Best Sunset Beaches in Liguria: Where to Swim Before Golden Hour

The best beaches in Liguria for sunset swims, golden-hour views and aperitivo by the sea, from Varigotti and Noli to Camogli, Paraggi and San Fruttuoso.

Liguria is one of the most beautiful places in Italy for a late-afternoon swim. The coast is full of colourful villages, rocky coves, beach clubs, fishing harbours and seafront promenades that feel especially atmospheric as the light softens. Not every Ligurian beach is perfectly positioned for a classic sunset over the sea, but many beaches still work beautifully at golden hour. Some are best for a scenic swim before dinner, some for aperitivo nearby, and others for soft evening light over pastel houses, cliffs and boats. This guide brings together the best sunset beaches in Liguria currently featured on Feriae Italia, focusing on places that feel special in the late afternoon and early evening.

Baia dei Saraceni, Varigotti

Baia dei Saraceni is one of the best beaches in Liguria for a golden-hour swim. Set between Varigotti, Punta Crena and the cliffs towards Capo Noli, it has clear blue water, pale pebbles and a dramatic coastal setting that becomes even more beautiful later in the day. It is not a secret beach, especially in summer, but visiting in the late afternoon can be a good way to avoid the strongest heat and enjoy the bay when the light is softer. It works particularly well if you want to combine swimming, snorkelling and a walk around Varigotti. - Why visit: one of the most scenic clear-water beaches on the Riviera di Ponente. - Good to know: parking is limited, so late afternoon can sometimes be easier than peak daytime hours. - Best for: clear water, snorkelling, couples and sunset atmosphere.

Varigotti

Spiaggia di Varigotti is one of the most atmospheric beaches in Liguria for late afternoon and early evening. The beach sits directly in front of the village, with colourful Saracen houses, beach clubs and restaurants just behind the sand and pebbles. It is a great choice if you want an easy beach day that naturally turns into aperitivo or dinner by the sea. The setting feels relaxed but elegant, and the village is especially pretty when the light hits the pastel buildings. - Why visit: a beautiful village beach with one of the best evening atmospheres in Liguria. - Good to know: it is more comfortable and accessible than nearby Baia dei Saraceni. - Best for: couples, aperitivo, beach clubs and a scenic seaside evening.

Noli

Spiaggia di Noli is a great sunset beach if you want to combine the sea with a historic Ligurian town. The beach stretches in front of the old centre, with restaurants, cafés and medieval streets just a short walk away. It is not a hidden cove, but it works very well for a relaxed late-afternoon swim followed by gelato, aperitivo or dinner in town. The setting feels classic and local, making it a strong choice for visitors who want more than just a beach. - Why visit: a lovely mix of beach, history and evening atmosphere. - Good to know: Noli does not have its own train station, so it is easier by car or bus. - Best for: aperitivo, couples, swimming and village atmosphere.

Camogli

Camogli is one of the best beaches in Liguria for sunset atmosphere. The long pebble beach sits directly below tall colourful houses, with fishing boats, cafés, focaccia shops and restaurants nearby. The beach is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the village colours become warmer and the waterfront starts to fill with people having aperitivo. It is a good choice if you want a beach that feels lively, romantic and very Ligurian. - Why visit: one of the most photogenic seaside villages in Liguria. - Good to know: the beach is pebbly, so water shoes can make swimming more comfortable. - Best for: couples, aperitivo, photography and train-friendly beach days.

Paraggi, Santa Margherita Ligure

Spiaggia di Paraggi is one of the most elegant beaches near Portofino and a beautiful place to spend the late afternoon. The bay is small, sheltered and known for its clear green-blue water, with beach clubs and restaurants nearby. Paraggi is more polished than wild, but that is part of its appeal. It works well if you want a scenic swim, a more refined beach setting and the option to continue towards Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure in the evening. - Why visit: clear water, a sheltered bay and a glamorous Riviera atmosphere. - Good to know: beach clubs can be expensive in peak season. - Best for: couples, clear water, beach clubs and aperitivo.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure is a good choice for sunset if you want an easy, elegant seaside base with beaches, restaurants, hotels and a harbour all close together. The beach areas are more urban than remote, but the town has a lovely evening atmosphere. It is especially useful if you want to swim in the afternoon, walk along the promenade and stay for dinner by the sea. It also works well as a base for visiting Portofino, Paraggi and nearby coastal spots. - Why visit: a classic Italian Riviera town with beaches, harbour views and evening energy. - Good to know: it is more about atmosphere and convenience than a wild beach setting. - Best for: aperitivo, couples, restaurants and a comfortable seaside stay.

San Fruttuoso, Camogli

San Fruttuoso is one of the most unique sunset swim spots in Liguria, set between Portofino and Camogli beneath the famous abbey. The beach is small and reached by boat or hiking trail, which makes it feel very different from a normal town beach. It is especially beautiful later in the day, but you need to plan around boat times if you are not hiking. This is less of a casual sunset aperitivo beach and more of a memorable day trip where the late-afternoon light makes the setting even more special. - Why visit: one of the most unforgettable beach settings in Liguria. - Good to know: check return boat times carefully, especially outside peak season. - Best for: boat trips, scenery, swimming and a special day out.

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante

Baia del Silenzio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Liguria and a lovely place for late afternoon. The small bay is surrounded by pastel houses, fishing boats and calm water, creating one of the most romantic beach settings on the Italian Riviera. It can be very busy during the day, especially in summer, but it feels more atmospheric in the early evening. It is also easy to combine with a walk through Sestri Levante and dinner nearby. - Why visit: one of Liguria’s most romantic and photogenic bays. - Good to know: space on the beach is limited in high season. - Best for: couples, photography, swimming and evening walks.

Boccadasse, Genoa

Boccadasse is a small fishing village inside Genoa and one of the easiest places to enjoy sunset by the sea without leaving the city. The beach itself is tiny and pebbly, but the setting is full of character, with colourful houses, boats, gelato shops and seafood restaurants. This is not the place for a full beach day. It is best for a short swim, a walk, aperitivo or dinner with a sea view. For visitors staying in Genoa, it is one of the simplest and most charming sunset spots. - Why visit: a beautiful seaside village atmosphere within Genoa. - Good to know: the beach is small and can get crowded. - Best for: aperitivo, dinner, couples and city-based beach visits.

Levanto Beach

Levanto is one of the best sunset beaches near the Cinque Terre if you want space, sand-and-pebble shoreline and an easy town setting. The beach is wider and more open than many small Ligurian coves, making it a comfortable place to stay into the evening. It works well for swimming, families, couples and travellers using the train. Levanto is also a practical base for exploring the Cinque Terre while still having a proper beach town to return to. - Why visit: one of the easiest and most spacious beach towns near the Cinque Terre. - Good to know: it is more open and practical than the tiny village beaches nearby. - Best for: train access, swimming, families and relaxed evening walks.

Best sunset beaches in Liguria by type

Best sunset beach for clear water: Baia dei Saraceni is one of the best choices for a scenic swim in clear water before the evening. Best sunset beach for aperitivo: Camogli, Varigotti and Boccadasse are all excellent if you want to move easily from beach to drinks or dinner. Best sunset beach for couples: Baia del Silenzio, Paraggi and Santa Margherita Ligure are among the most romantic options. Best sunset beach near Genoa: Boccadasse is the easiest choice inside the city, while Camogli is better for a fuller seaside evening. Best sunset beach near Portofino: Paraggi is the best option for a stylish late-afternoon swim close to Portofino. Best sunset beach near the Cinque Terre: Levanto is one of the easiest and most comfortable options for an evening beach stop.