Genoa, the quintessential maritime city, with a coastline stretching 35 kilometers, certainly doesn’t lack respectable beaches. It’s not uncommon for boaters choosing our marina to ask us about the most beautiful beaches in Genoa, which can be reached by boat, public transport, or even by bicycle from time to time. Indeed, our city boasts many respectable beaches, each quite different from the other. Some are famous or even very famous, and are therefore crowded by both locals and tourists; others are less known, frequented only by locals. In this second case, one might encounter beaches that are a bit more inconvenient, far from the golden sandy stretches that most people prefer; but certainly more authentic, less crowded, and beautiful in their own unique way. Let’s see which are the most beautiful beaches in Genoa, mentioning both the well-known ones and some of the lesser-known ones.
The most beautiful beaches of Genoa: Camogli
A list of the most beautiful beaches in Genoa can only start with it: anyone looking for a beautiful beach at a reasonable distance from the center of Genoa will certainly be advised to visit Camogli, well-known, and therefore quite crowded during the hottest dates of the summer season. This beach is 30 minutes by train from Genoa Brignole, and is certainly worth a visit. It is also worth noting that there are many noteworthy attractions around here, from the colorful facades of the houses overlooking the seafront to the Dragonara Castle, from the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta to the nearby Punta Chiappa, San Niccolò di Capodimonte, and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Thus, one can go to Camogli both to sunbathe and to explore the surroundings, on foot or by bicycle. And certainly, as mentioned elsewhere, departing from our marina in the center of Genoa to head towards Camogli and then towards Punta Chiappa is one of the most famous boat excursions in Genoa!
Beaches in Genoa: the three small beaches of Nervi
The Genoese district of Nervi has a lot to offer. Certainly, the most famous of its attractions is the Anita Garibaldi Promenade, which, with its 2 kilometers along the coast, offers magnificent views of the sea and the city of Genoa. But there is also the Nervi Park, rich in statues and fountains, as well as well-kept gardens; the museums, and the Groppallo Tower, which stands right by the sea. And then there are its small beaches, 3 in total, not very large, quiet, with pebbles and stones. One is the small beach of Caprafico, distinguishable by the large rock that dominates it, located in front of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta; the second is the Murcarolo beach, between Nervi and Quinto, with its gray pebbles; the third is the small beach at the end of the
The beaches of Bogliasco
Another location quite close to the center of Genoa with beautiful beaches to discover is Bogliasco, a seaside village famous among other things for the Roman bridge with a beach below much loved by locals and visitors, a mix of sand and gravel, with some bathing facilities. There is also a second beach, known as Sotto Chiesa, located below the Church of the Nativity: this beach is reached by a fairly steep staircase. The cliffs proceeding eastward, namely the Fontana cliff and the Pontetto cliff, should not be forgotten. Bogliasco is also well connected to Genoa by public transport: the same train that takes you to Nervi also brings you to this beautiful seaside village.
The beach of Pieve Ligure
Let’s travel a bit further after Bogliasco, and our list of the most beautiful beaches in Genoa stops at Pieve Ligure, another seaside village in the metropolitan city of Genoa, still easily reachable by train. A successful compromise between guest service and respect for nature, the beach of Pieve Ligure presents itself with its coarse beach, framed by the cliffs: the seabed slopes gradually, making the beach of Pieve Ligure suitable even for families with small children. Moreover, there are plenty of services here, including restaurants and venues overlooking the sea.
Beaches near Genoa: Sori
Another village to discover near Genoa heading east is Sori, at the center of the Paradise Gulf. Here you will find a coastline with sandy and pebble beaches, perfect for those looking for beautiful sea, a quiet beach, and the opportunity to explore a true Ligurian village. There are beach establishments, interspersed with free beaches. It should be noted that this beach is typically crowded during summer holidays.
The beach of Recco, just before Camogli
And if we started this list of the most beautiful beaches in Genoa with Camogli, now we return very close to that village, stopping a bit earlier: we want to present the beach of Recco, quite large, famous for its white sand mixed with fine gravel. Partly for the beauty of the beach, partly for its size, and partly for the beautiful streets of the village’s historic center, this is one of the most appreciated Genoese beaches.
One of the most beautiful and closest beaches to Genoa: Vernazzola
We return near Genoa with the beach of Vernazzola, beautiful, close, equipped, and accessible, thanks to the walkway leading directly to the shoreline: among other things, there is also a plastic wheelchair available to facilitate entry into the water.
The little gem of Genoa: the beach of Boccadesse
We could only conclude this list of the most beautiful beaches in Genoa with the little gem of Boccadasse, with its pebbles and its unmistakable frame of colorful houses: just 6 kilometers from our marina in Genoa, it is easily reachable by bicycle or public transport.
