Area Marina Protetta Portofino

Welcome to the Ar-ea Ma-ree-na Pro-tet-ta Por-to-fee-no, a hidden liquid treasure that encompasses the waters surrounding the legendary Portofino promontory. Established to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the Ligurian…

We begin our exploration at the stunning Baia di Pa-ra-jee, a crescent-shaped inlet renowned for its calm, turquoise waters and rich marine life. Unlike many of the rocky coves in the area, Paraggi offers a rare sandy seabed,…

Further along the rugged coastline lies the Baia di San Froo-two-so, a place that feels completely untouched by the modern world. This remote cove is accessible only by a challenging hike through the pine forests or by boat, a…

Submerged seventeen meters below the surface of San Fruttuoso Bay is the Cree-sto de-lye A-bis-see, or Christ of the Abyss. This bronze statue, standing two and a half meters tall with arms outstretched in a gesture of peace and…

While much of the marine protected area is experienced from the water, the network of hiking trails on the Portofino Promontory provides an essential terrestrial perspective on the sea. These trails, such as the one leading from…

The true 'stars' of the Portofino Marine Protected Area are the species that inhabit its deeper waters, particularly the famous red coral (Corallium rubrum) and the large dusky groupers. For centuries, red coral was a highly…

Our journey through the Area Marina Protetta Portofino concludes back on the sun-drenched shores of the promontory. We have explored a world that most visitors only see from the deck of a boat, uncovering the deep ecological and…