11 Fun Things to Do in Camogli, Italy

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Ever heard of Camogli, Italy? This little beach town is one of my favorite gems in Italy — a gorgeous seaside town on the Ligurian Coast that makes a perfect alternative to Cinque Terre.

Located on the western side of the Portofino Peninsula, Camogli is just 15 miles from busy Genoa. It’s small enough to visit on a day trip from other Ligurian towns, but I think it’s one of the better options for a base in this part of northern Italy.

Camogli (pronounced ca-MO-lee) is probably my favorite town along the Italian Riviera. This is an exceedingly pleasant place to spend a few days — and while Camogli is popular with Italians, it’s mostly unknown to international travelers.

Camogli gets so much right — gorgeous houses, tightly packed together and painted in vibrant hues of terra cotta, pistachio, and canary. A long, pebbly beach, with neon turquoise waves to swim in. And so many fabulous seafood restaurants dishing up the catch of the day.

The bright colors of this town helped fishermen find their way home. Incidentally, the name “Camogli” is thought to refer to the fishermen’s wives.

Even today, I think Camogli still feels more like a fishing village than a typical Italian Riviera resort. A perfect place to laze about, swim in the sea, and eat fresh seafood. The best things to do in Camogli are all about enjoying la dolce vita.

And if you’re up for exploring, it couldn’t be easier to take day trips to Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Portofino, and plenty more towns of the Italian Riviera. Let’s take a look at what this amazing little town has to offer!

This post was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper and was published in January 2025.

A pretty pastel town in Italy set on a gray pebbly beach with big turquoise waves.

Best Things to Do in Camogli, Italy

Enjoy the beautiful beach

Camogli’s pastel-colored town is home to a pebble and black-sand beach that looks straight out of a postcard. This beach is quite large for such a small town (not to mention better than anything you’ll find in Cinque Terre), with a big area cordoned off for swimming in the shallow water of the Ligurian Sea.

There’s a decent amount of free space where you can lay down a towel and go for a dip. Otherwise, you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella from one of the beach clubs (bagni) along the beach. This is more comfortable if you’re planning on sticking around for a full day as the beach is stoney.

Expect to pay around €30 ($32 USD) in summer and no more than €20 ($21 USD) in low season. If the attendants quote you anything higher, you can politely negotiate. (I love to start with an incredulous “É vero?”)

A glass of white wine in front of a plate of two different cheeses.

Go on a wine-tasting experience

Every region of Italy is a wine-producing region — even if it’s just a nonno making wine in his backyard — and that includes the Ligurian Coast.

This area is known for its high-mineral white wines made from Vermentino and Pigato grapes grown on terraces on steep coastal cliffs. These grapes flourish under the limestone-dominant soil and Mediterranean climate.

Still, Liguria’s hilly topography makes viticulture conditions somewhat challenging. To appreciate the skill of local winemakers, you can sign up for a private Ligurian wine tasting in the natural park.

Led by a sommelier, you will take a leisurely stroll through the Camogli Natural Park before diving into a tasting platter.

A hiking trail along a green mountain next to the sea.

Hike in Portofino Natural Park

Escape into the natural beauty of northern Italy at the stunning Portofino Natural Park. This huge park blankets the whole peninsula — not just the town of Portofino — and has more than 50 miles of hiking trails that follow ancient pilgrimage routes.

Portofino Park is covered with Mediterranean scrub and plants with a scattering of hamlets, churches, and old forts.

It’s pretty rugged on the whole, and it’s a good idea to have good hiking boots for the more challenging routes. Your knees will also thank you for carrying hiking poles!

You can hike independently if you’d like. Most routes have decent signage, but in my experience, the Italians aren’t exactly as thorough with signs as, say, Central Europe or Germany. There are a few mountain biking trails and guided coasteering activities.

And if you’d like to hike with others, this small-group tour of Portofino Park lets you bask in nature without looking at a map. After picking up focaccia, you’ll take the boat to Punta Chiappa, then follow the hiking trail back down to Camogli.

A big yellow church perched on a gray pebbly beach in Italy.

Visit Camogli’s many churches

When in Italy, you’re only ever a few yards from your nearest beautiful church. Camogli’s churches offer a moment of respite from Italy’s fierce summer sun.

Start at the Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta) which takes pride and prominence at the north end of the beach. Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior – the nave is thickly clad with gold and marble.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Wood (Santuario di Nostra Signora del Boschetto) sits above the harbortown. It’s said that the Holy Madonna appeared here in 1500.

A decent uphill walk brings you to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Chiesa Millenaria). This ancient church isn’t always open but the bay views are worth the hike.

