Camogli is a lovely little town, located in the heart of the famous Italian Riviera, just a few kilometers away from Portofino. It is the perfect place to visit on the Ligurian Coast, especially if you love lesser-known places. Besides its natural beauty, it has a picturesque old town and harbor that make it the ultimate summer destination. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Camogli, which is known as the best-kept secret of the Italian Riviera in Italy.
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Discovering Camogli – Italian Riviera
Why is Camogli the best-kept secret of the Italian Riviera?
Camogli is one of the most charming and authentic places on the Italian Riviera. When you first get there, you will feel like you are stepping back in time. The old colorful houses and the harbor create a wonderful setting. It is close to some of the best and most famous towns of the Italian Riviera, such as Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre. However, it still keeps its authenticity. The fact that there are fewer tourists compared to nearby overcrowded places makes it a hidden gem that has maintained its beauty over the years.
How to get to Camogli?
Access to Camogli is quite easy. Depending on where you are coming from, you can use Genoa as a starting point for your trip to the Italian Riviera, since it is the capital of the Liguria region. So, you can fly to Genoa first and then head to the next famous places in the area. Camogli can be reached either by train or by car. There are regular lines connecting it to Genoa and La Spezia. The Italian Riviera is one of the best places for road trips. You will have complete freedom to move around Liguria and explore all its little gems and remote beaches! However, you should be aware that the roads are very busy during the peak summer season (from late June to August). The same goes for parking, which is quite tricky in the summer months.
The best time to visit Camogli
Camogli is primarily a summer destination. That does not mean you can only visit it in the summer. If you want to avoid hundreds of tourists and high prices, you can visit in the shoulder season (spring or fall). Since it has amazing beaches with turquoise waters and magnificent views, it is really worth taking a dip or just chilling on the beach. So, we would suggest visiting anywhere from April to October.
Is Camogli worth visiting?
As we said earlier, Camogli has a special natural and architectural beauty. Despite its size, it has many things to do and places to explore. So, you can easily spend a day or two getting around this charming, tiny town. You will have a great time strolling through its narrow alleyways, admiring the endless blue, and enjoying delicious meals.
Best things to do in Camogli – Italy
1-Relax and enjoy Camogli Beach
Camogli Beach is one of the most dreamy beaches not only on the Italian Riviera but also in Italy. The turquoise water color combines perfectly with the beautiful surrounding area and the countless colorful houses. However, we highly recommend getting to the beach as early as possible to enjoy it to the fullest! In the summer months, there are also many water activities to do, such as scuba diving, kayaking, etc.
2-Stroll around the Porto di Camogli
The picturesque harbor is one of the must-see places in Camogli. Hundreds of fishing boats and yachts against the backdrop of colorful houses create a unique summer scenery. So, walking in the harbor is a real treat. You will also have the opportunity to find cafés and restaurants to enjoy your time trying Italian delicacies.
3-Enjoy an Italian coffee or meal
What could be better than enjoying an Italian cappuccino or a meal with a stunning ocean view? The turquoise color of the sea is the perfect setting for your meals. Of course, you can also grab a delicious Italian gelato and get lost in the picturesque streets of Camogli.
4-Walk in the narrow alleys of the old town
As a typical Italian coastal town, it is the perfect place to walk through the little streets of the old town. The vibrant colors of the alleys and surrounding buildings make it a very enchanting destination. We had an amazing time walking and photographing them. Plus, almost all the paths of the old town lead to the beach.
5-Visit Castello della Dragone (Dragon’s Castle)
The Dragon’s Castle is located on a cliff. It was very important for the safety of the town. Due to its location, it offers a wonderful panoramic view of Camogli. However, only the outside of the castle is accessible. It is the perfect spot to gaze out to sea and watch the waves crash. That is why it also constitutes the best sunrise or sunset spot.
Other nearby places on the Italian Riviera – Italy
1-Genoa
You can easily set Genoa as a starting or ending point during your trip to the Italian Riviera. As the main city of Liguria, it attracts thousands of tourists every year! Mainly because of its authenticity, it is one of our favorite cities in Italy. We highly recommend adding the picturesque neighborhood of Boccadasse to your Genoa bucket list.
2-Portofino
You cannot leave the Ligurian coast without visiting Portofino. It is the ultimate summer destination with dreamy beaches and amazing Italian vibes. You can easily visit it as a day trip from other parts of the Italian Riviera! There are available tours that take you to Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, and even Cinque Terre. All the above places offer stunning views that will leave you in awe.
3-Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre means five villages, which are the villages of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Monterosso al Mare. Their original architecture and natural beauty will leave you speechless! Cinque Terre is one of the most photogenic places to visit on the Ligurian Coast. You can easily visit it as a day trip from the nearest town called “La Spezia”. However, to fully enjoy their beauty, you will need at least 48 hours to stroll around and admire the fascinating views.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for the most charming towns on the Ligurian Coast, Camogli should be at the top of your list. Its stunning beach with turquoise waters and colorful old houses creates a unique setting. For us, it is one of the best places to visit in Italy during the summer or shoulder season. In case you want to skip the popular places of the Italian Riviera in peak season, Camogli is a great alternative.
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