Camogli: A Perfect Weekend on the Italian Riviera
Camogli's Postcard-perfect Harbor is the Heart of this Colorful Fishing Village
There's something incredibly special about traveling with a friend who shares your sense of adventure. This past weekend, I met up with my friend Kristy, who is currently living in France while studying French. We are staunch believers that life is best lived with curiosity, new experiences, and a healthy dose of adventure, so it seemed only fitting to reunite in one of Liguria's most enchanting seaside villages: Camogli.
Two Travel Kindred Spirits
Perched along the Italian Riviera, Camogli is everything you imagine a coastal Italian village to be. Colorful buildings tumble down the cliffs to a picturesque fishing harbor, where the Ligurian Sea shimmers beneath rows of pastel facades. Unlike some of its better-known neighbors, Camogli has managed to retain its authentic character and delightfully slow pace. With fewer crowds, family-run shops, waterfront cafés, and long afternoons by the sea, it's the kind of place that embodies the very essence of la dolce vita.
Where Colorful Buildings Meet Crystal-Clear Waters
We happily settled into that rhythm for 36 blissful hours, wandering Camogli's charming, winding streets, savoring crisp Ligurian wine and relishing fresh seafood feasts overlooking the sea. Platters of pesce misto overflowed with fresh tuna, shrimp, and mussels, but it was Camogli's famous anchovies, one of our shared obsessions, that stole the show. Between meals, we found ourselves lingering over (more) Ligurian wine, marveling at the candy-colored buildings that line the harbor, and losing track of time.
Enjoying a Delicious Lunch at La Camogliese
Whether you're browsing local shops, enjoying an aperitivo overlooking the harbor, or simply soaking in the views from the pebble beach, Camogli reminds you that the best travel experiences aren't always about checking off famous sights. They're about embracing a slower rhythm and appreciating the beauty and culture around you.
If you're looking for an idyllic seaside town filled with incredible seafood, colorful cliffside homes, welcoming locals, and a peaceful atmosphere, add Camogli to your Italian itinerary. Even if you only have 36 hours, you'll leave already dreaming about your return.
Know Before You Go
Arrive by train. Camogli-San Fruttuoso station is just a short 5–10 minute walk from the harbor, making it one of the easiest Italian Riviera towns to visit without a car.
Book accommodations well in advance. If you're visiting during the summer or another peak season, don't wait until the last minute. Thankfully, Kristy took the lead on finding our accommodations and snagged one of the last apartments with a stunning seaside view.
Wear comfortable shoes. Camogli is built into the hillside, so expect plenty of steep streets and staircases.
Pack for the sun. If you're visiting in summer (we went in August), bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. The unforgiving sun is brutal and will humble even the savviest of travelers.
Try the local specialties. Don't leave without ordering fresh anchovies, pesce misto, and the local white wine (Vermentino was our wine of choice).
Don’t forget about the side streets. Some of the best boutiques and cafés are tucked away just a block or two from the waterfront.
Look beyond the waterfront. While the harbor is undeniably beautiful, some of Camogli's best restaurants are tucked away up the hill. Climb the stairs! I promise you'll be rewarded with delicious food, fewer crowds, and a more local atmosphere. We especially loved La Bossa and Fermento.
The Perfect Place to Watch the Rhythm of Daily Ligurian Life Unfold