Colorful Camogli, Italy: The Less-Visited Ligurian Coast Gem
After years and countless miles traveling the Bel Paese, we found a place that truly knocked our socks off — Camogli, Italy!
What if I told you the most memorable Italian destination I’ve visited on the Ligurian coast wasn’t glitzy Portofino or Genoa, or even the Cinque Terre, but a true Italian bucket list locale that’s still mostly under the radar with a name that’s even harder to pronounce than most?
You already know the places of Italy that you “must see” before you die, I’m sure.
But if you’re looking at the small, charming towns on the Ligurian coast known as the Italian Riviera, there is one you don’t want to miss — colorful Camogli, Italy, one of the prettiest places to visit in northern Italy.
At the very least, make it your base from which to discover the upper Ligurian coast of Genoa, Portofino, Santa Margarita Ligure, and San Fruttuoso.
This seaside village has a wealth of scenic views and activities to offer visitors, from exciting culture and of course the amazing food of Liguria.
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Where is Camogli, Italy?
Set on the western side of the picturesque Portofino peninsula, Camogli (pronounced ca-MOW-lyi) has an ideal location on the Ligurian coast, between Genoa and Sestri Levante.
But like any place that is sandwiched between two more popular destinations — take Bologna between Venice and Florence, for example — Camogli is not quite a hidden gem but certainly less-visited, which is great news for slow travelers.
Like much of Liguria’s coast, Camogli is like many small Italian towns in the region known for its colorful buildings and maritime history.
Its name derives from two Italian words for house (casa) and wife (moglie), and the combination (Case delle Moglie, or the wive's houses) is thought to be named for the women who held down the home while their husbands went off to sea.
In this travel guide to Camogli, Italy you’ll find everything you’ll need to know to plan your trip to this coastal gem.
It isn’t a huge place, thankfully, but our guide shares how to get there, its history, what and where to eat (some great places you don’t want to miss), and all of the best things to do in Camogli.
Getting to Camogli
FLY
The closest airport to Camogli is the Cristoforo Colombo International Airport in Genoa. Flying into Genoa, the airport is approximately 20 miles (34 km) from Camogli.
TRAIN
If you are traveling by train to Camogli, there are a variety of options available. Plus, many top destinations offer numerous trains throughout the day.
Trains from Genoa to Camogli are a quick 15 minute ride. For those traveling from Milan to Camogli, trains take between 2 to 3 hours.
And for those taking the train from Nice to Camogli, the trip is on average just under 6 hours. However, there are faster trains that will get you there in under 4 hours.
BUS
Camogli is easily accessible by bus as well. It’s a popular stop on all bus lines serving the Liguria region from Genoa to the Cinque Terre. Taking the bus from Genoa takes approximately 1 hour.
DRIVE
For those arriving in Camogli by car, you can take the A12 from Genoa, which is the fastest route.
Or you can take the scenic 1 Aurelia that runs along the coast.
That said, however, you should know that finding parking in Camogli isn’t always easy, and you will need to park in designated lots around town and walk down into the town from there.
Free parking spaces can generally be found around Piazza Matteotti and Via San Rocco but they fill up quickly.
History of Camogli
With a nickname like "The City of A Thousand White Sails," it’s easy to imagine Camogli’s rich maritime history.
It has a longtime fishing tradition, and most of its commerce still revolves around the sea. Even the signature colorful houses are easy landmarks and were known to help fishermen find their way back home.
As a significant seaport in the late Middle Ages, the fishing village rose to fame for its fleet of tall ships that numbered in the hundreds.
Camogli was always bustling with fishermen and sailors but they contributed to the shipping industry in other ways by supplying places across Europe with thousands of ships.
One of the town’s most notable times in their history was in the 18th century when Camogli became the base for Napoleon’s fleet prior to the Battle of the Nile.
However, after the fall of Napoleon in 1814, it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Then in 1861, Camogli was incorporated into Italy.
Where to Stay in Camogli
When it comes to hotels, Camogli has plenty to offer from Airbnbs and other vacation rentals, quaint B&Bs in town and in the hills above, and a good range of comfy hotels both upscale and moderately priced. Here are a few of our favorites:
Upscale
If you’re looking for more of an upscale experience to relax in, Camogli offers several good places to try like the Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi and the adults-only Sublimis Boutique Hotel.
