Adventurous Kate incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. Should you make a purchase order via these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a fee at no further value to you. Thanks!
Ever heard of Camogli, Italy? This little seashore city is considered one of my favourite gems in Italy — a beautiful seaside city on the Ligurian Coast that makes an ideal different to Cinque Terre.
Positioned on the western facet of the Portofino Peninsula, Camogli is simply 15 miles from busy Genoa. It’s sufficiently small to go to on a day journey from different Ligurian cities, however I feel it’s one of many higher choices for a base on this a part of northern Italy.
Camogli (pronounced ca-MO-lee) might be my favourite city alongside the Italian Riviera. That is an exceedingly nice place to spend just a few days — and whereas Camogli is common with Italians, it’s principally unknown to worldwide vacationers.
Camogli will get a lot proper — attractive homes, tightly packed collectively and painted in vibrant hues of terra cotta, pistachio, and canary. A protracted, pebbly seashore, with neon turquoise waves to swim in. And so many fabulous seafood eating places dishing up the catch of the day.
The intense colours of this city helped fishermen discover their approach residence. By the way, the identify “Camogli” is assumed to confer with the fishermen’s wives.
Even right now, I feel Camogli nonetheless feels extra like a fishing village than a typical Italian Riviera resort. An ideal place to laze about, swim within the sea, and eat recent seafood. The most effective issues to do in Camogli are all about having fun with la dolce vita.
And when you’re up for exploring, it couldn’t be simpler to take day journeys to Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Portofino, and lots extra cities of the Italian Riviera. Let’s check out what this superb little city has to supply!
This submit was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper and was revealed in January 2025.
Finest Issues to Do in Camogli, Italy
Benefit from the stunning seashore
Camogli’s pastel-colored city is residence to a pebble and black-sand seashore that appears straight out of a postcard. This seashore is sort of giant for such a small city (to not point out higher than something you’ll discover in Cinque Terre), with an enormous space cordoned off for swimming within the shallow water of the Ligurian Sea.
There’s an honest quantity of free area the place you’ll be able to lay down a towel and go for a dip. In any other case, you’ll be able to hire a solar lounger and umbrella from one of many seashore golf equipment (bagni) alongside the seashore. That is extra comfy when you’re planning on sticking round for a full day because the seashore is stoney.
Anticipate to pay round €30 ($32 USD) in summer time and not more than €20 ($21 USD) in off-season. If the attendants quote you something larger, you’ll be able to politely negotiate. (I really like to start out with an incredulous “É vero?”)
Go on a wine-tasting expertise
Each area of Italy is a wine-producing area — even when it’s only a nonno making wine in his yard — and that features the Ligurian Coast.
This space is understood for its high-mineral white wines constructed from Vermentino and Pigato grapes grown on terraces on steep coastal cliffs. These grapes flourish below the limestone-dominant soil and Mediterranean local weather.
Nonetheless, Liguria’s hilly topography makes viticulture situations considerably difficult. To understand the talent of native winemakers, you’ll be able to join a non-public Ligurian wine tasting within the pure park.
Led by a sommelier, you’ll take a leisurely stroll via the Camogli Pure Park earlier than diving right into a tasting platter.
Hike in Portofino Pure Park
Escape into the pure fantastic thing about northern Italy on the beautiful Portofino Pure Park. This enormous park blankets the entire peninsula — not simply the city of Portofino — and has greater than 50 miles of climbing trails that comply with historic pilgrimage routes.
Portofino Park is roofed with Mediterranean scrub and crops with a scattering of hamlets, church buildings, and previous forts.
It’s fairly rugged on the entire, and it’s a good suggestion to have good climbing boots for the tougher routes. Your knees will even thanks for carrying climbing poles!
You possibly can hike independently when you’d like. Most routes have first rate signage, however in my expertise, the Italians aren’t precisely as thorough with indicators as, say, Central Europe or Germany. There are just a few mountain biking trails and guided coasteering actions.
And when you’d wish to hike with others, this small-group tour of Portofino Park allows you to delight in nature with out a map. After choosing up focaccia, you’ll take the boat to Punta Chiappa, then comply with the climbing path again right down to Camogli.
