Best Things to do in Camogli Italy: Discover the Italian Riviera

Let’s get one thing straight: Camogli didn’t come here to compete, it came to chill. While nearby Portofino is busy being fancy and Cinque Terre is fighting off the crowds, this little Ligurian gem is out here serving sea views, painted houses, and fried anchovies like it’s no big deal. This is the kind of place where you lose track of time watching boats wobble in the harbor, drink wine before noon (because you’re on vacation, obviously), and find yourself wondering if you could just stay forever. And yes, Liguria wine tours are a thing, because nothing pairs with a Camogli sunset like a glass of local Vermentino and a second (or third) helping of focaccia.

What are the best things to do in Camogli?

Wander along the promenade

First things first: drop your bags and head straight for the seaside promenade. Camogli doesn’t do “ordinary strolls”, it does palm-lined catwalks with sea views so good they might ruin all future sunsets. Along the way, you’ll pass colorful mosaics, gelato spots that demand a stop, and cafés with chairs practically begging you to sit and stay a while (preferably with something bubbly in hand). As the sun dips low and the fishing boats start to sway, it all feels a bit like a movie scene, only you’re in it, and the soundtrack is mostly seagulls and clinking glasses.

Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

You can’t visit Camogli without being drawn to the dramatic beauty of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, it basically dares you not to stare. Perched just above the harbor like it’s guarding the entire coastline, this 12th-century stunner is as much about seaside drama as it is about spiritual grace. Step inside and you’re met with marble everything, gilded baroque curves, and a ceiling that practically floats thanks to its glorious painting of the Assumption of Mary. Even if churches aren’t your thing, this one might convert you, at least for a photo or two.

Experience local cuisine & focaccia

You can’t not eat in Camogli. This town knows how to feed you right, think just-caught seafood, pesto so fresh it might bring tears, and the legendary focaccia di Recco, warm and gooey with stracchino cheese. Follow your nose to the trattorias along Via San or down by the marina, where the views are good but the plates are even better. Honestly, come hungry, you’ll want seconds.

Photograph the Dragonara Castle

If your camera roll’s looking a little too empty, Dragonara Castle is here to fix that. Perched dramatically above the harbor, this centuries-old fortress once kept pirates at bay, now it’s the go-to spot for golden hour magic. Grab a lemon gelato, wander up the stone path, and soak in views that’ll make your friends wish they booked a trip too. It’s one of Camogli’s most iconic corners, where medieval history meets your next Instagram post.

Take Instaworthy photos of colorful houses

What steals hearts in Camogli? That glorious seafront. Striped umbrellas flutter in the breeze, boats sway lazily in the turquoise water, and those tall, candy-colored houses feel like they’ve jumped straight out of a film reel. It’s not just a pretty view, it’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and maybe start planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.

What are the best things to do around Camogli?

Explore the Abbey of San Fruttuoso

If you’re craving that perfect mix of adventure and quiet magic, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso is calling. Tucked into a secret cove and only reachable by boat or on foot (yes, your legs will earn it), this hidden spot feels like it belongs to another world. The stone abbey whispers centuries of stories, and just offshore, the famous Christ of the Abyss statue waits beneath the waves like a sacred secret.

Walk to the Church of San Rocco

If you want that “wow” moment, head uphill to the Church of San Rocco. Perched above Camogli, this peaceful little spot rewards your walk with jaw-dropping views over the Ligurian coast that honestly feel like a movie backdrop. Locals come here for quiet reflection, and hikers lace up here to start trails toward Punta Chiappa, San Fruttuoso, or even Portofino.

Explore the elegance of Portofino

Just a scenic 45-minute boat ride or a 35-minute drive from Camogli, Portofino is the Italian Riviera turned up to full sparkle. Picture-perfect pastel villas, luxury yachts, and boutiques line its famous harbor, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set. Stroll up to Castello Brown or the Church of San Giorgio for panoramic sea views that make every photo look like a postcard. And when hunger strikes, settle in for a plate of pesto-topped trofie or a cone of artisan gelato by the water.

For the full scoop on where to go, what to eat, and how to soak in the charm, check out our guide to Visit Portofino Italy.

Wander through the lanes of Genoa

Catch a scenic train from Camogli and in just 40 minutes, you’ll land in Genoa, a city bursting with history, grit, and unexpected beauty. As the birthplace of Columbus and the beating heart of Liguria, Genoa offers tangled medieval alleys, grand palaces, and street food that’ll make you want to move in. Wander the bustling Via San Lorenzo, step inside the gold-and-marble glow of the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, or grab a slice of piping hot focaccia. Don’t miss a guided tour in one of the wineries in Genoa to uncover the best of Italy culture.

Need ideas for your day in the city? Don’t miss our full list of things to do in Genoa, to make the most of your trip.

Good to know before visiting Camogli