Best Beaches in and near Genoa: Easy Beach Trips from Genova

Looking for the best beaches in and near Genoa? From the city swim spot of Boccadasse to colourful Camogli, boat-only San Fruttuoso and the sandy bay of Sestri Levante, these are the best beach trips from Genova using beaches already featured on Costa Guida.

Genoa is one of the best bases in Liguria if you want to combine city life with easy beach trips. While the city is best known for its historic centre, port and food, there are several beautiful beaches in and near Genoa that you can reach by train, boat or a short drive. This guide focuses only on beaches currently featured on Costa Guida, from Boccadasse inside the city to classic Riviera di Levante beach towns like Camogli, Sestri Levante and Moneglia. Some are perfect for a quick swim and aperitivo, while others are better for a full beach day.

Boccadasse

Boccadasse is the easiest beach to visit if you are staying in Genoa itself. This small fishing village sits within the city, with colourful houses, fishing boats, a tiny pebble beach and plenty of places nearby for breakfast, lunch, gelato, aperitivo or dinner. It is not the beach to choose if you want lots of space, sunbeds or a full resort-style day. Boccadasse is best for atmosphere: come for a quick swim, a walk by the sea and a drink or meal with a view. - Why visit: the best beach-style stop inside Genoa itself. - Good to know: small and pebbly, so come for atmosphere rather than space. - Journey from Genoa: around 15-20m by bus from the city centre

Sori

Spiaggia di Sori is one of the easiest beaches near Genoa if you want a local beach day without travelling too far. Set on the Golfo Paradiso between Genoa and Recco, Sori has a small sand-and-pebble beach, clear water, beach clubs, public areas and places nearby for lunch or coffee. It is a good choice if you want something more relaxed and practical than the famous Portofino-area beaches. The train station is close to the seafront, which makes Sori especially useful for a simple beach trip from Genoa without a car. - Why visit: a local, train-friendly beach near Genoa with clear water and a relaxed Golfo Paradiso atmosphere. - Good to know: the beach is small and can get busy in summer, so arrive early if you want more space. - Journey from Genoa: around 30 min by car / around 20–30 min by train.

Camogli Beach

Camogli Beach is one of the best beaches near Genoa by train. Set beneath colourful seafront houses, this pebbly beach has clear water, a lively local atmosphere and one of the most beautiful village backdrops on the Ligurian coast. Camogli is ideal for a full day trip from Genova. You can swim in the morning, have focaccia or seafood for lunch, take a boat towards San Fruttuoso, and stay for aperitivo or dinner by the harbour. - Why visit: a classic Ligurian beach town with easy train access from Genoa. - Good to know: bring water shoes, as the beach is pebbly. - Journey from Genoa: around 35 min by car / around 30 min by train.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the best beaches near Genoa if you want a polished Riviera di Levante town with beach clubs, restaurants and easy access to Portofino. Set between Rapallo and Portofino, it has clear water, public swimming areas, equipped beach clubs, cafés, hotels and a lively seafront close to the harbour. It is a good option for couples, weekend trips and anyone who wants a more elegant Italian Riviera atmosphere rather than a simple swim stop. It also works well if you want to combine a beach day with Paraggi, Portofino, boat trips or aperitivo by the sea. - Why visit: one of the best beach towns near Genoa for Portofino access, beach clubs and a classic Riviera atmosphere. - Good to know: it is busier and more expensive than quieter Ligurian beach towns, especially in July and August. - Journey from Genoa: around 40 min by car / around 35 min by train.

Spiaggia di Paraggi

Spiaggia di Paraggi is one of the most beautiful beaches near Portofino and a polished beach option for a special day trip from Genoa. The bay is known for clear emerald water, a sandy shoreline and an elegant Riviera setting. Paraggi is small and popular, with much of the beach managed by private beach clubs in summer. There is limited public beach space, so arrive early if you want a free spot or book ahead if you prefer sunbeds and service. - Why visit: clear water, sandy shoreline and a glamorous Portofino-area setting. - Good to know: avoid driving if possible; parking is limited and expensive. - Journey from Genoa: around 50 min by car / around 35–50 min by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, then bus, taxi or walk towards Paraggi.

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante

Baia del Silenzio is one of the most beautiful beaches near Genoa for a proper beach day. Located in Sestri Levante, this sheltered sandy bay is framed by colourful houses, calm water and the old town just behind the beach. It is a strong choice if you want something more comfortable than a rocky or pebbly cove. The beach is scenic, sandy and easy to combine with lunch, gelato or aperitivo in Sestri Levante. - Why visit: one of the prettiest sandy beaches within reach of Genoa. - Good to know: it gets very busy in summer, so go early or later in the day. - Journey from Genoa: around 50 min by car / around 1h by train.

San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso is one of the most unique beaches near Genoa, 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. You cannot reach San Fruttuoso by car, which is part of its appeal. Most visitors arrive by boat from Camogli, Portofino or nearby towns, while others hike through the Portofino Regional Park. - Why visit: one of the most atmospheric swimming spots on the Ligurian coast. - Good to know: check the last return boat before you go. - Journey from Genoa: no direct car or train access; travel first to Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure, then continue by seasonal boat (around 1h30 in total) or hiking trail (3h+).

Spiaggia di Moneglia

Spiaggia di Moneglia is a good option if you want a relaxed beach day further along the Riviera di Levante. Set between Sestri Levante and Deiva Marina, Moneglia has a wide sand-and-pebble shoreline, clear water and a quieter village atmosphere than some of the more famous beaches near Genoa. The beach has both public areas and beach clubs, so it works well for a full day by the sea. Moneglia also has a train station within walking distance of the beach, making it practical if you are travelling from Genoa without a car. - Why visit: a relaxed seaside town with train access and a practical beach. - Good to know: good for a slower beach day rather than a quick city swim. - Journey from Genoa: around 1h by car / around 1h by train.

Best beaches near Genoa by type

Best beach in Genoa itself: Boccadasse is the best option if you want a quick beach stop without leaving the city. Best beach near Genoa by train: Camogli Beach is one of the easiest and most rewarding beach day trips from Genoa by train. Best beach near Genoa for a boat trip: San Fruttuoso is the best choice if you want a scenic boat trip and a memorable swimming spot. Best sandy beach near Genoa: Baia del Silenzio and Paraggi are the best options if you want a sandier beach near Genoa. Best beach near Genoa for food and atmosphere: Boccadasse and Camogli are the best choices if you want to combine the beach with focaccia, seafood, gelato or aperitivo. Best beach near Genoa for a full day trip: Baia del Silenzio and Moneglia are good options if you want a longer, more relaxed beach day.