The 6 most beautiful beaches in Liguria to visit in 2025

Liguria is a thin strip of land nestled between the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Sea in north-west Italy. It is a region of unique charm, where the mountains seem to plunge straight into the sea, creating a spectacular and very varied landscape. The perched villages, the terraced hillsides planted with olive groves and vineyards, the beaches hidden among the cliffs all contribute to making Liguria a perfect destination if you are looking for a holiday of relaxation, natural beauty and good food.

This region is world-famous for several reasons: pesto alla Genovese, focaccia, the Cinque Terre, the ancient port of Genoa, but also for its coastline, among the most fascinating in Italy. Liguria's beaches are not all sandy, many are pebbly or rocky, but the water is almost everywhere crystal clear and swimmable, with many locations receiving the Blue Flag each year for the quality of sea and services. The coast is dotted with intimate coves, equipped beaches and panoramic views that look like something out of a postcard.

If during your holiday you also want to visit the fantastic city of Genoa, consider visiting the aquarium; info at the link below.

How about to see which are the best beaches in Liguria?

Liguria boasts some of the most fascinating beaches in the Mediterranean, and in this article we have selected, for you, six of the most beautiful and representative seaside resorts in the region. From the romantic Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, with its pastel-coloured houses overlooking a calm, clear sea, to the evocative beach of San Fruttuoso, nestled between wild nature and an ancient abbey that can only be reached on foot or by boat.

Then we find Paraggi, elegant and cosy, very close to Portofino and perfect for those seeking comfort and natural beauty, and Varigotti, with its long sandy expanse and seaside village that looks like something out of a postcard.

Also unmissable are Fegina, the largest beach in the Cinque Terre, ideal if you want to combine sea and village life in your holiday, and finally the beach of Bergeggi, immersed in a protected marine area, with crystal-clear seabed and the adventure of exploring the island of the same name.

Six destinations that are different from each other but have in common transparent waters, breathtaking views and authentic Ligurian hospitality.

Bergeggi Beach lies along the western Riviera, directly opposite the island of the same name, which is part of a protected marine reserve renowned for its biodiversity. The beach itself features a shoreline of sand mixed with small pebbles, and the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue—an irresistible combination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, who come to explore the seabed rich in marine life.

The island of Bergeggi, easily reached by kayak or even swimming, adds a sense of adventure and mystery to your beach day.

How to get there:

Bergeggi is easily accessible by car via the scenic coastal road, the Strada Statale 1 Aurelia. Both free and paid parking are available near the beach, although spaces tend to fill up quickly during the high season. Alternatively, public buses connect Bergeggi with nearby cities like Savona and Spotorno, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive. For a more adventurous experience, consider reaching the beach via panoramic hiking trails offering stunning sea views.

Services and surroundings:

Bergeggi Beach is well-equipped to welcome visitors, offering both full-service beach clubs and stretches of free beach. At the beach clubs, you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports rentals, showers, changing rooms, and refreshment areas. Even the free beach areas are equipped with essential services, such as outdoor showers and public restrooms. Nearby bars and restaurants serve delicious Ligurian specialties, often featuring fresh seafood. As for accommodation, the area offers a variety of options, from hotels to B&Bs and campgrounds, catering to different budgets and preferences.

A special attraction in the area is the “Sentiero Blu” (Blue Path), a designated route for safe aquatic activities like swimming and kayaking that lets you explore the coastline while appreciating the protected marine area's natural beauty. The proximity to the island of Bergeggi also provides opportunities for boat excursions and underwater adventures, making this destination perfect for sea lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Fegina Beach is the largest beach in the Cinque Terre and one of the few sandy ones in the area. Located in the newer part of Monterosso al Mare, it boasts a wide expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is framed by a palm-lined promenade that adds a tropical and relaxing vibe to the atmosphere.

One of Fegina’s most iconic features is “Il Gigante,” a 14-meter-tall concrete statue of Neptune, which dominates the western end of the beach and has become a symbol of the town.

How to get there:
Monterosso al Mare is easily reached by train, with the railway station just a short walk from the beach—making it the most convenient option, especially during peak season when traffic and parking can be difficult. Paid parking is available in both the Fegina area and the historic center, but spaces are limited, so it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning.