Go to Camogli’s many church buildings
When in Italy, you’re solely ever just a few yards out of your nearest stunning church. Camogli’s church buildings provide a second of respite from Italy’s fierce summer time solar.
Begin on the Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta) which takes pleasure and prominence on the north finish of the seashore. Don’t be fooled by the common-or-garden exterior – the nave is thickly clad with gold and marble.
The Sanctuary of Our Woman of the Wooden (Santuario di Nostra Signora del Boschetto) sits above the harbortown. It’s mentioned that the Holy Madonna appeared right here in 1500.
An honest uphill stroll brings you to the Church of the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus (Chiesa Millenaria). This historic church isn’t all the time open however the bay views are definitely worth the hike.
Throw in your sneakers and comply with the Through San Rocco climbing path to the Parochial Church of San Rocco for unimaginable views. It’s a number of steps as much as the hamlet, so it’s best to carry your water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat.
See the Dragonara Fort
As soon as chargeable for holding pirates at bay and briefly used as a jail, Dragonara Fort now stands in partial destroy on the promontory.
Historians imagine this citadel was constructed within the eleventh century, with additional fortifications added within the following centuries. Weird truth of the day: the Camogli citadel even served quickly as an aquarium!
The fishes have since discovered a extra appropriate residence in Genoa. Nevertheless, whale watching stays one of many coolest issues to do in Camogli. This a part of the Italian Riviera sits in a cetacean sanctuary and also you may spot fin whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins from the citadel.
Dragonara Fort additionally hosts native historical past and images reveals. It’s free to climb as much as the piazzale and absorb panoramic views and magical sunsets over the gulf.
Dine on native delicacies
Eating in Camogli revolves round regardless of the fishermen unloaded from their nets that morning and freshly baked focaccia washed down with Ligerian wine. And I completely like it!
A particular kind of “skinny” focaccia is produced within the space. The neighboring city of Recco created a yeast-free flatbread full of stracchino cheese through the twelfth century and it proved to be a success – nearly 1,000 years later it’s nonetheless going robust!
You’ll discover scrumptious focaccia di Recco at Revello, the place there’s all the time a line. Most eating places put their very own spin on the native focaccia.
The complete village will get collectively each second Sunday in Might on the Camogli Fish Pageant, held in tribute to the patron saint of fishermen. It originated through the Second World Conflict when native wives made choices to the Madonna to guard their husbands.
Anticipate fireworks, festive music, and fish cooked on this planet’s largest frying pan.
Seafood overlooking the seashore at La Rotonda
Seafood is finest eaten with a view of, nicely, the ocean. You’ll pay a surcharge to eat spaghetti al nero di seppie on the Italian Riviera’s seafront, but it surely’s value each cent.
La Rotonda is without doubt one of the finest spots for a sunset cocktail in Camogli. This family-owned enterprise serves focaccia di Recco, octopus antipasto, and cocktails proper on the rocks with a view over the historic city heart and the gulf.
Head to La Rotonda for sundown or make a full day of it on the seashore membership. “The Seashore” and terrace tiki bar are open seasonally whereas the restaurant stays open all yr.
Reservations at La Rotonda are a good suggestion in excessive season, however not obligatory.
Discover the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Camogli is a genuinely healthful place to spend an hour. Based by naval historical past professional Gio Bono Ferrari, the majority of the gathering is 146 fashions of ships constructed nearly solely by Camogli’s passionate seafarers.
Different gadgets embody barometers, compasses, octants, and synthetic horizons. Many of those nautical devices have been donated by native sailors, fishermen, and marine engineers.
It’s open Tuesday via Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Camogli!
Go to San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso Bay is tucked away on the rocky southern coast of the Portofino Peninsula. Getting there may be a part of the journey – the one approach to attain it’s on foot or by boat.
The climbing path begins close to Portofino and is downhill into the city, and uphill for the return. Boat companies function year-round from Camogli and seasonally from different cities on the Ligurian Coast, together with Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo, making this an excellent mixture day journey.