Throw on your sneakers and follow the Via San Rocco hiking trail to the Parochial Church of San Rocco for incredible views. It’s a lot of steps up to the hamlet, so you should bring your water bottle and a wide-brimmed hat.

A huge, old, stone castle perched on the edge of the sea.

See the Dragonara Castle

Once responsible for keeping pirates at bay and briefly used as a jail, Dragonara Castle now stands in partial ruin on the promontory.

Historians believe this castle was built in the 11th century, with further fortifications added in the following centuries. Bizarre fact of the day: the Camogli castle even served temporarily as an aquarium!

The fishes have since found a more suitable home in Genoa. However, whale watching remains one of the coolest things to do in Camogli. This part of the Italian Riviera sits in a cetacean sanctuary and you might spot fin whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins from the castle.

Dragonara Castle also hosts local history and photography exhibits. It’s free to climb up to the piazzale and take in panoramic views and magical sunsets over the gulf.

Kate, wearing a leopard print skirt and black tank top, standing next to an enormous giant frying pan.

Dine on local cuisine

Dining in Camogli revolves around whatever the fishermen unloaded from their nets that morning and freshly baked focaccia washed down with Ligerian wine. And I absolutely love it!

A special type of “skinny” focaccia is produced in the area. The neighboring town of Recco created a yeast-free flatbread stuffed with stracchino cheese during the 12th century and it proved to be a hit – almost 1,000 years later it’s still going strong!

You’ll find delicious focaccia di Recco at Revello, where there’s always a line. Most restaurants put their own spin on the local focaccia.

The entire village gets together every second Sunday in May at the Camogli Fish Festival, held in tribute to the patron saint of fishermen. It originated during the Second World War when local wives made offerings to the Madonna to protect their husbands.

Expect fireworks, festive music, and fish cooked in the world’s largest frying pan.

Plates of anchovies cooked different ways, octopus salad, and grilled vegetables.

Seafood overlooking the beach at La Rotonda

Seafood is best eaten with a view of, well, the sea. You’ll pay a surcharge to eat spaghetti al nero di seppie on the Italian Riviera’s seafront, but it’s worth every cent.

La Rotonda is one of the best spots for a sundown cocktail in Camogli. This family-owned business serves focaccia di Recco, octopus antipasto, and cocktails right on the rocks with a view over the historic town center and the gulf.

Head to La Rotonda for sunset or make a full day of it at the beach club. “The Beach” and terrace tiki bar are open seasonally while the restaurant stays open all year.

Reservations at La Rotonda are a good idea in high season, but not mandatory.

Explore the Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Camogli is a genuinely wholesome place to spend an hour. Founded by naval history expert Gio Bono Ferrari, the bulk of the collection is 146 models of ships built almost exclusively by Camogli’s passionate seafarers.

Other items include barometers, compasses, octants, and artificial horizons. Many of these nautical instruments were donated by local sailors, fishermen, and marine engineers.

It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. This is one of the best free things to do in Camogli!

An overhead view of a huge yellow church perched on a beach in front of turquoise water.

Visit San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso Bay is tucked away on the rocky southern coast of the Portofino Peninsula. Getting there is part of the adventure – the only way to reach it is on foot or by boat.

The hiking trail starts near Portofino and is downhill into the town, and uphill for the return. Boat services operate year-round from Camogli and seasonally from other towns on the Ligurian Coast, including Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo, making this a great combination day trip.

San Fruttuoso has a couple of sights, notably its 10th-century abbey and a 16th-century defensive tower. However, the town’s star appeal is getting out on the water.

You can swim out to the Portofino Marine Park from San Fruttuoso’s pebbly beach or rent a kayak. This protected area divides the Golfo Paradiso and the Golfo del Tigullio. It’s easily one of the most exciting things to do in Camogli in the summer!

An underwater statue of Christ, a scuba diver hovering nearby.

Christ of the Abyss

Pop on your snorkel mask and jump 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 those who died at sea.

If the statue looks familiar, you may be thinking of a similar statue in Key Largo. In fact, the Key Largo statue is a copycat of its Italian cousin.

You can just about see the statue when snorkeling on the surface. Otherwise, free diving or scuba diving brings you face-to-face. Portofino Divers runs excursions all year, with single dives between November and April and two dives from May.

A city of rainbow-colored homes carved into a cliff, just before sunset, the waves crashing beneath it.

Take a trip to Cinque Terre

Camogli is a convenient base for exploring the Cinque Terre — the famously picturesque five towns of Italy. You can see all five of them in a day trip from Camogli.

The fastest trains from Camogli to Monterosso al Mare, the first town of the Cinque Terre take one hour. Having a fantastic beach and being relatively flat, this northernmost town is a good option for people who don’t want to walk up hills.