Services and surroundings:
Fegina Beach offers a wide range of services for visitors. Numerous beach clubs provide sunbeds, umbrellas, and changing cabins. Water sports facilities also rent out pedal boats and kayaks. Along the promenade, you’ll find a selection of bars and restaurants serving Ligurian specialties like focaccia and pesto, often paired with local wines.

For accommodation, Monterosso offers options to suit all budgets—from luxury hotels to affordable B&Bs, many of them located just steps from the beach. The combination of a well-equipped beach, clear waters, and a full range of amenities makes Fegina ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.

Varigotti is a charming seaside village known for its long stretch of golden sandy beach and the distinctive colorful houses that overlook the sea. The beach is appreciated for its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families and sun lovers alike.

Its main beach features a long expanse of golden sand and pebbles, lapped by crystal-clear waters—perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The shoreline is well-equipped with beach clubs offering amenities such as sunbed and umbrella rentals, as well as equipment for water sports. There are also areas of free beach for those who prefer a more informal experience.

In the surrounding area, you’ll find excellent seafood restaurants and a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. From five-star hotels to more affordable places ideal for a quick stopover or a low-budget stay, there is something for everyone.

As is often the case in Ligurian coastal towns, Varigotti offers more than just the beach. It is also renowned for its picturesque Saracen village, characterized by colorful houses and narrow alleyways that invite visitors to take leisurely strolls. The area is also perfect for outdoor activities and hikes, with scenic trails offering breathtaking views over the Ligurian coastline.

How to get there: Varigotti is easily accessible by car via the Strada Statale 1 Aurelia, with parking available nearby—though it can get crowded during the high season. By train, the nearest station is Finale Ligure, from which you can take a local bus to reach the village.

San Fruttuoso Beach is a hidden gem nestled between Camogli and Portofino, accessible only by sea or through scenic hiking trails. This small pebble beach is renowned for its turquoise waters and the ancient Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 8th century. The abbey, now managed by the Italian Environmental Fund (FAI), holds the remains of Saint Fruttuoso of Tarragona and the tombs of the noble Genoese Doria family, creating a fascinating contrast with the surrounding natural landscape.

The beach, made up of white pebbles and bathed by crystal-clear waters, is ideal for those seeking a seaside experience immersed in nature and history. Despite its small size, it offers essential services such as sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, and changing cabins. The area is especially popular with snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, thanks to the presence of the "Christ of the Abyss"—a bronze statue placed on the seabed about 15 meters deep in 1954, in memory of those lost at sea.

San Fruttuoso can be reached exclusively by sea or hiking. Boats depart from towns such as Camogli, Recco, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure, with schedules and fares available on the websites of the ferry companies. For trekking lovers, the trails crossing the Portofino promontory offer panoramic routes of varying difficulty, with an average hiking time of about two hours.

Near the beach, visitors will find a restaurant open during the summer season that serves traditional Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto and seafood spaghetti, with tables overlooking the sea. For those wishing to extend their stay, a few rooms are available for rent from May to October, allowing guests to enjoy a truly unique experience in a setting of rare natural and historical beauty.

How to Get There: To reach San Fruttuoso, visitors can take a boat from Camogli, Portofino, or Santa Margherita Ligure. Alternatively, hiking enthusiasts can explore panoramic trails departing from Portofino or Camogli, which offer spectacular views of the sea and coastline.

Services and Surroundings: The beach provides a few essential services, including restaurants that serve fresh seafood and local specialties. While there are no hotels directly on the beach, accommodations can be found nearby in Camogli and Portofino. The area is also ideal for scuba diving, thanks to the presence of the famous Christ of the Abyss, a submerged statue located in the bay.

The Bay of Silence is one of the most iconic beaches in Liguria, located in the heart of Sestri Levante. Characterized by golden sand and clear waters, it is framed by picturesque pastel-colored houses that give it a timeless charm. Its peaceful atmosphere and evocative setting make it ideal for families and couples looking for a relaxing getaway.

The Bay of Silence is especially enchanting at sunset, when the golden light reflects off the pastel façades, creating a magical ambiance. In summer, the bay occasionally hosts cultural events such as open-air acoustic concerts and theatrical readings—particularly during the Andersen Festival, an international storytelling and children’s theater event that brings the streets of Sestri Levante to life each June.

