Camogli Italy: Ligurian Seaside Gem and City of a Thousand White Sailing Ships

Where is Camogli, Italy?

Camogli Italy is a charming seaside town in Liguria, just 22 km from Genoa. Known as the City of a Thousand White Sailing Ships, it offers authentic Italian charm with fewer crowds than Portofino or Cinque Terre.

• Region: Liguria

• Nearest city: Genoa

• Address: Lungomare Giuseppe Garibaldi, 16032 Camogli (GE)

• Distance: 30 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train from Genoa

How to Get to Camogli, Italy

By Car

From Genoa, take the A12 (Autostrada dei Fiori), exit at Recco, and follow the signs to Camogli. Parking in the center is limited, so it’s best to leave your car at the town’s entrance and continue on foot.

By Train (Best Option)

The regional train from Genova Brignole or Genova Piazza Principe stops at Camogli-San Fruttuoso station, just steps from the waterfront. It’s the most scenic and stress-free way to arrive.

Things to Do in Camogli Italy

Stroll Along the Seaside Promenade

Camogli’s pastel-colored houses line the promenade, each decorated with trompe-l’œil designs that make them look like palaces. It feels like walking inside a painting.

Relax at Camogli Beach

Camogli beach is a long pebble beach beneath the medieval Castello della Dragonara. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying an aperitivo with sea views. Unlike sandy beaches, its smooth pebbles give the water a crystal-clear color.

Explore the Harbor

Watch fishermen mend their nets, eat freshly fried anchovies, and enjoy the authentic maritime atmosphere that still defines Camogli Italy.

H3: Boat Trips to San Fruttuoso Abbey

From Camogli harbor, take a boat to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a hidden monastery accessible only by sea or hiking. The trip combines history, nature, and breathtaking views.

History and Traditions of Camogli Italy

Camogli’s nickname, City of a Thousand White Sailing Ships, dates back to the 19th century, when almost every family had a sailor at sea.
Legend says the name Camogli might come from “casa delle mogli” (“house of the wives”), since women stayed home while men sailed the seas.

Best Time to Visit Camogli Italy

• May–June: Warm weather, flowers in bloom, fewer tourists.

• Early September: The sea is still warm, but the summer crowds are gone.

• Special Event: The second Sunday of May is the Camogli Fish Festival, when locals fry tons of fresh fish in a giant pan in the harbor square.

Food & Where to Stay in Camogli

• Taste: Don’t miss Focaccia di Recco col formaggio, a thin, cheese-filled focaccia typical of the area. Pair it with chilled Ligurian white wine.

• Stay: Choose between boutique hotels on the promenade, cozy B&Bs with sea views, or renovated fishermen’s houses for an authentic experience.

Day Trips from Camogli Italy

• Portofino: Just 20 minutes by boat or train, famous for its glamorous harbor.

• Cinque Terre: Reachable by train, a UNESCO World Heritage site of colorful villages.

• San Fruttuoso: A must-visit abbey hidden in a secluded bay.

FAQ About Camogli Italy

Is Camogli Italy worth visiting?
Yes! It’s less crowded than Portofino or Cinque Terre, but equally beautiful, with authentic Ligurian culture.

How do I get from Genoa to Camogli Italy?
By train → about 35 minutes from Genoa’s main stations.

What is Camogli Italy known for?
Its colorful houses, Camogli beach, fishing traditions, and the annual Fish Festival.

When is the Camogli Fish Festival?
Every second Sunday of May, when locals fry fish in a giant pan by the harbor.