The other four towns — Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore — are accessible via the Cinque Terre Express train; boats also run to all towns but Corniglia. Vernazza and Manarola are perhaps the most dramatic. Riomaggiore has the steepest hills in the region, while Corniglia is elevated with a different, quieter vibe.

It’s now possible to hike the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) between Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Cinque Terre is just as spectacular as the photos will have you believe. Staying a few days is ideal but a day trip covers the highlights. I recommend leaving Camogli early, starting in Monterosso, then visiting Vernazza, followed by Riomaggiore, and finishing with Manarola just in time for sunset.

From Manarola you can take the train back to Monterosso, then switch to a train back to Camogli.

People walking down a street lined with pastel buildings and cafes.

How Much Time to Spend in Camogli, Italy

You only need one full day in Camogli to see everything. This town is on the small side, and as you can see, it’s not overflowing with attractions.

That said — if you’re looking for a vacation base in the Italian Riviera, I think Camogli is a great contender, and tremendously underrated for international tourists.

It’s such a calm little spot yet fabulously connected to other villages and cities in the region. Santa Margherita Ligure is just five minutes away by train, while Rapallo is nine. You can combine those with San Fruttuoso and Portofino for a nice day trip.

You can also do a day trip to Cinque Terre, a hiking day trip in Portofino Natural Park, or a day trip to Genoa (now THAT is an underrated spot!). Your opportunities add up quickly when exploring the Italian Riviera!

People walking through tightly packed tables at street cafes.

How to Get to Camogli, Italy

Camogli’s train station is served by the line connecting Genoa and La Spezia. Trains from Genoa take around 45 minutes, while the fastest trains from Pisa take two hours.

Of these cities, Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is technically the closest option for flying into Camogli. However, the Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) in Pisa has way more connections with other European cities.

A five-minute journey on the Pisa-Mover shuttle brings you to Pisa Centrale, where you can catch a train to Camogli.

And if you’re visiting other hotspots in Italy like Rome, Venice, and Florence, you can easily connect your way to Camogli by train.

A cement waterfront with yellow buildings in the background in Camogli, Italy.

Where To Stay in Camogli, Italy

Camogli’s best hotels are dotted along the waterfront near the castle, beach, and harborfront restaurants. Of course, waterfront comes with premium pricing. You can save a bit if you stay a few streets away, but keep in mind you’ll need to climb down a hill to get to the beach and up a hill to get back.

Top-rated Luxury Hotel in Camogli: Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi has a waterfront setting with a huge swimming pool facing the Mediterranean Sea. Classy rooms feature antique-inspired furniture, some have a balcony or spa bath.
Top-rated Adults-only Hotel in Camogli: Swanky suites at the Sublimis Boutique Hotel have captivating sea views through wall-to-wall windows or private terraces. The train station and beach are minutes away.
Top-rated Mid-range Hotel in Camogli: Rooms and suites at the Carrick Hotel are accented with the same colors used on the waterfront terraces. Head to the roof terrace for a jacuzzi or cocktail with a mountain view.
Top-rated Budget Hotel in Camogli: Walk to everything from the harborside I Tre Merli Locanda and look forward to a soak in the hot tub after a day on the beach or local trails.

Find deals on places to stay in Camogli here.

A close-up of Camogli's gray pebbly beach, with bright yellow umbrellas at a beach club.

Best Time To Visit Camogli, Italy

Summer is THE time to vacation on the Italian Riviera! While temperatures sizzle, Camogli’s swimmable beach and gentle sea breeze keep things more comfortable than inland cities.

Camogli is popular with Italian tourists during summer but sees fewer international travelers. However, it’s going to be busy and you’ll need to pre-book a hotel and hustle for a spot on the beach.

If you want to visit in the summer but with fewer crowds, I recommend early June or late September.

Spring and fall are also lovely times to visit the Ligurian Coast. The sea temperature reaches 64°F (18°C) by May, which is just about perfect walking-around weather.

The Sagra del Pesce festival on the second Sunday of May is always great fun to experience.

Camogli shuts down at the end of October and lots of hotels and restaurants close up for the winter. It’s still very charming and you can enjoy strolling along the seafront, but you should know that lots of businesses will be closed.

Hiking Portofino Park is one of the best things to do in Camogli in low season when it’s cooler.

Kate posing for a smiling selfie in sunglasses, overlooking the one gray beach and pastel buildings of Camogli.

Is Camogli Worth It?

Camogli is very much worth it! I’m so glad I visited — and I truly think this is one of the underrated so-called “hidden gems” that so many travelers are searching for in Italy.

More than that — I think that Camogli gives travelers what they are expecting to get in Cinque Terre, with fewer crowds and lower prices. That right there is a big win.

I hope you have the best time in Camogli!

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