Abbazia di San Fruttuoso
Tucked into a cove with no road access, the 10th-century Abbazia di San Fruttuoso is one of the most atmospheric spots on the entire Italian coast — a Benedictine monastery, a medieval tower, a tiny beach and, eight metres below the surface offshore, the famous bronze Cristo degli Abissi statue. You can only arrive by boat or on foot, which keeps it wonderfully real.
Getting There and What You Find
Ferries run from Portofino (20 min), Santa Margherita Ligure (35 min) and Camogli (30 min) throughout the day in season, operated by Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio. Alternatively, a spectacular 3-hour coastal hiking trail connects Portofino to San Fruttuoso through the nature reserve — one of the best day hikes in Liguria.
The abbey itself is managed by the FAI (Italian National Trust) and is open to visitors. The cloister, with its double loggia of Romanesque arches, is extraordinarily well-preserved. The small beach in front is sheltered and perfect for swimming.
Cristo degli Abissi — The Submerged Christ
In 1954 a bronze statue of Christ with arms raised toward the surface was lowered to the seabed just outside the cove, placed there as a memorial to divers lost at sea and as a symbol of protection for all who sail these waters. It has since become one of the most visited underwater sites in the Mediterranean.
Snorkellers with a mask can see the statue in calm conditions — it sits at 8–10 metres depth and the water clarity is exceptional. Several dive operators run guided dives to the Cristo; it is an unforgettable experience even for non-divers on a glass-bottomed boat tour.
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