of the place we are about to tell you about, Mother Nature really enjoyed creating a place so peculiar as to be practically inimitable. We have often wondered what characteristics a place must have to be defined as beautiful, and very often the answer does not transversely satisfy everyone's tastes. What, however, we can assert with certainty is that, in spite of taste and preferences, there are places that we leave with bated breath. This is the case with the beach and abbey of San Fruttuoso.
The beach of San Fruttuoso
A beautiful whim of nature, literally embedded in the rock in one of the regions which, from a natural point of view, is among the most beautiful in Italy: the Liguria. We are in Camogli, a Ligurian town that is part of the metropolitan city of Genoa. Few inhabitants, just over 5 thousand, but unique peculiarities of their kind. First of all the beach of San Fruttuoso. Small and beautiful, particular and suggestive. Basically, a strip of coast enclosed in a gulf dominated by a mountain, on which an abbey was built. The beach, which measures just 50 meters, can only be reached on foot or by boat. There are no roads or paths that can be done by car. The path that leads to the beach, as well as to the abbey, is simple but relatively long, yet so well maintained and signposted that it does not create doubts or inconveniences for anyone wishing to venture.
The path
Starting from Portofino and walking at a modest pace, you will arrive at your destination in just an hour and thirty minutes. Along the entire route you will cross paths and landscape fairytale naturalistic. Being considerably raised from the sea, on the path you will find points from which to enjoy one view of the coast and the splendid Ligurian sea, therefore, equip yourself with a camera.
There are also alternative ways of approaching the beach, using the car, bus or boat to cover a shorter distance on foot. The walk is however inevitable and strongly recommended since none of the alternative routes is in the least comparable to the beauty of the pedestrian path.
The abbey of San Fruttuoso
Spectacular, both for its position and for its appearance, theabbey of San Fruttuoso it is one of the most suggestive constructions in Italy. The first stones were laid by Greek monks around the middle of the XNUMXth century. The history of the abbey is full of intertwining, vigorous moments and resounding falls. From the Benedictine monks to the Doria family, up to the definitive transfer of ownership which today sees it in the hands of the Italian state. This pearl has had many faces. Rich and full of charm for several centuries before, simple accommodation for the poor and then fishermen. Pirates and travelers were the cross and the delight.
From the beach and abbey of San Fruttuoso to the surroundings
The facility is open to the public. The halls, the rooms and the old dormitories can be accessed if you have a ticket, the cost of which is around 5 euros. Our advice is to visit the interior, it will definitely be worth it. Liguria is a magical place full of charm and beauty. Da Portofino to the Cinque Terre up to Porto Venere and La Spezia, an infinite series of natural paths and beaches that seem to be kissed by Mother Nature. If you have the opportunity to spend two weeks in this region of the beautiful country, you will come back changed. Fall in love with a land that will leave your eyes full of beauty.