San Fruttuoso has a few sights, notably its Tenth-century abbey and a Sixteenth-century defensive tower. Nevertheless, the city’s star enchantment is getting out on the water.
You possibly can swim out to the Portofino Marine Park from San Fruttuoso’s pebbly seashore or hire a kayak. This protected space divides the Golfo Paradiso and the Golfo del Tigullio. It’s simply one of the thrilling issues to do in Camogli in the summertime!
Christ of the Abyss
Pop in your snorkel masks and soar into the San Fruttuoso Bay for a peek at this submerged statue!
A bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss (Cristo degli abissi) rests on the seabed at a depth of 17 meters. Carved by Guido Galletti, it commemorates the Italian diver Dario Gonzatti and people who died at sea.
If the statue appears acquainted, you might be considering of the same statue in Key Largo. Actually, the Key Largo statue is a copycat of its Italian cousin.
You possibly can nearly see the statue when snorkeling on the floor. In any other case, free diving or scuba diving brings you face-to-face. Portofino Divers runs excursions all yr, with single dives between November and April and two dives from Might.
Make a journey to Cinque Terre
Camogli is a handy base for exploring the Cinque Terre — the famously picturesque 5 cities of Italy. You possibly can see all 5 of them in a day journey from Camogli.
The quickest trains from Camogli to Monterosso al Mare, the primary city of the Cinque Terre take one hour. Having a improbable seashore and being comparatively flat, this northernmost city is an effective choice for individuals who don’t wish to stroll up hills.
The opposite 4 cities — Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore — are accessible through the Cinque Terre Specific practice; boats additionally run to all cities however Corniglia. Vernazza and Manarola are maybe probably the most dramatic. Riomaggiore has the steepest hills within the area, whereas Corniglia is elevated with a special, quieter vibe.
It’s now potential to hike the Through dell’Amore (Path of Love) between Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Cinque Terre is simply as spectacular because the photographs may have you imagine. Staying just a few days is right however a day journey covers the highlights. I like to recommend leaving Camogli early, beginning in Monterosso, then visiting Vernazza, adopted by Riomaggiore, and ending with Manarola simply in time for sundown.
From Manarola you’ll be able to take the practice again to Monterosso, then swap to a practice again to Camogli.
How A lot Time to Spend in Camogli, Italy
You solely want one full day in Camogli to see every thing. This city is on the small facet, and as you’ll be able to see, it’s not overflowing with sights.
That mentioned — when you’re on the lookout for a trip base within the Italian Riviera, I feel Camogli is a good contender, and tremendously underrated for worldwide vacationers.
It’s such a peaceful little spot but fabulously linked to different villages and cities within the area. Santa Margherita Ligure is simply 5 minutes away by practice, whereas Rapallo is 9. You possibly can mix these with San Fruttuoso and Portofino for a pleasant day journey.
You may as well do a day journey to Cinque Terre, a climbing day journey in Portofino Pure Park, or a day journey to Genoa (now THAT is an underrated spot!). Your alternatives add up rapidly when exploring the Italian Riviera!
Easy methods to Get to Camogli, Italy
Camogli’s practice station is served by the road connecting Genoa and La Spezia. Trains from Genoa take round 45 minutes, whereas the quickest trains from Pisa take two hours.
Of those cities, Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is technically the closest choice for flying into Camogli. Nevertheless, the Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) in Pisa has far more connections with different European cities.
A five-minute journey on the Pisa-Mover shuttle brings you to Pisa Centrale, the place you’ll be able to catch a practice to Camogli.
And when you’re visiting different hotspots in Italy like Rome, Venice, and Florence, you’ll be able to simply join your approach to Camogli by practice.
The place To Keep in Camogli, Italy
Camogli’s finest accommodations are dotted alongside the waterfront close to the citadel, seashore, and harborfront eating places. In fact, waterfront comes with premium pricing. It can save you a bit when you keep just a few streets away, however have in mind you’ll have to climb down a hill to get to the seashore and up a hill to get again.
