10 Best Beaches in Liguria: Where to Swim on the Italian Riviera

From sandy beaches near the Cinque Terre to clear-water coves, colourful fishing villages and classic Italian Riviera beach towns, Liguria has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. This guide highlights ten of the best beaches in Liguria for swimming, scenery, families, train access and coastal atmosphere.

Liguria's coastline stretches in a narrow arc along the Italian Riviera, packing dramatic cliffs, pastel fishing villages and turquoise coves into roughly 300 kilometres. The ten beaches below are the ones we send friends to first — a mix of sandy family bays, hidden swimming spots, and famous Cinque Terre and Portofino classics. Most are reachable by train, and all are worth the trip.

Baia dei Saraceni, Varigotti

Baia dei Saraceni is one of the most scenic beaches in Liguria and a famous swimming spot near Varigotti. Set between Punta Crena and Capo Noli, it is known for clear blue water, dramatic cliffs and a pale pebble-and-sand shoreline. It is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and photography, especially when the sea is calm. - Why visit: one of the best clear-water beaches on the Riviera di Ponente. - Good to know: arrive early in summer and bring water shoes. - Nearby: Varigotti, Noli, Finale Ligure.

San Fruttuoso Beach, between Camogli and Portofino

San Fruttuoso is one of the most unique beaches in Liguria, set in a small cove between Camogli and Portofino. The beach sits directly in front of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, surrounded by green hills and clear blue water. It is best reached by boat or hiking trail and is perfect for a scenic swim, snorkelling and a memorable day trip. - Why visit: one of the most atmospheric beaches on the Ligurian coast. - Good to know: check the last return boat before you go. - Nearby: Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure.

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante

Baia del Silenzio is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Liguria, located in the heart of Sestri Levante. The sheltered bay is framed by colourful houses, calm water and a soft shoreline, making it ideal for families, swimming and relaxed beach days. It is also easy to reach by train, with Sestri Levante station within walking distance. - Why visit: one of the prettiest and most accessible beaches on the Riviera di Levante. - Good to know: visit early or later in the day to avoid crowds. - Nearby: Sestri Levante, Cavi di Lavagna, Lavagna.

Camogli Beach

Camogli Beach is one of the best beaches near Genoa for a mix of swimming, village charm and food. Set below Camogli’s colourful seafront houses, this pebbly beach has clear water, a lively local atmosphere and easy train access. It is perfect for a swim followed by focaccia, seafood, gelato or aperitivo by the harbour. - Why visit: a classic Ligurian beach town with great scenery and food. - Good to know: bring water shoes, as the beach is pebbly. - Nearby: Recco, San Fruttuoso, Portofino.

Spiaggia di Paraggi, near Portofino

Spiaggia di Paraggi is one of the most beautiful beaches near Portofino, known for clear emerald water, a sandy shoreline and an elegant Riviera setting. The sheltered bay is excellent for swimming, especially in the morning when the sea is calm. In summer, much of the beach is managed by private beach clubs, with limited public space. - Why visit: one of the clearest and most glamorous beaches in Liguria. - Good to know: arrive very early or book a beach club in peak season. - Nearby: Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli.

Monterosso al Mare Beach, Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare Beach is the best beach in the Cinque Terre for a proper seaside day. Unlike the smaller rocky swimming spots in other villages, Monterosso has a longer shoreline, beach clubs, public beach areas and easy access to the sea. The beach is a mix of sand, gravel and small pebbles, making it practical for swimming and families. - Why visit: the most comfortable beach option in the Cinque Terre. - Good to know: the train station is very close to the seafront. - Nearby: Vernazza, Levanto, Cinque Terre villages.

Levanto Beach

Levanto Beach is one of the best beaches near the Cinque Terre if you want more space, easy train access and a relaxed town atmosphere. Set in a wide bay just north of Monterosso, it has a sand-and-pebble shoreline, public beach areas and beach clubs. It is good for swimming on calm days and surfing when conditions are right. - Why visit: a practical beach base near the Cinque Terre. - Good to know: choose Levanto if you want more space than the Cinque Terre villages. - Nearby: Monterosso, Bonassola, Framura.

Spiaggia di Noli

Spiaggia di Noli is a beautiful beach on the Riviera di Ponente, set in front of one of Liguria’s most charming historic seaside towns. The beach has clear water, a sand-and-pebble shoreline, public areas and beach clubs. It is a great choice for combining swimming with lunch, gelato, aperitivo or dinner in Noli’s medieval old town. - Why visit: a great mix of beach, history and village atmosphere. - Good to know: there is no train station directly in Noli. - Nearby: Varigotti, Spotorno, Finale Ligure

Spiaggia di Alassio

Spiaggia di Alassio is one of the best sandy beaches in Liguria and a classic Riviera di Ponente resort. The long, soft sandy beach and shallow water make it especially popular with families. With public beach areas, beach clubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels close by, Alassio is ideal for a comfortable full beach day or seaside stay. - Why visit: one of Liguria’s easiest and most family-friendly sandy beaches. - Good to know: book beach clubs ahead in July and August. - Nearby: Laigueglia, Albenga, Riviera di Ponente.

Bergeggi

Bergeggi is one of the best beaches near Savona for clear water, snorkelling and views of Isola di Bergeggi. The shoreline is mostly pebbles and stones, but the sea is the real highlight. On calm days, the water can be beautifully transparent, making it one of the best swimming and snorkelling spots on the Riviera di Ponente. - Why visit: clear water, marine scenery and excellent snorkelling. - Good to know: bring goggles and water shoes. - Nearby: Spotorno, Noli, Savona.