Why You Should Visit Camogli instead of Portofino in Italy

Why you should visit Camogli instead of Portofino in Italy - Lucy Williams Global

Why you should visit Camogli instead of Portofino in Italy? Camogli is in Liguria in Italy and is a hidden spot that not many people know about.

In the region of Liguria in northern Italy most people have either heard of Portofino or Cinque Terre. Portofino and Cinque Terre are very beautiful, but Camogli is just as beautiful without the big price tickets and the tourists.

Camogli is around 45 minutes away from Genoa by car or train and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Milan by train.

So, why you should visit Camogli instead of Portofino? Camogli is my favourite place is Liguria as the buildings are colourful; it is by the sea; beautiful to walk around; it has a beach; the restaurants and bars are fabulous, and there are not lots of tourists, even in the height of summer.

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Why you should visit Camogli instead of Portofino?

The difference between Portofino and Camogli is Camogli is bigger than Portofino. You can walk around for longer and there is more to see.

Portofino’s prices are a lot higher in the bars, restaurants, shops and to park. Camogli’s prices are regular Italian town prices.

To get to Portofino you can drive, but you cannot get the train there. You can get the train to Santa Margherita and then you would have to get a bus to Portofino. To get to Camogli you can drive or take the train.

In the summer Portofino is full of tourists, Camogli is full of locals and some tourists.

Why You Should Visit Camogli in Winter

We went to Camogli in January and we were very lucky with the weather. It was a glorious day, sun shining and the temperature at 15*C in the sun.

In the winter months, of course, it can rain and be cold, but if you go on a sunny day it will still be nice, even if it is cold.

We even sat outside when we had lunch. The restaurant we went to had a fantastic sea view and of the church.

Not all the restaurants, bars and gelato shops (ice-cream) are open, but enough are open for a selection.

The beach is packed up for the winter, so you can have a walk on the beach, as in the summer it is full of sun loungers.

It is great for taking photos and it is very quiet and if the sun is out you will get some really good photos without any people in them.

The day we went I felt very calm and relaxed as it was very quiet and tranquil. It was a sunny day so that always makes you feel happy!

Why You Should Visit Camogli in Summer

Camogli in Summer is lovely, as the small town is buzzing, you can sit on the beach, go for a swim and all the bars, restaurants and shops are open.

This is one place I love to go to in the summer months as you can still have a wonderful day without it feeling like it is too busy.

You can read more about Camogli in the summer by reading ‘Camogli a Hidden Gem in Liguria Italy’.

Essential Info

  • Weather: Winter 5*C – 13*C/ Summer 20*C – 30*C
  • Language: Italian, some English spoken
  • Currency: Euro

Travel Essentials

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

Why you should visit Camogli instead of Portofino in Italy - Lucy Williams Global

36 Comments

  1. January 17, 2018 / 7:22 am

    Hi Lucy! I love your post about Camogli. I hope I can go sometime soon.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:20 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you get to visit soon.

  2. Stan THOMAS
    January 17, 2018 / 7:15 pm

    Thanks for the info. Heading to Tuscany this Summer but will try to get to Camogli one day!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:22 pm

      Enjoy Tuscany, it is a beautiful part of Italy.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:32 pm

      Thank you! I hope you get to Italy in the near future.

  3. January 17, 2018 / 9:45 pm

    Great post! Nice to hear about a hidden gems like this, will keep it in mind if I get to Italy. Sometimes you see more of the true culture in the less touristy places too!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:34 pm

      Camogli you get the local feel in a seaside town.

  4. January 18, 2018 / 3:09 am

    wow you do not have to twist my arm, I love Italy visited last year and fell in love I want to go back so bad loving all your pics

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:35 pm

      Thank you! I hope you get to visit Camogli soon!

  5. January 18, 2018 / 9:51 pm

    Gosh, what gorgeous photos! I’d love to make it to Italy one day! For now though, I’ll live through your eyes and admire the beauty from a distance šŸ’•

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:36 pm

      Thank you very much, it’s easy to take beautiful photos when the place is gorgeous!

  6. January 19, 2018 / 1:36 pm

    I will visit there! I’ve only been to Italy once and it wasn’t either if those places.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:37 pm

      Now you can add Camogli to the Italy list!

  7. January 19, 2018 / 11:58 pm

    I’ve been to Portifino and will definitely visit Camogli next time. Sounds like an amazing place. Thanks for sharing.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:38 pm

      It is just on the other side of the Portofino hill and if you liked Portofino, you will love Camogli!

  8. January 20, 2018 / 11:22 am

    This was such a great mini-guide to the city! I’d never heard of it but when I go, I’ll add it to the list. Pinned as well!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 2:40 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you get to visit in the future and thank you for pinning!

  9. January 20, 2018 / 1:59 pm

    Never been in Camogly but I like the idea of visiting beautiful places which does not have the touris pricetag on it.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:52 pm

      It is a local place so you pay normal prices, which is always nice.

  10. January 20, 2018 / 11:42 pm

    This is something new! I’m sure this is one of the most underrated places in Italy. Definitely going to put this on our list this year if we’re looking for a weekend getaway! Thanks for the info! Love the photos!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:51 pm

      Enjoy your weekend getaway in Camogli, you will not be disappointed!

  11. Alexander Popkov
    January 21, 2018 / 3:46 pm

    Nice! thanks for suggesting Camogli That is fantastic looking spot I never knew about.

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:50 pm

      I hope you get to visit one day, it is a hidden gem!

  12. January 21, 2018 / 4:00 pm

    Can’t believe that’s I have never heard of this place! It sure looks beautiful šŸ™‚

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:49 pm

      It is a hidden gem!

  13. January 21, 2018 / 6:27 pm

    This place is really worth checking out. Enjoyed reading your blog. The places I know in Italy are limited only to Rome and Milan. šŸ˜”

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:47 pm

      Italy is a beautiful country and there is so much more to see. I hope you get to see Camogli in the future.

  14. January 21, 2018 / 7:27 pm

    I have never been to either of them – Italy is so close that I always feel like there will be a time to enjoy it for me in the future. And if I go I will make sure to visit Camogli – I much prefer quiet spots to must-sees. Thanks for sharing!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:46 pm

      Your welcome! I hope you get to enjoy Camogli in the future.

  15. January 21, 2018 / 10:25 pm

    Lovely photos, Camogli looks like a stunning destination! I always prefer less touristic towns, so I would definitely choose this one over Portofino!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      January 23, 2018 / 1:45 pm

      It is gorgeous! You would not be disappointed!

  16. Pamela Bini
    January 30, 2018 / 10:51 pm

    I couldn’t agree more! Camogli is a little gem and it is absolutely worth a visit! Lucy, I looooooove your packing lists!

    • lucywilliamsglobal
      Author
      February 1, 2018 / 9:48 am

      I love Camogli and is a place I would go again and again to! Thank you very much Pamela x

  17. nicolefmiller
    April 30, 2019 / 1:57 am

    Hi, thanks for your post. We will be in Portofino during our cruise, is it worth to drive to Camogli for the day? We have about 10 hours at the port. Thanks!

    • April 30, 2019 / 7:59 pm

      Your welcome, glad you enjoyed reading! If you are going to be in Portofino for the day, it is worth a walk around or going to the next town of Santa Margherita. Camogli is around a 30 minute drive from Portofino, depending on traffic, you can take a bus or a taxi. Also, Portofino is a tender port, so you would have to factor that extra time in too. I hope I have answered your question, if you need more info, just write to me on my contact page. Have a wonderful cruise!

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