Camogli is a hidden gem in Liguria, Italy as most people go to Portofino. Portofino is a beautiful little town, but just be ready to get your wallet out and pay a little more. There is a reason why Pucci and Paul & Shark are there!
This hidden gem is in the north-west of Italy on the Ligurian coast, near Genoa about 45 minutes by the train or car and approx. 2 hours 45 minutes from Milan.
Camogli is on the other side of the Portofino Hill and is slightly bigger, it has a larger selection of restaurants and has the normal price tags of local restaurants.
Camogli A Hidden Gem
Camogli means housewife; as it was the village of the fishermen and it was where the women lived, waiting for their husbands to return.
It is a beautiful seaside fishing town with a beach and a little harbour with a small ferry boat that goes to neighbouring towns on the Riviera. They stop in San Fruttuoso, Punta Chiappa, Recco, Cinque Terra or even to Genoa.
The buildings are painted with pretty patterns and even have painted on the walls window shutters and some with a cat sitting on the window ledge. All the buildings are colours of yellow, terracotta, green and pink.
What to See in Camogli
There are lovely little shops with handmade shoes and clothes, artwork, quirky souvenirs and jewellery. So you can find something different and not pay a fortune for it.
Most of the restaurants are all on the waterfront with a fantastic view of the ocean, Portofino Hill and the church. They mainly serve fish and seafood and of course the local dishes.
Pasta with pesto, pansotti (walnut sauce with spinach and ricotta filled pasta), focaccia del formaggio (very thin cheese pie the size and depth of a pizza) and farinata (thin bread, the size of a pizza made of chickpea flour), great for the gluten-free gang! There are a lot of gluten-free dishes in most of the restaurants in Camogli.
Here, you should try anchovies and clams with spaghetti, they are the best! There is a gelato shop under the arch that is a must to go to if you visit. This my favourite gelato shop and there are lots of flavours to choose from.
If you fancy a beach day, you can sit on the small public beach, but get there early! Or use one of the private beaches and pay for a sun lounger for the day.
In Liguria and most parts of Italy, the beaches are private and they provide sun loungers, deck chairs, umbrella, changing room, showers, toilets and a beach bar/restaurant for a charge.
Other blogs you may enjoy in Italy: An Inside Guide to Medieval Genoa
Essential Info for Camogli A Hidden Gem
- Camogli is very photogenic from every angle so pack your camera or phone.
- If you are driving to Camogli, get there early as the car park is not big.
- The shops close between 1 pm – 3/4 pm, so if you want to shop go early.
- Weather in the summer months: 20*C – 30*C
- Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Camogli, please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!
Have you been to Camogli? What would you recommend doing?
Happy Travels
Love Lucy x
We live in Switzerland so not very far away! I just dont get why we dont explore this area more often…or at all! Another place just added to my list!❤️
Author
It’s not far, worth the trip! 💙
Hi Lucy, I have nominated you for Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations! Look forward to read more about you. – https://audreysimplicity.com/2017/07/03/versatile-blogger/
Author
Thank you Audrey so much! That is so nice of you ❤️❤️❤️
My pleasure 😊
This looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit!
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It is Charlsye!
I’ve visited Italy a few months ago, but hadn’t heard of housewife, er Camogli 😉 It looks so pictureesque. Will have to make sure I come back.
Author
It is a beautiful little town, the meaning is strange!
I always love hearing about hidden gems. I wish I had known about this a week ago when I was in Liguria!!! LOL. Definitely will bookmark for another trip. Looks gorgeous!!!
Author
That’s such a shame! Next time 😀
It’s beautiful…
Author
Thank you so much Mark 💙
It’s so good to see that Camogli is getting some attention from bloggers! I love that place. I am originally from Piemonte, so Liguria has always been my seaside destination of choice, and Camogli is one of my favourite villages. On my last trip there with a friend to show her around the area first we stopped in Portofino to see it, then we went to Camogli for lunch. I never gi back from Liguria without eating some pesto and focaccia di Recco. Never ever ever 😀
Author
Thank you so much! I love Camogli, I remember the first time I went & was blown away how beautiful it was, my husband is Genovese so we are always going to these lovely spots. Pesto & focaccia di Recco are a must! That is the first thing my sister wants when she comes to visit! 😂
I’m always looking for new little spots to visit in Italy!
Author
Camogli is a great spot to go to!
I’ve never been to Italy but I’ve always wanted to visit it one day. It looks so romantic and I absolutely love the old world charm. These views are to-die for!
Mae
I just forwarded this to my boyfriend. Him and I are currently planning a trip to Italy and we’re trying to find the most “us” places to go! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Your welcome! I hope you have a fantastic trip to Italy 🇮🇹
yes, it’s such a nice place
great walking around the coast there
Author
Camogli is beautiful ❤️
stuck in the office in oxford processing forecasts, outside it’s raining and 14C
Author
I’m so sorry! I hope the weather gets better!
no it’s fine – have no time off at the moment
Author
I hope you do soon 😀
less than 2 months – will be first day off since last december
This place looks so pretty! I must add this on my bucket list :]
Author
It is beautiful place to visit in Italy 🇮🇹
Love cinque terra, always thought Portofino overpriced and over rated..
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It is! 😂
Simply gorgeous! I’ll make a note for next time, thank you for sharing. We went to Portofino for a quick day trip but as you rightly said it’s really expensive so we just went for a stroll and then back on the bus to return to Sanremo.
Author
Thank you! Camogli is a beautiful place to visit and always gets over looked, to go to Portofino! Highly recommend it for your next trip.