Boccadasse
A tiny pebble beach inside a postcard fishing village right in the city of Genoa.
Overview
Boccadasse is a former fishing hamlet absorbed into Genoa, with pastel houses tumbling down to a small pebble cove. It's less about sunbathing and more about the atmosphere: gelato on the rocks, colourful boats pulled up on the shingle, and one of the most romantic sunsets in Liguria. Easy to reach by city bus from central Genoa.
Good for
Public access
Free public access from the village steps
Beach clubs available: No — this is mainly a free/public or natural beach.
How to get there
By train: Genova Sturla railway station is the most convenient option for regional trains, followed by about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, you can arrive at Genova Brignole railway station and then take bus 31 or a taxi toward the coast. This is the most practical arrival point for travelers coming from outside Genoa
By bus: Bus 31 from central Genoa runs regularly toward the eastern seaside and stops close to Boccadasse.
Parking: Very limited in and around Boccadasse - narrow streets and residential zones mean spaces are scarce even outside peak season. Public transport is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and summer evenings
On foot: About a 2-minute scenic walk down village steps from Corso Italia
Facilities
Practical tips
More about Boccadasse
Boccadasse is one of the most charming seaside spots in Genoa and one of the most photogenic places to visit on the Ligurian coast. Set around a small pebble beach and colourful fishermen’s houses, this historic village neighbourhood offers a very different beach experience from the wider beaches of the Riviera di Ponente. The beach at Boccadasse is small and scenic rather than spacious, making it better for a quick swim, a relaxed stop by the sea or a slow afternoon than a full beach day. The water can be beautifully clear on calm days, and the setting is especially picturesque, with pastel houses, fishing boats and views along the Genoese coastline. Boccadasse is also one of the best places in Genoa to combine the sea with food and drinks. It is a great spot to stop for breakfast, lunch, gelato, aperitivo or dinner, with cafés, seafood restaurants and casual places to eat close to the beach. This makes it ideal if you want a coastal atmosphere without leaving the city. Although it feels like a small village, Boccadasse is very easy to reach from central Genoa and is popular with both locals and visitors. It can get busy at weekends and during summer evenings, especially around sunset and aperitivo time. For a quieter visit, go earlier in the morning or outside peak season. The shoreline is mostly pebbles and stones, so water shoes can be useful if you plan to swim. Boccadasse is not the best option if you want lots of space, beach facilities or a long sandy shore, but it is perfect for a scenic swim, a seaside walk and a meal or drink by the water. For the best experience, visit Boccadasse as part of a wider day in Genoa. You can combine it with a walk along Corso Italia, a swim in the small bay, breakfast or lunch by the sea, and an evening aperitivo or dinner as the village lights come on.
Location
Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.