- High-rated Luxurious Lodge in Camogli: Lodge Cenobio Dei Dogi has a waterfront setting with an enormous swimming pool dealing with the Mediterranean Sea. Stylish rooms characteristic antique-inspired furnishings, some have a balcony or spa bathtub.
- High-rated Adults-only Lodge in Camogli: Swanky suites on the Sublimis Boutique Lodge have charming sea views via wall-to-wall home windows or non-public terraces. The practice station and seashore are minutes away.
- High-rated Mid-range Lodge in Camogli: Rooms and suites on the Carrick Lodge are accented with the identical colours used on the waterfront terraces. Head to the roof terrace for a jacuzzi or cocktail with a mountain view.
- High-rated Finances Lodge in Camogli: Stroll to every thing from the harborside I Tre Merli Locanda and sit up for a soak within the sizzling tub after a day on the seashore or native trails.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Camogli right here.
Finest Time To Go to Camogli, Italy
Summer time is THE time to trip on the Italian Riviera! Whereas temperatures sizzle, Camogli’s swimmable seashore and delicate sea breeze hold issues extra comfy than inland cities.
Camogli is common with Italian vacationers throughout summer time however sees fewer worldwide vacationers. Nevertheless, it’s going to be busy and also you’ll have to pre-book a lodge and hustle for a spot on the seashore.
If you wish to go to in the summertime however with fewer crowds, I like to recommend early June or late September.
Spring and fall are additionally pretty instances to go to the Ligurian Coast. The ocean temperature reaches 64°F (18°C) by Might, which is nearly good walking-around climate.
The Sagra del Pesce competition on the second Sunday of Might is all the time nice enjoyable to expertise.
Camogli shuts down on the finish of October and plenty of accommodations and eating places shut up for the winter. It’s nonetheless very charming and you may take pleasure in strolling alongside the seafront, however it’s best to know that numerous companies will probably be closed.
Climbing Portofino Park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Camogli in off-season when it’s cooler.
Is Camogli Value It?
Camogli may be very a lot value it! I’m so glad I visited — and I actually assume this is without doubt one of the underrated so-called “hidden gems” that so many vacationers are looking for in Italy.
Greater than that — I feel that Camogli provides vacationers what they’re anticipating to get in Cinque Terre, with fewer crowds and decrease costs. That proper there’s a large win.
I hope you’ve the most effective time in Camogli!
Extra on the Italian Riviera:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
- Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
- 30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
- The place to Keep in Rome, Italy
- 35+ Finest Issues to Do in Florence, Italy
- Easy methods to Spend Three Days in Florence, Italy
- The place to Discover the Finest Views in Florence, Italy
- Finest Day Journeys from Florence, Italy
- 16 Cool Issues to Do in Siena, Italy
- 16 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Pisa, Italy
- 14 Fab Issues to Do in San Gimignano, Italy
- Parma, Italy: A Colourful, Artsy, Scrumptious City
- The place to Keep in Rome: Finest Neighborhoods and Lodging
- Three Days within the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
- The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
- 25 Finest Meals Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- 23 Finest Issues to Do in Bologna, Italy
- 30+ Finest Issues to Do in Venice, Italy
- 16 Cool Day Journeys from Venice, Italy
- Easy methods to Spend 1 Day in Venice, Italy
- Information to Murano Island in Venice
- Information to Burano Island in Venice
Cool Locations in Southern Italy:
- 28 Fabulous Issues to Do in Naples, Italy
- 16 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Sorrento, Italy
- Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Located Seashore City
- The Joys and Challenges of Touring in Sicily
- 22 Stunning Locations to Go to in Sicily
- The place to Go in Jap Sicily
- 23 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Palermo, Sicily
- Full Information to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
- Aci Trezza: A Laid-Again Coastal City in Sicily
- Visiting Sicily within the Winter: Value it or not?
- 17 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Bari, Italy
- 17 Cool Issues to Do in Matera, Italy
- The Beautiful Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
- 16 Fab Issues to Do in Lecce, Italy
- Experiencing the Carpino Folks Pageant in Puglia, Italy
Have you ever been to Camogli, Italy? Share your favourite experiences!