Some never stop using their boat, taking advantage of sunny winter days to sail along the fantastic coasts of our country. And there are those who opt for storage of their vessel in autumn, in water or dry dock, waiting for milder temperatures to return to sailing. So there’s always the question: when is the right time to cast off and head back out to sea? It’s all about finding the right opportunity! And certainly May is a month full of excellent reasons to get back on the boat: the days are now very long, temperatures are decidedly pleasant, and life returns to Italian seaside villages. In this regard, for sea and fish lovers, Sunday, May 14 offers a truly tempting opportunity to sail towards the Ligurian coast: the 71st edition of the famous Camogli Fish Festival is scheduled, an event that can become the perfect excuse to visit Genoa and why not, nearby Portofino too!

The famous Camogli Fish Festival

Fish lovers have probably already heard about it: the traditional Camogli Fish Festival is indeed a historic event that annually attracts thousands of people to Gulf Paradise, both locals and visitors. The event is held in honor of San Fortunato, patron saint of fishermen, which coincides with Mother’s Day: a double excellent reason to celebrate in Piazza San Colombo, where 3 tons of fresh fish will be fried. The frying and distribution of fish will take place from 10 AM until 1 PM, and then again from 3 PM until 5:30 PM, all organized by volunteers from the Pro Loco: in Camogli, you can obtain fish vouchers at 3 different locations. In addition to the frying in the square, there will be food stands with Ligurian specialties, craft markets, the San Fortunato Market, entertainment shows, music, bonfires and fireworks.

The largest frying pan in the world

What attracts so many people to Camogli isn’t just the excellent fish served to visitors. It’s also the unique way the fresh fish is fried: the symbol of the Camogli Fish Festival is indeed the enormous frying pan that weighs 3.6 tons, with a diameter of 380 centimeters. Here the organizers pour more than 3,000 liters of oil, ready to fry fish for the 100,000 expected attendees.

Visiting Genoa and Camogli

The Camogli Fish Festival has never disappointed since its first event in 1952. This is an excellent opportunity to sail in Liguria and discover (or rediscover) the beauties of Genoa, using our tourist port of Genoa Marina Porto Antico as your base: book your boat slip, we’re waiting for you!