Welcome to Camogli ! This lovely little town is in the heart of the Italian Riviera, just a few kilometers away from Portofino. That’s why Camogli is the perfect place to visit on the Ligurian Coast, especially if you love lesser known places. In addition to 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 this Italian hidden gem.
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Discovering Camogli – Italian Riviera
Why is Camogli considered 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 with the old colorful houses and the harbor. Although it is very close to many famous places like Genoa, Portofino and Cinque Terre, it still keeps its authenticity. The fact that there are fewer tourists compared to nearby overcrowded places makes it a well-kept secret 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.
However, if you like road trips, the Italian Riviera is one of the best places for such trips. You will have complete freedom to move around Liguria and explore all its little hidden gems and remote beaches ! However, you should be aware that the roads are very busy during the peak summer season (from June to August). The same goes for parking which is not the easiest task in the summer months.
The best time to visit Camogli
It totally depends on your preferences and needs, but Camogli is primarily a summer destination. That doesn’t mean you can only visit it in the summer ! If you want to avoid hundreds of tourists and high prices, you can visit in spring or shoulder season. Since Camogli has amazing beaches with clear waters and incredible 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 ?
Not only because of its natural and architectural beauty, but also the fact that there are many things to do, Camogli is an amazing place to visit in Liguria. We both had a great time wandering around its narrow alleys, admiring the endless blue and enjoying our coffee or meal there.
Best things to do in Camogli
1-Relax and enjoy Camogli Beach
Camogli Beach is one of the most dreamy beaches not only on the Italian Riviera, but also in Europe. The turquoise water color, the beautiful surrounding area and the multi coloured buildings as a backdrop make it impossible to resist its beauty. However, we highly recommend getting to the beach as early as possible to enjoy it to the fullest ! During the summer months, there are 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. Countless fishing boats and yachts against the backdrop of colorful old houses create an incredible summer scenery. That’s why walking in the harbor is a real pleasure. Here you will also find cafés and restaurants to enjoy your time trying Italian delicacies.
3-Enjoy an Italian coffee or meal
Nothing is better for your summer than enjoying an Italian cappuccino or meal with a stunning ocean view. The turquoise color of the sea is the perfect setting for your meals. Of course, you can 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 stroll the narrow alleys of the old town. The vibrant colors of the streets and buildings make it a very charming destination. We had such an amazing time walking and photographing the little streets. How beautiful it is that 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, so it was very important for the safety of the town. Due to its location, it offers a wonderful panoramic view of Camogli. Keep in mind that only the outside of the castle is accessible. It’s an amazing place to gaze out to sea and watch the waves crash. As you can imagine, it is the perfect place to admire the sunrise or sunset.
Other places to visit on the Italian Riviera
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 has thousands of tourists every year and it is one of our favorite places in Italy. We highly recommend to adding the 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 the other parts of the Italian Riviera ! You can find tours available that take you to Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Camogli and even Cinque Terre. All these places offer breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
3-Cinque Terre
Cinque Terrre means five villages which are the villages of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola, Corgnilia and Monterosso al Mare. Their authentic architecture and natural beauty will leave you speechless. So, 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 create a unique setting. For us, it is one of the best places to visit in Italy during the summer ! In case you want to skip popular parts of the Italian Riviera that will be overcrowded in peak season, Camogli is a great alternative.
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