As a popular and environmentally sensitive area, the bay is subject to specific regulations. For example, smoking is prohibited on the beach during the summer season, and visitors are strongly encouraged not to leave litter or bring pets during peak hours. Entry is free, but the beach is small, so it's advisable to arrive early in the morning, especially in July and August.

How to Get There:

Sestri Levante is easily accessible by train, with the train station located about 1.2 kilometers from the Bay of Silence. From the station, a pleasant 15-minute walk through the historic center leads directly to the beach. If you're driving, take the A12 motorway and exit at Sestri Levante, then follow signs for the town center.

Services and Surroundings:

Although the Bay of Silence is a free beach, it offers essential services such as public toilets, free showers, and an information point where you can rent SUP (stand-up paddle) equipment. In 2024, new restrooms were inaugurated at Palazzo Negrotto Cambiaso, including accessible facilities and baby-changing stations to enhance the visitor experience. Nearby, Sestri Levante’s charming historic center offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and gelaterias, along with boutiques and local artisan shops. During the summer months, access to the beach is controlled to protect its ecosystem, with staff at entry points. Starting in 2025, a small entrance fee may be introduced for non-residents.

Movie Trivia:

In 2020, some scenes from Pixar’s animated film "Luca"—inspired by the Ligurian Riviera—were heavily influenced by the landscapes of Sestri Levante, and in particular the Bay of Silence, which helped shape the film’s Mediterranean aesthetic.

Paraggi Beach is a hidden gem nestled between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, known for its crystal-clear emerald-green waters and fine sand, a rarity in a region where most beaches are made up of pebbles. This picturesque bay, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation and pine forests gently sloping toward the sea, creates a peaceful and sheltered environment, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in the sun. Its protected location, shielded by the surrounding hills, makes it ideal for a day of relaxation away from the crowds. Although small, the beach is one of the most photographed spots on the Ligurian Riviera, thanks to its unspoiled beauty.

Paraggi offers a variety of services while maintaining a sense of tranquility. The beach is dominated by a few beach clubs that rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and offer dining options featuring fresh seafood dishes. The atmosphere is generally relaxed but with a touch of elegance. Some of the beachfront restaurants serve typical Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto, fried fish, and gourmet dishes based on fresh seafood. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, with numerous underwater points of interest attracting water sports enthusiasts.

The area around the bay is dotted with luxury hotels and exclusive resorts. The Grand Hotel Miramare is one of the most famous establishments, thanks to its panoramic location offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Tigullio and the Portofino promontory. The hotel, which maintains an atmosphere of great elegance and refinement, also provides direct beach access, with rooms featuring private terraces. Additionally, throughout the area, you'll find elegant boutiques selling high-quality local products, from clothing to handcrafted ceramics, as well as gourmet restaurants where you can savor modern twists on traditional Ligurian cuisine. 

The surrounding area, between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, is also known for its historical and natural charm. Just a few steps from the beach, you can visit the Portofino Park, a protected area that stretches between Santa Margherita and Portofino, where the green of the woods blends perfectly with the blue of the sea. The park is an ideal spot for trekking, hiking, and cycling, with numerous trails offering panoramic views of the sea and coastline. Its proximity to Portofino also allows you to explore the famous Piazzetta of Portofino, a popular international meeting place and the heart of the area's social life.

In addition to its natural beauty, Paraggi Beach also boasts a long historical tradition. Over the centuries, the bay has been frequented by nobles and aristocrats, drawn by its tranquility and privileged location. Paraggi is famous for being one of the favorite destinations of international travelers as early as the 19th century, when the European elite began to discover the Ligurian Riviera. Even today, it maintains an exclusive yet not overly crowded atmosphere, making it a perfect corner for those seeking peace, comfort, and beauty.

How to get there: Paraggi Beach is easily accessible by car via the provincial road SP227, which connects Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino. However, parking nearby can be limited, especially during the summer months. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. Alternatively, the Sentiero dei Baci (Path of Kisses), a charming pedestrian route about 2 km long, connects Santa Margherita to Portofino and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, making it ideal for nature lovers. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to walk. During the high season, boats and bus services also operate, connecting Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and Paraggi Beach, making access even more convenient.