A 48-hour Guide To Visiting Camogli, Italy

A 48-hour Camogli, Italy guide – experience our favorite Italian Riviera destination. 

About an hour and 20 minutes north of the Cinque Terre sits the teeny tiny fishing village of Camogli, Italy. The lesser known Italian Riviera gem has become a favorite stop for us after watching the Steve Coogan series, The Trip to Italy.

The show does a short visit to Camogli’s Hotel & Ristorante Cenobio dei Dogi. After a weekend in La Spezia, we decided to give it a try. It was amazing – the food, the views, everything — and in the rain no less.] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In June, we decided to do a weekend trip before we welcomed our baby boy. We thought we had plenty of time. Il Ragazzino’a arrival wasn’t for three weeks – and aren’t all first babies late!? (Ha.)

Given the circumstances, we splurged and booked at Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi. The hotel itself sits just off the main seafront street. The village offers quiet tranquility, even with a spike of tourists – most of whom are Italian, making it feel much less suffocating than the (ever beautiful) Cinque Terre.

The village serves up amazing food with specialties like mouth-watering focaccia and heavenly seafood platters. It is brimming with waterfront activities and boasts a host of hiking trails to other gorgeous locations.

All in all, Camogli, Italy is worth the visit. I’ve compiled a list of eateries, activities, and a few other tidbits on visiting Camogli for the would-be traveler. Enjoy!

Where is Camogli, Italy? 

You’ll find Camogli, Italy an hour’s drive up the Ligurian coast from the Cinque Terre. It’s connected to neighboring villages like Portofino via seaside hills and cliffs. Navigate by foot, boat, car, or train.

How to Get to Camogli

• Camogli, Italy by train: Serviced by the Camogli – San. Fruttuoso Train Station.
• Camogli, Italy by car: Use the A12 Autostrada from Genoa to Livorno or take the picturesque route from Rapallo to Ruta. Parking is not easy as residents hold most spaces. Free parking can be found at Piazza Matteotti and Via San Rocco. You can also find pay parking in Via Cuneo and Piazza Matteotti. Another option is the pay lot near the Gulliver shopping center (direction Genoa), which offers regular shuttle service to the town.

What to do when you visit Camogli, Italy?

There is not a shortage of activities when visiting Camogli. Here is a short list to get you started.

Camogli Hiking 

Hiking in Camogli is a popular activity with tons of seaside trails ranging from easy and short (3o minutes) to hard and long (4 hours). During our short stay, we opted for the former with the climb up to the church of San Rocco. The starting point is located about 25 meters from the hotel.

It’s listed as a gentle slope up to San Rocco. I’m sure it is in real life, but at 37 weeks pregnant the climb felt much more intense. The fact that I gave birth two days later may or may not have factored into my sluggishness…

The walk takes you through olive trees and woodlands before the reward of the beautiful church and gorgeous views of Camogli and Genoa.

La Sagra del Pesce, “Fish Festival”

On my list to check out – La Sagra del Pesce, one of Camogli’s most popular events. The second Sunday of May, the village celebrates the patron saint of fishermen, San Fortunato, with a massive fish fry.

At the inaugural event in 1952 residents used six small pans for the fish fry. By 1954 they were replaced with a single large skillet, now the event’s symbol. Today, the stainless steel pan measures 4 meters in diameter with a 6-meter handle, weighs 28 tons, and holds up to 2000 liters of frutta di mare. YUM.

Camogli Water Activities 

Given the location, Camogli, Italy has plenty of water activities. From sunbathing to boat tours to snorkeling and more. Find more details at the tourist office or at your hotel.

Where to eat and drink when you visit Camogli, Italy? 

Ristorante Cenobio dei Dogi

The hotel offers three dining options, and all are fantastic. Enjoy lunch or apertivo on the seaside terrace, aptly named La Terrazza Giulia. Dine outside at La Playa or eat inside with a seaside view at Il Doge Ristorante. We’ve now done all three, and can’t say enough good things about the food and service.

