Just around the corner from the glitz of Portofino, there’s a little slice of Ligurian paradise that the locals have been keeping under wraps.
Welcome to Camogli, a picturesque seaside village on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino where the real Italian dolce vita is as sweet as it gets.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Camogli, Italy
Camogli vs. Portofino: where to go
While Portofino may steal the international spotlight, Camogli shines with an understated glow. It’s like Portofino’s laid-back cousin, where the beaches are just as pretty but the vibe is more “let’s chill” than “let’s show off”.
Does Camogli have a beach?
Oh, you bet it does! Camogli beach is a delightful stretch of pebbled shoreline that’s perfect for sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters that’ll tempt you in for a dip.
Image Credit: Getty Images, afinocchiaro. Image Location: Camogli, Italy
Can you swim in Camogli?
Absolutely, and you’ll often find it less crowded than the beaches at Portofino.
Where to stay in Camogli, Italy
If you’re looking to extend your stay for more than just a day trip, Camogli hotels offer cozy comfort with a view. You’ll wake up to the sound of waves and the smell of salt in the air. It’s pure magic.
Top 3 hotels in Camogli
- Luxury: Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi. Nestled right on the waterfront, this 4-star hotel offers stunning sea views, a private beach, and a touch of luxury for those looking to indulge.
- Mid-Range: La Camogliese Hotel. Perfect for travelers who seek comfort without the lavish price tag. It’s family-run, smack in the heart of Camogli, and just a stone’s throw from the beach.
- Budget-Friendly: Stella Marina. Just 50 yards from Camogli’s sandy shores and its handy train station, Stella Marina is a dream for those on a shoestring. Enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms with mountain views, and a flat-screen TV–all while keeping your wallet happy.
Image Credit: Getty Images, elvirkin. Image Location: Camogli, Italy
How to eat like a local in Camogli
Camogli restaurants are where the town truly comes alive. From catch-of-the-day specials to pasta tossed with the freshest pesto you’ve ever tasted, you’ll want to munch your way through the town. And for the love of Liguria, do not miss out on trying Focaccia di Recco — it’s a cheese-filled piece of heaven.
5 best restaurants and trattorias around Camogli, Italy
- Ostaia da ö Sigù. Pesto is the star of the show at this homey trattoria. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that comes with a side of warm, Italian hospitality and wallet-friendly prices.
- Ristorante La Camogliese. Offering a traditional menu filled with Ligurian classics, this restaurant hits the spot for those wanting to dive deeper into local cuisine. Their fish dishes are a must-try, and the prices are just as appealing as the food.
- Il Doge. Whether you’re swooning over the Sea Bream Tartare with its cheeky mint-strawberry hat or surrendering to the mercy of a Pistachio-crusted Tuna, this spot’s menu reads like a love letter to Camogli’s charm.
- Izoa Ristorante. Here, you’ll dive into a seafood spread that’s as fresh as a plunge into the Ligurian Sea. It’s the go-to spot where locals sidle up for a plate of the day’s catch, banter with the staff who know their regulars by name, and where the pasta always competes with the view.
- Trattoria da Ö Vittorio. This local joint a stone’s throw from Camogli serves fresh-off-the-boat seafood, simply yet masterfully prepared and totally scrumptious. The vibe is casual, and the prices won’t break the bank.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: San Fruttoso, Camogli, Italy
Is Camogli worth visiting?
Well, if you’re into stunning sunsets, buildings painted in ice cream hues, and the kind of authentic Italian atmosphere you’ve been daydreaming about, then yeah, it’s worth it.
Where to go from Camogli
Explore the sea. While the Camogli beach in Liguria is a gem, you’ll discover even more treasures when you hop on a boat. Whether it’s a day trip to San Fruttuoso Abbey or a dive into the deep blue at the Christ of the Abyss statue, the sea here tells its own stories.
How to get to Camogli, Italy
You won’t need to navigate complex travel routes—the Camogli-San Fruttuoso train station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, especially Genoa, and the journey is picturesque in itself. Trains from Genoa to Camogli are frequent and the trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Regional buses also run to Camogli from surrounding towns and cities, including Genoa.
So, is Camogli nicer than Portofino? It’s not about being nicer. It’s about being real (and less crowded).
Camogli doesn’t put on airs — it simply invites you to be part of its everyday beautiful life. And that’s something even the fanciest of neighbors can’t compete with. Download the Trainline app today and book your tickets to get exploring.
Heaer Image Credit: Getty Images, faber1893. Image Location: Camogli, Italy
