Genoa Beaches

Overview

As a historic port city, Genoa is your gateway to the stunning Italian Riviera. While the city itself has charming local beaches, many visitors wonder if they need to travel for the classic Riviera experience. For the most idyllic coves and clearest waters, a short and easy train ride along the coast is highly recommended, opening up a world of breathtaking seaside towns and diverse coastlines just beyond the city limits.

The region offers some of Italy's most iconic beach destinations. You can discover the romantic, picture-perfect bay of Spiaggia Baia del Silenzio or soak in the vibrant, classic atmosphere of Camogli, a fishing village beloved by all. For a truly unique day, take a boat or hike to San Fruttuoso, where a medieval abbey sits directly on the pebble shore. Further along the coast, the famed Saraceni bay in Varigotti awaits with its exceptionally clear, turquoise water.

Beyond these highlights, the Ligurian coast is rich with options detailed in our complete guide. You'll find everything from the quintessential pebble shores that define much of the Riviera di Levante to wider, sandier beaches. A perfect example of a beloved local spot is Boccadasse, a colorful and historic fishing village now part of Genoa, known for its small pebble beach and lively evening scene. Whether you seek a dramatic cove or a family-friendly stretch of sand, there is a perfect beach waiting for you to explore.

Top Beaches

Boccadasse Beach

The essential in-city beach, this picturesque pebble bay offers a charming escape without leaving Genoa. Stepping into Boccadasse feels like discovering a secret fishing village from another era, miraculously preserved within the city. Pastel-colored houses are clustered tightly around the small bay, where traditional fishing boats rest on the shore. The village has retained its authentic character, creating a timeless atmosphere that has inspired artists for generations. It’s a place beloved by locals, who gather here to stroll, enjoy a gelato, and watch the sun set over the water. This creates a lively yet relaxed vibe, especially on warm evenings.

FAQ

Are there actually nice beaches in Genoa itself, or do I have to travel outside the city?

While Genoa is a major port city, it does have its own beaches. The most famous is Boccadasse, a small, picturesque pebble beach in a historic fishing village. Other in-city options include the beaches at Quarto, Quinto, and Pegli. However, for the classic, more expansive Italian Riviera beach experience with clearer water, most people take a short train ride to nearby towns along the coast.

Pegli

What are the beaches in Genoa like, sandy or pebbly?

Most beaches directly in and immediately around Genoa are pebbly or have coarse sand. For wider, sandier beaches, you'll need to travel a bit further, for example to Sestri Levante. The western coast (Riviera di Ponente) tends to have more sandy beaches compared to the rockier eastern coast (Riviera di Levante).

Sestri Levante

Is it better to rent a car or use the train to get to beaches around Genoa?

The train is highly recommended for reaching beaches along the Ligurian coast from Genoa. The regional train network is efficient, affordable, and connects Genoa's main stations (Piazza Principe and Brignole) to coastal towns like Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Sestri Levante. Driving and especially parking can be very difficult and expensive in these small coastal towns, particularly during peak season.

Camogli

Sestri Levante

What's the difference between a 'spiaggia libera' and a 'bagni'?

In Italy, 'spiaggia libera' means a free public beach where you can lay down your own towel and umbrella without charge. A 'bagni' or 'stabilimento balneare' is a private beach club where you pay an entrance fee, which typically includes the rental of a sunbed and umbrella. These clubs also offer amenities like changing cabins, showers, bathrooms, and often a bar or restaurant.

Can I find accommodation with beach access near Genoa?

While Genoa's city center is focused on the port and old town, the adjacent coastal neighborhoods and nearby towns offer hotels and apartments with direct or very close beach access. Along the Corso Italia promenade leading to Boccadasse, there are several hotels across from beach clubs. For a true 'beach hotel' experience, look to towns like Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante, or Camogli, where many hotels are located directly on the waterfront.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Sestri Levante

Camogli

Can you swim in the sea in Genoa?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Genoa's beaches and in the surrounding towns. The water quality is generally good, especially as you move away from the main port area. Many beaches in the region, like those in Santa Margherita Ligure, have been awarded the Blue Flag for their clean waters. The water is most pleasant for swimming from June to September.

What is Boccadasse and is it worth visiting?

Boccadasse is a historic fishing village that is now part of the city of Genoa. It's famous for its small pebble beach surrounded by colorful houses, creating a scene that many compare to a mini Cinque Terre. It's very popular with locals and tourists, especially in the evening for an 'aperitivo' at one of the waterfront bars. It's definitely worth visiting for its charm, though the beach itself is small and can get very crowded.

Are the beaches near Genoa good for families with kids?

Yes, there are family-friendly beaches near Genoa. While many are pebbly, which might require water shoes for kids, some towns offer calmer waters and amenities. For instance, Sestri Levante has two sandy bays, one of which (Baia delle Favole) is quite suitable for families. Spiaggia di Pegli is another option closer to Genoa with sandy shores and protection from large waves, making it safer for young children.

Sestri Levante

Pegli

People Also Ask

When is the best time to go to the beaches in Liguria?

The main beach season runs from June to August, which is the warmest but also the most crowded time. For a balance of good weather and fewer people, May and September are ideal. The water is still warm enough for swimming, and the beaches are less packed, especially on weekdays. Visiting on a weekday versus a weekend makes a huge difference in crowd levels year-round.

How do Genoa's beaches compare to Cinque Terre?

Genoa serves as a gateway to the Italian Riviera, which includes the Cinque Terre. The beaches directly in Genoa are more urban. The nearby towns accessible from Genoa, like Camogli or Sestri Levante, offer a similar vibe to the Cinque Terre villages with colorful houses and pebble beaches, but are often larger and more accessible. Cinque Terre's beaches are famously small and nestled in dramatic cliffside settings, whereas the areas around Genoa offer a wider variety, from small coves to longer promenades.

Camogli

Sestri Levante

Are there places for snorkeling near Genoa?

Yes, there are good spots for snorkeling. The rocky coastline of the Riviera di Levante (east of Genoa) offers clear waters and interesting marine life. Areas around Camogli and the protected marine park of Portofino, including the bay of San Fruttuoso, are particularly recommended for snorkeling. You can explore small coves and rocky areas accessible from many of the local beaches.

Camogli

San Fruttuoso

What should I wear to the beach in Italy?

At Italian beaches, anything goes, but bikinis are very common for women of all ages, and men often wear swim briefs or fitted trunks rather than long, baggy board shorts. It's essential to have a cover-up (like a dress, kaftan, or shirt) and sandals or flip-flops to wear when walking to a bar, restaurant, or the restroom. For pebbly beaches, water shoes are a very practical choice.