The sleek and modern decor of the Sublimis Boutique Hotel really is sublime, and some of the rooms have walk-out terraces right from your room that overlook the water!
The Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi on the other hand is more classic in design with crisp white linens and parquet floors that seem to glow in the sunlight streaming in. The Cenobio Dei Dogi also has an excellent restaurant onsite overlooking the sea.
Moderate and Budget
Carrick Hotel - If sleek and modern tugs at your heart, the Carrick is the spot-on choice, AND it’s budget-friendly! It’s also got a great location, just a short walk to most attractions, the promenade, and the train station.
Tre Merli Locanda - If you want to stay in a place as colorful as Camogli itself, theTre Merli Locanda is just the place. The warm interior hues here not only match the city’s charm, but the whole vibe as well. And the best part? See below… the location right on the marina means you’ll have the best view of Camogli at your fingertips!
What and Where to Eat in Camogli, Liguria
The typical Ligurian dishes you’ll find in nearby Genoa, Camogli and down into the Cinque Terre include fresh seafood, focaccia, and traditional pesto Genovese.
You’ll find plenty of good ristorantes and osterias in Camogli along the promenade and around town that offer good drinks and cocktails, great views, and most of these regional specialties.
One of the best places to eat in Camogli is Da Paolo. Located on the marina, they’re best known for their local seafood dishes and the seafood antipasti is a great way to start the meal.
If you’re looking for the best Ligurian focaccia then visit Revello Foccaceria, a family bakery located along the promenade. They have the best foccacia in town and one of their top sellers is the the focaccia di Recco.
Things to Do in Camogli
Take a Food or Wine Tour
For those looking to dig a little deeper into the local food culture there are a variety of good food tours available.
>>> Enjoy a few of the amazing dishes that Liguria is known with lunch or dinner and a cooking demo at a local home in Camogli.<<<
>>> We loved this 2.5 hour wine tasting experience where we tasted 4 unique wines from the Liguria region. <<<
Enjoy Aperitivo on the Promenade
A must on the list of Camogli things to do is enjoy an aperitivo on the promenade — you may even end up doing it every day you’re there!
Wrapping around the beach, the promenade in Camogli is the perfect spot to relax, sip on a refreshing drink, watch the beach goers, and the kids coming home from school stopping for a gelato or fried Cuoppa.
With the backdrop of the colorful buildings behind you and the brilliant blue sea in front, enjoy an aperitivo with a view.
The promenade is lined with numerous bars and restaurants. Plus, most of them offer ideal spots to drink al fresco.
If you time it right, you’ll experience one of the best sunsets on the Ligurian coast!
Dragone Castle
Sitting atop a huge rock behind the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta is the Dragone Castle.
Built in the 12th century, the castle was more of a fortress that was built to protect the area during the Saracen invasions.
This medieval castle later became a prison during the 1500s and today houses a permanent exhibit that celebrates the history of Camogli, Italy.
After you visit inside, I highly recommend climbing up the steps wrapping around the castle. The stairs lead to a terrace that offers incredible views of the sea and Camogli from above!
Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
At the end of the promenade, you’ll find the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, the beautiful church that dominates the Camogli coastline. Built in the 12th century, the basilica is perched on what is known as an ancient medieval island.
At the top of a large staircase, the basilica has an unassuming and simple façade.
But within the walls of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, you’ll be amazed by the stark contrast in the stunning interior.
The basilica is fashioned in the Baroque style and adorned with lavish details.
Some of the most unique features include towering marble pillars, numerous crystal chandeliers, as well as stained glass windows and sculptures. And the whole inside glistens with gold!
One of the key pieces in the church is the stunning ceiling fresco.
As the key symbol of the village, the basilica is also home to the sacred remains of two of Camogli’s patron saints.
One of which is the patron saint of fishermen, San Fortunato.
Camogli Maritime Museum
With a thriving culture built around the sea, it’s no surprise there’s a maritime museum to visit.
Created in the late 1930s by Gio Bono Ferrari, the Camogli Maritime Museum shares the seafaring history of Camogli in colorful displays and compelling artifacts.
