Best Beaches near Portofino: Where to Swim Nearby

A practical guide to the best beaches near Portofino, including Paraggi, San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, with tips on where to swim, how to get there and which beach to choose.

Portofino is one of the most famous places on the Italian Riviera, but the village itself is not really a beach destination. It is beautiful for the harbour, the views, the walks and the atmosphere, but if you want to swim, you will usually head to one of the nearby beaches along the coast. The good news is that some of the best beaches in Liguria are close to Portofino. You can choose between clear-water bays, beach clubs, small town beaches, boat-access coves and colourful seaside villages. Some are easy to reach from Santa Margherita Ligure, while others work better as a boat trip or a full day out. This guide covers the best beaches near Portofino, with practical notes on what each beach is best for and how to choose the right one.

Spiaggia di Paraggi

Paraggi is the closest and most obvious beach near Portofino, and for many visitors it is the easiest choice. The bay sits between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, with clear green-blue water, a small sandy shoreline and a polished Riviera feel. It is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Portofino area, especially if you want calm water and a more elegant beach setting. The beach is small, and much of it is taken up by beach clubs in summer, but the setting is hard to beat. Paraggi is best if you want the classic Portofino-area beach experience: clear water, beach clubs, restaurants nearby and the option to continue into Portofino before or after your swim. - Why visit: the closest proper beach to Portofino, with clear water and a sheltered bay. - Good to know: beach clubs can be expensive in peak season, so check prices or book ahead. - Best for: clear water, couples, beach clubs and a stylish beach day near Portofino.

San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso is one of the most special places to swim near Portofino. The beach sits in a small bay beneath the famous abbey, between Portofino and Camogli, and can usually be reached by boat or on foot via hiking trails. This is not the easiest beach for a quick swim, but it is one of the most memorable. The setting feels dramatic and enclosed, with the abbey, the steep green hills and the clear water creating a very different atmosphere from the busier town beaches. San Fruttuoso works best as a day trip rather than a casual stop. You need to check boat times carefully, especially outside high season, but if you want a beach that feels genuinely unique, this is one of the best options near Portofino. - Why visit: a beautiful boat-access bay with one of the most iconic settings in Liguria. - Good to know: return boat times matter, so plan before you go. - Best for: boat trips, scenery, swimming and a special day out.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most practical beach bases near Portofino. The beaches here are more urban than hidden, but the town has everything close together: beach areas, restaurants, cafés, hotels, ferry links, a harbour and transport connections. It is a good option if you want a comfortable beach day without needing to plan around boat times or difficult access. You can swim, walk along the promenade, have lunch or aperitivo, and then continue to Portofino by bus, boat or on foot depending on the season and your plans. Santa Margherita is also a good place to stay if you want to visit Portofino but prefer somewhere with more accommodation options and easier connections. - Why visit: an easy and elegant seaside base close to Portofino. - Good to know: the beaches are convenient rather than wild or secluded. - Best for: restaurants, aperitivo, hotels, easy access and a relaxed beach day.

Camogli Beach

Camogli is slightly further from Portofino, but it is one of the best beaches in the wider area if you want a classic Ligurian seaside village. The long pebble beach sits below tall colourful houses, with cafés, focaccia shops, restaurants and a seafront promenade just behind it. The beach is larger than Paraggi and has a very different feel. It is less polished, more local and more atmospheric, especially later in the day when the village colours look warmer and people gather along the waterfront. Camogli is also useful if you are combining the beach with a boat trip to San Fruttuoso. It works well for a full day: beach in the morning or afternoon, boat trip if the timing works, and dinner by the sea. - Why visit: one of the most atmospheric seaside towns near Portofino. - Good to know: the beach is pebbly, so water shoes can make swimming more comfortable. - Best for: village atmosphere, aperitivo, photography and a fuller seaside day.

Best beach near Portofino by type

Best beach closest to Portofino: Paraggi is the closest proper beach and the easiest choice for a swim near Portofino. Best beach near Portofino for clear water: Paraggi and San Fruttuoso are both excellent choices for clear water and beautiful surroundings. Best beach near Portofino for a boat trip: San Fruttuoso is the best option if you want a beach that feels like part of a day out on the water. Best beach near Portofino for convenience: Santa Margherita Ligure is the easiest base, with beaches, restaurants, hotels and transport connections close together. Best beach near Portofino for atmosphere: Camogli is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the area, especially if you want a beach day with village character. Best beach near Portofino for couples: Paraggi, San Fruttuoso and Camogli are all strong choices, depending on whether you want beach clubs, scenery or a romantic seaside town.