Best Beaches Near Camogli: From Easy Access to Hidden Coves

There is a widespread misconception about the Ligurian coast: many visitors arrive expecting long stretches of golden sand and leave surprised — or, if they give it a chance, utterly converted. Ligurian beaches are made of smooth, dark pebbles. The water above them is extraordinarily clear. There is no suspended sand to cloud your view of the seabed, no gritty residue on your towel, no murky shallows. What you get instead is water so transparent it looks like it has been filtered, and a coastline that has remained largely wild because it never attracted the mass beach-resort development of the Adriatic or the French Riviera. Camogli — a small fishing town on the western edge of the Portofino promontory — sits at the heart of this coastline. This guide is for guests staying nearby who want to make the most of their days at sea, from a morning dip two minutes from their apartment to a full-day adventure to a pirate-legend cove accessible only by foot or boat.

Camogli Beach (your everyday option)

Long, narrow, and flanked by the colourful stacked houses that make Camogli one of the most photographed towns in Italy, the main beach is the natural starting point for any stay. The pebbles are dark and smooth, sloping gradually into clear, calm water — a forgiving entry point for children and anyone who prefers wading to jumping from rocks.

The beach is split between equipped lido sections (sunbeds, parasols, bar service) in the centre and free public areas at either end. The town centre is a two-minute walk. Ice cream is never far away.

• Best for: families, quick morning swims, lazy afternoons
• Watch out for: crowds in August — arrive before 9am or after 5pm for a spot in the free zone

Punta Chiappa (the wildest hike-in option)

For those willing to earn their swim, Punta Chiappa delivers one of the most rewarding experiences on the entire Ligurian coast. The trail starts in Camogli, climbs to the hilltop village of San Rocco di Camogli, then descends through Mediterranean scrub to the very tip of the Portofino Promontory. Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes each way.

What waits at the bottom is almost primordial: flat rocks dropping directly into the sea, the occasional fishing boat anchored offshore, and a silence broken only by waves and seabirds. There are no facilities — no bar, no sunbeds, no showers. The water is among the clearest in the gulf, with excellent conditions for snorkelling: groupers, octopuses and schools of wrasse are common sightings.

In summer, Punta Chiappa is also reachable by ferry from Camogli harbour — useful for the return leg after a one-way hike, or for those who prefer to skip the walk entirely.

San Fruttuoso (the most spectacular)

If you only do one excursion from Camogli, make it this one. San Fruttuoso is a medieval hamlet — essentially unchanged since the thirteenth century — tucked into a bay with no road access. You arrive by sea or on foot, and that isolation is everything.

The coastal trail takes around 2 hours 30 minutes from Camogli through dense woodland with intermittent sea views. The summer ferry takes 20 minutes and drops you directly in front of the abbey. The pebble beach, with the Romanesque abbey rising behind it and fishing boats bobbing in the cove, is the kind of scene you remember for years.

Beneath the surface, at 17 metres depth, stands the Christ of the Abyss — a bronze statue placed here in 1954, now a pilgrimage destination for divers from across Europe. Snorkellers can catch a glimpse on exceptionally clear days. Two small restaurants on the waterfront serve fresh fish and Ligurian focaccia: book ahead or arrive early, tables are scarce and demand is high.

Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure (by train, 10-15 minutes)

Not every beach day needs to be an adventure. Sometimes the best option is a well-equipped lido, a cold drink, and a chair with a view. From Camogli, the Genoa–La Spezia railway line connects in 10 to 15 minutes to two towns with more developed beach infrastructure.

Santa Margherita Ligure has a free public beach near the harbour, a handsome palm-lined promenade, and an elegant but unpretentious atmosphere. It works year-round — shops, bars and restaurants don't shut in September.

Rapallo is more family-oriented: a long seafront boulevard shaded by palms, well-equipped beach clubs, and a relaxed pace. It is the right choice with young children or on days when you simply want to show up and be looked after.

• Train from Camogli: runs every 30-60 minutes, inexpensive tickets
• Santa Margherita: elegant, good for couples and independent travellers
• Rapallo: family-friendly, easy logistics, longer seafront for walking

Cala dell'Oro (the most hidden)

Almost no guidebook mentions it. It appears on maps in small print, if at all. Cala dell'Oro is the kind of place you hear about from other hikers or stumble upon by taking a wrong turn on the path to San Fruttuoso. It lies about 30 minutes on foot from San Fruttuoso — which means roughly three hours from Camogli when you add up the sections — or reachable by dinghy, kayak, or small motorboat.

The cove is tiny and almost perfectly circular, with rocky walls that shelter it from wind and noise alike. Local legend holds that pirates used it to hide their vessels — looking at the geography, it is easy to believe. The water is an intense emerald green, the seabed is clean, and finding a quiet spot is genuinely possible even in high season.

This is a destination for real adventurers. Bring everything you need — water, food, sun protection, a basic first-aid kit. There are no services of any kind. What you get in return is a piece of Ligurian coastline that feels genuinely untouched.

Practical tips: what to bring, when to go, getting around

What to pack: water shoes or reef sandals are a must — wet pebbles can be slippery. Bring a reusable water bottle (public fountains in Camogli), high-SPF sunscreen (the clear water reflects UV more than you expect), and a lightweight daypack for excursions.

Best time to visit: June and September are the sweet spot. Water temperature reaches 22–24°C, coves are not overcrowded, and lido prices are reasonable. July and August are livelier but busier. For hiking to Punta Chiappa or San Fruttuoso, avoid the central hours of summer days — the trails can be exposed and very hot.

Getting around: Camogli has limited parking and it fills up fast in summer. The smarter approach is to leave the car and use the train for coastal hops — faster, cheaper, and far less stressful. The Golfo Paradiso ferry service runs seasonal routes from Camogli to San Fruttuoso, Punta Chiappa and Portofino between April and October. Check timetables before you go — afternoon boats fill quickly.