Inside the museum showcases a wide array of exhibits, including interactive ones. Objects at the museum include everything from nautical instruments to historic documents.
The museum is home to over 100 different ship models.
One of the top pieces in the museum’s collection is a model of a boat built in 1875. It weighs over 900 tons and is 54 metres long.
Take the Ferry to San Fruttuoso
We love taking boat tours (like the one we took along the Cinque Terre) and one of our favorite things to do in Camogli is taking the ferry to nearby San Fruttuoso.
This hidden cove is small and only accessible by boat or via a hiking trail, but it’s worth a trip to see both San Fruttuoso and Camogli from the sea.
You can buy your tickets at several booths right on the marina for around $12-14 euros, and the short ferry ride along the picturesque Ligurian coast brings you to the small bay just south of Camogli.
You can also continue on to Portofino and/or Santa Margherita Ligure — it all depends on the ticket that you buy.
San Fruttuoso is best known for its beautiful stretch of beach, so pack your swimsuit and relax and swim in the crystal clear waters. One thing to note, is that there’s not much sand here.
If you’re familiar with Italy’s Mediterranean coastline, you’ll find the beaches here are full of smooth rocks and pebbles. No worries though, because the water is sublime and will completely draw you in.
If you go in the water, one of the most popular attractions in San Fruttuoso is also found beneath the water.
At a depth of roughly 15 metres (55 feet) sits a 2.5 metres (8 ft) tall bronze statue called Christ of the Abyss.
Another must while visiting San Fruttuoso is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which dates back to the 10th century.
Originally a Benedictine monastery, the abbey is now open to visitors. It's home to a 16th century watchtower, burial vaults, and a replica of Christ of the Abyss.
NOTE: I mentioned the hiking trails around San Fruttuoso above. If you’re not familiar with the Ligurian coast, it offers a maze of great hiking trails and trail systems.
We’ve hiked a number of trails in the Cinque Terre and would love to come back and do the hike from Portofino to San Fruttuoso!
Attend the Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival)
One of the most authentic local experiences in Camogli is attending the Sagra del Pesce, or as everyone in town calls it - the Fish Festival.
This famous foodie event takes place on the second Sunday in May every year.
The festival began in 1952 to celebrate the feast of St. Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen.
A group of fishermen came together to fry up fresh fish and then give it to locals and visitors for free.
The event now draws thousands every year to the Piazza Colombo, where it’s held.
The strange yet wonderful symbol of the festival is that the fish are fried in a large frying pan.
The frying pan weighs 28 tons! Previous pans can be seen on display at the end of the promenade.
Spend a Day at the Beach
As you’ll see in all of the iconic photos, one of the main attractions of Camogli, Italy is its beach.
There are several Camogli beaches to enjoy, but the promenade and colorful buildings of Camogli hug the main beach in town, adding even more appeal to the already beautiful scene.
So one day, plan to pack your swimsuit and a good book and head to the beach!
The main beach is a mix of pebbles and sand.
However, there are loungers available to rent from the beach resorts that line the shore. The Lido is one of the most popular spots along the beach.
A day at the beach in Camogli, especially during the summer months is the perfect way to relax.
Plus, you’ll find sweeping views of the spectacular Gulf of Camogli.
Hike to Punta Chiappa
Another great point of interest in Camogli is Punta Chiappa, the incredible rocky point that juts out into the Mediterranean. If you’re up for a moderate hike, then hiking to Punta Chiappa should be on your list of things to do in Camogli.
A marked trail leads out from the center of town. The trail is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) out and back - not too terrible but overall a good moderate hiking/walking trail that’s lined with olive trees and a combination of dirt, stairs, and cobblestones.
It takes approximately three hours and we think it’s worth it for the views.
Finally, at the point (Punta) there’s a pretty mosaic where a statue of Madonna Stella Maris, protector of sailors, stands.
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We hope this Camogli Italy guide was helpful and you can incorporate it into your next trip to Italy and Liguria.
Is Camogli Italia worth visiting? Absolutely! With such a stunning setting along the Italian Riviera, Camogli is a wonderful place to plan your Italian getaway.