Top 10 beaches in Liguria
From sandy village beaches to small coves beneath dramatic cliffs, Liguria offers a beautiful variety of places to swim. Discover ten of our favourite beaches, with practical tips for exploring the Italian Riviera.
10. Laigueglia
Laigueglia’s sandy beach curves along the waterfront beneath pastel façades and the twin towers of San Matteo. The town makes a lovely choice for a beach day with cafés, restaurants and the old fishing village close at hand. The shore has beach clubs alongside public sections.
Why visit: Fine sand, a gently shelving shoreline and a characterful seaside village.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive by train where practical and explore Laigueglia’s historic centre before settling on the beach. Check local flags and conditions even when the sea looks calm.
9. Moneglia
Moneglia’s central sandy beach sits in a bay backed by colourful houses and green hills. It is a convenient place to combine a swim with a wander through the village, with a mixture of equipped beach areas and public stretches.
Why visit: A sandy town beach with a relaxed setting and cafés nearby.
Hidden Italy tip: The train is an easy way to reach Moneglia. If driving, check current access notices and follow the signed route: the coastal Strada delle Gallerie has been affected by major closures and safety works.
8. Bonassola
Bonassola opens onto a broad bay just west of Levanto, with coarse sand and pebbles framed by green slopes. Its compact centre is a pleasant place for lunch, while the seafront offers both beach-club facilities and public areas.
Why visit: A scenic bay and a useful alternative base near Cinque Terre.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine the beach with the walking and cycling route through former railway tunnels towards Levanto or Framura. Bonassola also has its own railway station.
7. Camogli
Camogli’s pebble beach stretches beneath tall, brightly painted houses on the Golfo Paradiso. It is a memorable place to swim with the village skyline behind you, then wander to the fishing harbour for a coffee or an evening meal.
Why visit: Colourful waterfront views and an easy combination of beach and village life.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring water shoes for the pebbles and use the train to avoid limited parking. Camogli is an overnight stop on our 7-day Liguria itinerary.
6. Noli
Noli’s beach lies immediately in front of its medieval centre, with fishing boats, a waterfront promenade and the surrounding hills shaping the view. The shore varies between sand and small stones, with beach clubs and public areas.
Why visit: A swim beside one of Liguria’s most atmospheric historic coastal towns.
Hidden Italy tip: Explore Noli’s lanes and towers in the morning before choosing a beach spot. Leave working boats and fishing access clear, and use designated parking.
5. Fegina, Monterosso al Mare
Fegina is Monterosso’s best-known beach, with sand and pebbles, recognisable offshore rocks and a long promenade. It is one of the easiest places to add a proper beach break to a Cinque Terre visit, with the railway station close by.
Why visit: A convenient beach day within Cinque Terre, with village walks and sea views.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive by train and expect crowds in high season. Compare public sections with paid beach clubs, and combine your swim with the villages on our Liguria itinerary.
4. Fiascherino
Between Lerici and Tellaro, Fiascherino has two small coves reached by steps from the road. Sand, pebbles and rocky edges create a more intimate setting than the larger town beaches, with Mediterranean greenery above the water.
Why visit: Small scenic coves close to the villages of the Gulf of Poets.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine a swim with Tellaro. Parking and beach space are limited, so consider the local bus and check the exact access point if stairs are difficult for you.
3. Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante
Pastel houses and small fishing boats frame the sandy curve of the Baia del Silenzio. Right beside Sestri Levante’s historic centre, this is one of Liguria’s most distinctive places for a swim or a quiet morning by the water.
Why visit: A beautiful sandy bay surrounded by the old town.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive early and check the municipality’s current access rules. Summer capacity controls can apply; the bay’s name does not mean it stays quiet in July and August. Visit it on our 7-day route.
2. San Fruttuoso
San Fruttuoso’s tiny pebble beach sits below its historic abbey on the Portofino promontory. Green slopes surround the bay, giving it a striking setting, although the beach becomes busy when boats arrive.
Why visit: A remarkable combination of abbey, wooded coastline and clear water in calm conditions.
Hidden Italy tip: There is no road access. Arrive by boat from Camogli when services and sea conditions allow, checking the last return. Walking routes are steep in places and require preparation. Include it as an optional stop on our Liguria itinerary.
1. Baia dei Saraceni, Varigotti
East of Varigotti, the Baia dei Saraceni combines a curved shore of sand and small pebbles with the dramatic landscape around Punta Crena and Capo Noli. On a calm, clear day, the water is the main attraction, with the colourful village nearby.
Why visit: A scenic bay with beautiful water and one of the Riviera’s most distinctive coastal settings.
Hidden Italy tip: Parking beside the Aurelia is limited. Check local bus options from Finale Ligure and use marked access points. Baia dei Saraceni and neighbouring Malpasso are distinct beach areas; verify the current access arrangements and charges for your chosen stretch.
Plan your Liguria trip
Want to see more than the beaches? Explore colourful villages, historic Genoa and the Gulf of Poets with our regional guide and seven-day itinerary. Beach access, facilities and boat services vary by season; always check current local notices.
7-day roadtrip
Plan seven days through Genoa, Noli, Camogli, Cinque Terre and Tellaro, with practical driving and train advice and suggested overnight bases.
LIGURIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Discover Liguria’s coastal villages, medieval hill towns, local food and dramatic scenery, with practical tips for your trip.