Liguria’s Beaches Might Be Italy’s Most Underrated

Liguria is a narrow strip of land nestled between the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Sea, in north-western Italy. It is a region with a unique charm, where the mountains seem to plunge straight into the sea, creating a spectacular and highly varied landscape.

The hilltop villages, the terraced hillsides planted with olive trees and vineyards, the beaches hidden amongst the cliffs: all contribute to making Liguria the perfect destination if you’re looking for a holiday combining relaxation, natural beauty and fine cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore the most beautiful beaches in Liguria, to visit in 2026. Are you ready to choose your favourite Ligurian beach?

Liguria is famous worldwide for a number of reasons: Genoese pesto, focaccia, the Cinque Terre, the Old Port of Genoa, but also for its coastline, one of the most enchanting in Italy.

Liguria’s beaches aren’t all sandy; many are pebbly or rocky, but the water is crystal-clear and suitable for swimming almost everywhere, with numerous resorts receiving the Blue Flag every year for the quality of their sea and facilities.

The coastline is dotted with secluded coves, well-equipped beaches and panoramic views that look like something out of a postcard.

If you’d like to visit the fantastic city of Genoa during your holiday, do consider a visit to the aquarium.

So, how about we take a look at the best beaches in Liguria? Liguria boasts some of the most charming beaches in the Mediterranean.

Here are the region’s most beautiful and iconic seaside resorts, which we have selected for you:

- Bergeggi beach

- Fegina beach (Monterosso – Cinque Terre)

- Varigotti beach

- San Fruttuoso beach (Camogli)

- Baia del Silenzio (Sestri Levante)

- Paraggi Beach

- Cala Maramozza and Fiascherino (Lerici)

- Balzi Rossi Beach (Ventimiglia)

- Le Calandre Beach – Ventimiglia (IM)

- Punta Secco Beach – Palmaria (SP)

Among the most beautiful beaches in Liguria to visit in 2026 is Bergeggi, situated along the Riviera di Ponente opposite the island of the same name.

The shoreline features a mix of sand and small pebbles, with crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue.

It is a destination particularly popular with lovers of snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking, ideal to explore the seabed of the marine protected area and reaching the island.

Facilities and attractions: the beach features both equipped beach establishments and public sections with free showers and toilets. There are traditional bars and restaurants in the surrounding area. Don’t miss the ‘Sentiero Blu’, a protected route for swimming and kayaking in complete safety.

Local tips and transport: accessible by car via the scenic Strada Statale 1 Aurelia, with car parks nearby.

Alternatively, local buses run regularly from Savona and Spotorno. The more adventurous can instead take scenic trails offering breathtaking views of the coast.

Fegina Beach, situated in the newer part of Monterosso al Mare, is the largest in the Cinque Terre and one of the few sandy beaches in the area.

It boasts golden sand lapped by crystal-clear waters, framed by a seafront promenade lined with palm trees. The symbol of the village is the ‘Gigante’, a 14-metre-high statue of Neptune that dominates the western end.

The beach offers numerous beach establishments with sun lounger, parasol and changing room hire. You can enjoy water sports by hiring pedalos and kayaks.

Along the promenade, you’ll find bars and restaurants where you can sample Ligurian specialities such as focaccia, pesto and local wines.

The crystal-clear sea and wide range of facilities make Fegina ideal for families, couples and groups of friends.

Local tips: Monterosso is easily accessible by train, with the station just a short walk from the beach, making it an ideal option in high season. If travelling by car, paid parking in Fegina and the historic centre is limited; we recommend arriving early in the morning to find a space.

Varigotti is a charming seaside village known for its distinctive colourful houses overlooking the sea and its relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families and sun-seekers.

The main beach features a long stretch of golden sand and pebbles, lapped by crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming.

The coastline is well-equipped with beach establishments offering sun lounger, parasol and water sports equipment hire, but there are also stretches of public beach for a more informal experience.

Beyond the sea: The Saracen village invites you to enjoy pleasant strolls through its narrow streets. The area is also ideal for outdoor excursions thanks to scenic trails offering breathtaking views of the Ligurian coast.

How to get there: Varigotti can be reached by car via the Strada Statale 1 Aurelia, with nearby car parks that are busy in high season. By train, you arrive at Finale Ligure station and then take a local bus.

San Fruttuoso Beach is a gem situated between Camogli and Portofino, accessible only by sea or via hiking trails.

This small pebble beach is famous for its turquoise waters and the ancient Abbey of San Fruttuoso.

The Benedictine monastery dates back to the 8th century and creates a striking contrast with the landscape. Today it is managed by the FAI and houses the tombs of the Doria family.

The beach offers a seaside experience immersed in nature and history. Despite its small size, it provides essential facilities:

- Sun lounger and parasol hire.

- Showers and changing cubicles.

- A summer restaurant serving traditional Ligurian dishes.

Local Tips: the area is popular with snorkellers and divers. On the seabed lies the ‘Christ of the Abyss’, a bronze statue placed there in 1954 in memory of those lost at sea.

San Fruttuoso can be reached:

By sea: boats from Camogli, Recco, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Hiking: scenic trails from Portofino or Camogli with spectacular views.

Baia del Silenzio is an iconic beach in Sestri Levante, with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is framed by pastel-coloured houses. The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for families and couples.

