San Fruttuoso — Portofino AMP
San Fruttuoso di Camogli · Cristo degli Abissi anchorage
44°19.7'N 09°09.1'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
On AMP mooring buoys, reduce alarm to 40m (buoy + line length). Free anchoring is prohibited — if you anchor here without using a buoy, expect a fine from AMP wardens who patrol by RIB daily. Day and overnight stays permitted on buoys. Check buoy availability with AMP office (portofinoamp.it).
About This Anchorage
San Fruttuoso is one of the most magical spots on the entire Italian Riviera — a tiny hamlet in a narrow valley between towering cliffs, accessible only by sea or a steep hiking path (3h from Portofino or Camogli). The 10th-century Benedictine Abbey of San Fruttuoso of Capodimonte, the ancient Doria tower, and the 'Cristo degli Abissi' statue 15m below the water's surface create an extraordinary combination of history, spirituality, and marine beauty. The AMP buoy field provides the only legitimate anchoring; free anchoring is prohibited in Zone B. The walk from Camogli over the Portofino headland (2.5h) delivers hikers directly to the hamlet — it's worth timing a shore-side visit to coincide with your arrival by boat.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- N/A — free anchoring prohibited in Zone B. Must use AMP buoys.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- AMP buoy fee applies — no advance permit required; pay on arrival to AMP staff who collect on the water. Contact portofinoamp.it or VHF Ch 16. Diving in Zone B (Cristo degli Abissi) requires written authorization from Portofino AMP.
Restrictions: Zone A (tip of Portofino promontory): no navigation within 50m. Zone B: no free anchoring; mooring buoys only; boats >23.99m prohibited in Zone B coast; no fishing; diving only with AMP authorization. Speed limit 5 kn within AMP. No spearfishing. No anchoring on Posidonia.
Hazards
- !S and SE exposure: The bay is fully open to the S — Libeccio from SW can send swell into the bay; if above F3 from S quadrant, conditions become uncomfortable on the buoys
- !AMP patrol enforcement: AMP wardens on RIBs patrol actively — non-compliance with buoy requirement results in immediate fine and removal from the area
- !Limited buoy capacity: The buoy field has a limited number of buoys — arrive before 11:00 in peak season for availability; late afternoon arrivals regularly find no space
- !Hiking path cliff risk: Visitors arriving by hiking path should note the paths are steep and exposed — the maritime approach (by boat or water taxi from Camogli/Portofino) is safer for non-experienced hikers
Skipper's Tips
- →The 'Cristo degli Abissi' is visible from the surface when water is clear (which it usually is) — snorkel down for a closer look; the original statue has been replaced by a replica (the original is in the Camogli museum)
- →San Fruttuoso at night (if you stay on a buoy overnight) is extraordinary — the hamlet has no electricity supply and the only lights are from the abbey and boats; the stars are spectacular
- →The water taxi service from Camogli and Portofino runs multiple times daily in summer — meeting sailing friends arriving by land is straightforward
- →The Benedictine abbey (admission fee) includes access to the remarkable medieval cloister, the Doria family mausoleum, and the watchtower; guided visits available
Facilities
One restaurant in San Fruttuoso (seasonal, open June–September) — basic and expensive but unique setting. The abbey itself has a small shop. No fuel or water at the hamlet. Full facilities at Santa Margherita Ligure (6nm).
Nearest provisions: Santa Margherita Ligure (6nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: buoys fill by noon, tour boats constant, expensive. The AMP's marine environment is at its best in May when Posidonia is flowering and visibility is excellent.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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