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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 various to Cinque Terre.
Situated 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 a number of days — and whereas Camogli is fashionable with Italians, it’s largely unknown to worldwide vacationers.
Camogli will get a lot proper — beautiful 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 method residence. By the way, the identify “Camogli” is assumed to seek advice from the fishermen’s wives.
Even at present, 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 contemporary seafood. One of the best issues to do in Camogli are all about having fun with la dolce vita.
And for those who’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 wonderful little city has to supply!
This put up was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper and was printed in January 2025.
Finest Issues to Do in Camogli, Italy
Benefit from the lovely 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 kind 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 a good quantity of free area the place you possibly can lay down a towel and go for a dip. In any other case, you possibly can lease a solar lounger and umbrella from one of many seashore golf equipment (bagni) alongside the seashore. That is extra snug for those who’re planning on sticking round for a full day because the seashore is stoney.
Anticipate to pay round €30 ($32 USD) in summer season and not more than €20 ($21 USD) in off-season. If the attendants quote you something larger, you possibly can politely negotiate. (I really like to begin 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 thought for its high-mineral white wines produced from Vermentino and Pigato grapes grown on terraces on steep coastal cliffs. These grapes flourish underneath the limestone-dominant soil and Mediterranean local weather.
Nonetheless, Liguria’s hilly topography makes viticulture circumstances considerably difficult. To understand the talent of native winemakers, you possibly can join a non-public Ligurian wine tasting within the pure park.
Led by a sommelier, you’ll take a leisurely stroll by 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 big park blankets the entire peninsula — not simply the city of Portofino — and has greater than 50 miles of climbing trails that comply with historical pilgrimage routes.
Portofino Park is roofed with Mediterranean scrub and crops with a scattering of hamlets, church buildings, and outdated 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 may even thanks for carrying climbing poles!
You’ll be able to hike independently for those who’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 a number of mountain biking trails and guided coasteering actions.
And for those who’d prefer to hike with others, this small-group tour of Portofino Park allows you to delight in nature with out a map. After selecting up focaccia, you’ll take the boat to Punta Chiappa, then comply with the climbing path again all the way down to Camogli.
Go to Camogli’s many church buildings
When in Italy, you’re solely ever a number of yards out of your nearest lovely church. Camogli’s church buildings provide a second of respite from Italy’s fierce summer season solar.
Begin on the Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta) which takes satisfaction and prominence on the north finish of the seashore. Don’t be fooled by the standard 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.
A good uphill stroll brings you to the Church of the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus (Chiesa Millenaria). This historical church isn’t all the time open however the bay views are well worth the hike.
Throw in your sneakers and comply with the By way of San Rocco climbing path to the Parochial Church of San Rocco for unbelievable 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 briefly 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 would possibly spot fin whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins from the citadel.
Dragonara Fort additionally hosts native historical past and images displays. 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 find it irresistible!
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 successful – virtually 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.
Your 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 Warfare when native wives made choices to the Madonna to guard their husbands.
Anticipate fireworks, festive music, and fish cooked on the earth’s largest frying pan.
Seafood overlooking the seashore at La Rotonda
Seafood is greatest eaten with a view of, properly, the ocean. You’ll pay a surcharge to eat spaghetti al nero di seppie on the Italian Riviera’s seafront, but it surely’s price each cent.
La Rotonda is among the greatest 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 middle 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 skilled Gio Bono Ferrari, the majority of the gathering is 146 fashions of ships constructed virtually completely by Camogli’s passionate seafarers.
Different gadgets embrace 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 by Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. This is among the greatest 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 technique 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 a fantastic 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’ll be able to swim out to the Portofino Marine Park from San Fruttuoso’s pebbly seashore or lease a kayak. This protected space divides the Golfo Paradiso and the Golfo del Tigullio. It’s simply one of the vital 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 to be like acquainted, you could be considering of the same statue in Key Largo. In actual fact, the Key Largo statue is a copycat of its Italian cousin.
You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 implausible seashore and being comparatively flat, this northernmost city is an efficient 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 unique, quieter vibe.
It’s now doable to hike the By way of dell’Amore (Path of Love) between Manarola and Riomaggiore.
Cinque Terre is simply as spectacular because the images can have you imagine. Staying a number of days is good 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 possibly can take the practice again to Monterosso, then change 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 all the pieces. This city is on the small facet, and as you possibly can see, it’s not overflowing with sights.
That mentioned — for those who’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 related to different villages and cities within the area. Santa Margherita Ligure is simply 5 minutes away by practice, whereas Rapallo is 9. You’ll be able to mix these with San Fruttuoso and Portofino for a pleasant day journey.
You may also 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 shortly when exploring the Italian Riviera!
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 possibly can catch a practice to Camogli.
And for those who’re visiting different hotspots in Italy like Rome, Venice, and Florence, you possibly can simply join your technique to Camogli by practice.
The place To Keep in Camogli, Italy
Camogli’s greatest accommodations are dotted alongside the waterfront close to the citadel, seashore, and harborfront eating places. After all, waterfront comes with premium pricing. It can save you a bit for those who keep a number of streets away, however consider you’ll must 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 tub.
- High-rated Adults-only Lodge in Camogli: Swanky suites on the Sublimis Boutique Lodge have fascinating sea views by 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 Funds Lodge in Camogli: Stroll to all the pieces from the harborside I Tre Merli Locanda and stay 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 mild sea breeze maintain issues extra snug than inland cities.
Camogli is fashionable with Italian vacationers throughout summer season however sees fewer worldwide vacationers. Nevertheless, it’s going to be busy and also you’ll must pre-book a resort 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 excellent 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 many 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 a lot of companies shall be closed.
Mountain climbing Portofino Park is among the greatest issues to do in Camogli in off-season when it’s cooler.
Is Camogli Value It?
Camogli could be very a lot price it! I’m so glad I visited — and I really assume this is among the underrated so-called “hidden gems” that so many vacationers are trying to find in Italy.
Greater than that — I feel that Camogli offers 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 could have the most effective time in Camogli!
Extra on the Italian Riviera:
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Have you ever been to Camogli, Italy? Share your favourite experiences!