Find it! Ristorante Cenobio dei Dogi

• Address: Via Cuneo, 34, 16032, Camogli, Italy.
• Phone: +39 0185 724407
• Hours: Vary by location.
• Reservations recommended, ristorante@cenobio.it.

Ostaia da o Sigu

During our weekend away we had dinner at Ostaia da o Sigu. It’s a perfect location right along the waterfront with tables dotting the boardwalk; to get one of those, I booked in advance. Not only was it beautiful – what a place to watch the sunset! – the food was incredible. And, the prices are very reasonable.

Find it! Ostaia da Sigu

Revello Focacceria 

Camogli is known for focaccia. And, there is not a shortage on the main street.

Revello offers a delicious and inexpensive lunch. We grabbed some focaccia and hunkered down on the boardwalk to soak in the sun and sea.

Find it! Via Garibaldi 183, Camogli, Italy.

Focacceria Cose Buone

It lives up to its name! Another great – and inexpensive – focacceria along the boardwalk.

Find it! Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 110, 16032 Camogli, Italy.

La Cremeria del Paradiso

We tried a couple gelaterias and La Cremeria del Paradiso is the only one we felt worthy of a shout out. Simply amazing.

Find it! Piazza Cristoforo Colombo 4/5, 16032 Camogli, Italy.

So, that’s my quick guide to a weekend visit to Camogli, Italy. We can’t wait to take Il Ragazzino back one day. We are very glad he waited till we got home to make his arrival!

And, we can’t recommend Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi enough for a place to stay. It’s a splurge, but very much worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Liguria Experiences: Plan your Italian Riviera vacation! 

Looking for more to do while in Camogli, Italy? The Italian Riviera awaits and my planning services go beyond Barolo!

Here are three client-favorite Liguria travel experiences – and there are plenty more I can organized, as well a logistics! For more options, pricing, and availability, click here.

Trek & Taste: Cinque Terre Wine Tour

A private 7-hour Trek and wine tour in Cinque Terre led by your private guide, visit the picturesque fishing villages, wander the tiny squares and alleys framed by the seaside.

Visit Cinque Terre vineyards overlooking the sea to understand the soul of the land. Get up close and personal with the ancient terraced vineyards that shape the magical seaside landscape. The experience includes a visit to well-known local winery for a tour and tasting with the winemaker. Visit his cellar, vineyards, and taste local wines with traditional snacks. 

Private Boat Ride: Portofino, Believe the Hype

Discover Portofino and its surroundings aboard a private motorboat. Admire breathtaking cliffs, explore secluded coves, and if you choose, swim in the clear blue water. The experience includes a visit to the shimmering San Fruttuoso cove with its medieval abbey built right on the beach. While snorkeling, see the “Cristo degli Abissi”, a famed underwater statue. Finish in Camogli, Italy. Other boat experiences available on request. 

Genoa Food Market & Pesto Making Class

Private 4-hour walking tour exploring Genoa’s biggest food market followed by a pesto-making class under frescoes at a private noble palace. Spend the morning in the port city’s largest – and lively – food market. A food lover’s paradise: breath in the fresh-baked focaccia, local cheese and meat stalls, and bakeries. Explore handmade pasta stands, rows of fresh fish, and colorful local produce.

Your sensory immersion continues with a pesto-making class led by a local culinary expert using traditional pestle and mortar. After the lesson, enjoy a light lunch with traditional specialties. Optional: Ligurian wine tasting & education.

Book your Liguria experience now! 

If you have suggestions on places to visit in Camogli or other little known Italian Riviera gems, please let us know below!

Read More on the Italian Riviera: 

• A Cinque Terre Alternative? 5 Less Touristy Italian Riviera Destinations
• Hiking the Cinque Terre and Levanto
• Portofino, Italy: Believe the Hype
• Rapallo Restaurants and More