At sunset, the light creates a magical atmosphere. In summer, the bay hosts cultural events and the Andersen Festival in June. The beach is small; access is free but subject to capacity limits, particularly between June and August.

Beach rules and tips:

- No smoking on the beach.

- Do not bring pets during peak times.

- Arrive early in the morning during the summer months.

Facilities available:

- Public toilets and free showers.

- Information point for SUP equipment hire.

- Nearby restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours in the historic centre.

How to get there:

By train: Sestri Levante station is 1.2 kilometres away, then a 15-minute walk to the historic centre.

By car: A12 motorway, Sestri Levante exit.

Paraggi Beach is a gem nestled between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, renowned for its emerald-green waters and fine sand. This picturesque bay, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, offers a peaceful and sheltered setting, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The beach is one of the most photographed spots on the Ligurian Riviera. Paraggi offers a variety of facilities with a touch of elegance. Beach establishments rent sun loungers and parasols and serve fresh seafood dishes.

Nearby attractions:

- Portofino Park: a protected area ideal for hiking, walking and cycling.

- Portofino Square: an international meeting place and the heart of social life.

- The bay boasts a long historical tradition, frequented by nobility and international travellers since the 19th century.

How to get there:

- By car: via the SP227 provincial road (limited parking in summer).

- On foot: a 40-minute walk from Santa Margherita Ligure or via the “Passeggiata dei Baci” from Portofino.

- Public transport: boats and buses operate during the high season.

A small cove, sheltered by rocky cliffs and Mediterranean scrub.

The water is emerald green and crystal clear, and

silence reigns all around. The beach is unspoilt. There are no parasols or beach establishments. For this reason, we recommend bringing water, snacks and rock-pool shoes with you.

How to get there: reaching the cove is not for everyone. The path leading down to the cove is partly steep and not

well signposted. In some sections, there are ropes to aid the descent. The cove is easily accessible by boat.

Local tips: the sandy seabed with shallow rocks is perfect for those who love swimming or snorkelling. Cala Maramozza is a small beach where you can relax to the sound of the waves, away from the crowds.

Punta Secco Beach is located on Palmaria Island, opposite the well-known resort of Porto Venere. The beach has a mixture of sand and pebbles, is spacious, and is surrounded by maritime pines.

It is a public beach with a single beach establishment and various facilities such as a restaurant, bar, showers, toilets and changing rooms.

The sea is clean and clear, with calm waters, ideal for swimming. Poseidonia grows on the seabed, providing a habitat for a wide variety of fish and other marine life.

How to get there: Palmaria Island is easily accessible by ferry from the port of Porto Venere. The crossing is short and pleasant.

Other attractions and places of interest:

- Pozzale beach, on the west side of the island, the Grotta dei Colombi and the Grotta Azzurra.

- Ancient structures and fortifications such as the Umberto I Fortress (or Fortress of the Sea).

Located near Ventimiglia, on the border with France, Balzi Rossi Beach is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It is a pebble and rocky beach, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and secluded experience. The views and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for relaxation.

How to get there: the beach is easily accessible by car. The most convenient motorway exits are Ventimiglia or Menton (France). There are free and paid car parks near the border between Ponte San Ludovico and Balzi Rossi. From here, the beach can be reached via a small scenic footpath.

Local tips: at Balzi Rossi you’ll find a stretch of public beach, nestled between the rocks and the sea, and the renowned La Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi beach club, complete with sun loungers, parasols, a lounge bar and a restaurant.

In high season, booking at the beach club is recommended as places are limited and the location is exclusive. Behind the beach, you can visit the important archaeological site of Balzi Rossi, which includes Palaeolithic caves inhabited by humans in ancient times, and the Prehistoric Museum, open all year round.

It is often windy here, making it a haven for many surfers.

The beach, with its fine white sand that slopes gently into crystal-clear waters, is free to use and offers a kiosk and the option to hire sun loungers and parasols.

How to get there: it is reached via a path of about 600 metres, amidst the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. The walk starts from Forte dell'Annunziata in Ventimiglia, and as you descend towards the beach, you can admire the Pietra viewpoint with its stunning panorama of the coast, and the small Madonnina cave.

The beach takes about 20 minutes to reach and is a must-see in all seasons!

1) Where is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Liguria?

The most beautiful stretch of coastline in Liguria is found in its unspoilt bays and nature reserves, which are often awarded the Blue Flag. This award is given for the quality of the water and the services provided. The must-see locations vary by province:

Riviera di Ponente (Savona) with the Baia dei Saraceni in Varigotti and the Bergeggi Marine Protected Area.

Golfo del Tigullio (Genoa) with Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante and San Fruttuoso beach in Camogli.

Riviera di Levante (La Spezia) with the Cinque Terre and hidden coves such as Cala Maramozza near Lerici.

2) What are the 10 most beautiful beaches in Liguria?

Liguria offers a spectacular mix of rocky cliffs, sandy and pebble beaches, seaside villages and hidden coves. The 10 most beautiful beaches in Liguria are:

- Bergeggi

- Fegina (Monterosso – Cinque Terre)

- Varigotti

- San Fruttuoso (Camogli)

- Baia del Silenzio (Sestri Levante)

- Paraggi

- Cala Maramozza e Fiascherino (Lerici)

- Balzi Rossi (Ventimiglia)

- Le Calandre – Ventimiglia (IM)

- Punta Secco – Palmaria (SP)