Hidden Gems in Liguria: 5 Beaches Worth the Extra Effort

Some of Liguria’s most memorable beaches are not the easiest places to reach - but that is part of their charm. This guide highlights five beaches and swim spots worth the extra effort, from boat-access coves and rugged coastal swims to atmospheric villages and quieter alternatives near the Cinque Terre.

Liguria is famous for places like Portofino, Cinque Terre, Baia del Silenzio and Baia dei Saraceni, but some of the most memorable coastal stops take a little more effort to reach. These beaches are not necessarily empty or unknown, especially in summer, but they feel more atmospheric, distinctive or rewarding than a standard beach day. This guide focuses on five beaches and swim spots in Liguria that are worth the extra planning. Some are best reached by boat or hiking trail, while others are scenic alternatives to the most famous Ligurian beach towns. Each beach name links to a full beach page with more details on access, facilities and practical tips.

San Fruttuoso

San Fruttuoso is one of the most atmospheric hidden-feeling places 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 not unknown, but it still feels special because you cannot reach it by car. Most visitors arrive by boat or hiking trail, which makes the beach feel more like a discovery than a standard seaside stop. It is best for a scenic swim, snorkelling and a memorable day trip rather than a spacious beach day. - Why visit: one of the most unique beach settings on the Italian Riviera. - Good to know: check boat times carefully, especially the last return. - Best for: boat trips, hiking, clear water and atmosphere.

Baia dei Saraceni

Baia dei Saraceni is not a secret beach, but it still deserves a place in a hidden gems guide because it feels more dramatic and natural than many classic Ligurian beach towns. Set near Varigotti, between Punta Crena and the cliffs towards Capo Noli, it is one of the most scenic beaches on the Riviera di Ponente, known for clear blue water, pale pebbles and a beautiful coastal backdrop. This is a great choice if you want one of the best clear-water beaches in Liguria for swimming, snorkelling and photography. It can get very busy in summer, so the “extra effort” is mainly about timing: arrive early, avoid peak weekends if possible, and bring water shoes for a more comfortable swim. - Why visit: one of the most scenic clear-water beaches in Liguria, close to Varigotti. - Good to know: it is popular rather than hidden, so arrive early in July and August. - Best for: clear water, snorkelling, dramatic scenery and a beach day near Varigotti.

Spiaggia di Fossola

Spiaggia di Fossola shows a wilder side of the Cinque Terre coast. It is best approached by boat, as the old land access can be difficult and damaged in places. Small, rocky and remote, it feels very different from the easier beach days in Monterosso, Levanto or Bonassola. This is best treated as an adventurous coastal swim rather than a beach with facilities. The shoreline is rocky and the water can be beautifully clear when the sea is calm. It works best for confident swimmers, snorkelling and visitors who want something more natural and less obvious than the main Cinque Terre beaches. - Why visit: a wilder swim spot on the Cinque Terre coast. - Good to know: check access and sea conditions before planning a swim. - Best for: adventurous swimmers, clear water and rugged coastal scenery.

Spiaggia dei Balzi Rossi

Spiaggia dei Balzi Rossi is one of the most dramatic coastal gems in Liguria. Located near the French border, close to Ventimiglia, it is known for clear water, rocky scenery and the distinctive reddish cliffs that give the area its name. This beach feels very different from the pastel villages and resort beaches found elsewhere in Liguria. It is smaller, more striking and slightly off the usual first-time itinerary, making it a strong choice if you want a coastal spot with character. The water can be excellent for swimming when calm, but the shoreline is rocky, so water shoes are useful. - Why visit: dramatic red cliffs, clear water and a different side of Liguria. - Good to know: bring water shoes and check access before you go. - Best for: scenery, clear water and a less obvious Riviera di Ponente stop.

Spiaggia di Bonassola

Spiaggia di Bonassola is a relaxed beach near the Cinque Terre and Levanto, ideal if you want an alternative to the busiest coastal spots. Set in a small sheltered bay, Bonassola has a sand-and-pebble shoreline, clear water and a calm village atmosphere. It is not a secret beach, but it often feels more local and less intense than Monterosso or the main Cinque Terre villages. It is easy to reach by train and can also be combined with the scenic walking and cycling path from Levanto, making it a great choice for a slower beach day. - Why visit: a calmer beach village close to the Cinque Terre. - Good to know: walk or cycle from Levanto for a more scenic arrival. - Best for: relaxed beach days, train access and an alternative to the Cinque Terre.

Best hidden gems in Liguria by type

Best hidden-feeling beach for a boat trip: San Fruttuoso is the best choice if you want a beach that feels special from the moment you arrive, especially by boat from Camogli or Portofino. Best less obvious swim spot near the Cinque Terre: Spiaggia di Fossola is a good option if you want a wilder swim spot near the Cinque Terre, while Bonassola is better for a calmer full beach day. Best coastal gem for dramatic scenery: Spiaggia dei Balzi Rossi is one of the most distinctive beaches in Liguria, with red cliffs, rocky coastline and clear water near the French border. Best scenic beach worth the planning: Baia dei Saraceni is popular, but its clear water, cliffs and dramatic setting near Varigotti make it worth an early start. Best alternative beach without a car: Bonassola is one of the easiest options because it has its own train station and is also connected to Levanto by the coastal walking and cycling path.

Planning your hidden gems trip

The best hidden gems in Liguria are not always secret, but they usually offer something more memorable than a standard beach day. Choose San Fruttuoso for a boat-access cove, Spiaggia di Fossola for a wilder Cinque Terre swim, Balzi Rossi for dramatic scenery, Baia dei Saraceni for clear water near Varigotti, and Bonassola for a calmer beach near the Cinque Terre. If you are visiting in summer, plan ahead and arrive early where possible. These places may be less obvious, harder to reach or simply worth extra planning, but the best small coves and scenic swim spots in Liguria can still get busy in peak season. If you are visiting in summer, plan ahead and arrive early where possible. These places may be less obvious than Liguria's headline beaches, but the best small coves and village swim spots can still get busy in peak season.