11 Best Public Beaches in Portofino: An Insiders Guide
Looking for the best public beaches in Portofino for your family trip? You’ve come to the right place!
When planning our own vacation to Portofino last summer, I found some amazing spots.
From the popular beaches in the heart of the action to the small, secluded beach areas perfect for a family day out, Portofino’s coastline has something for everyone.
The beautiful beaches here, with their blue water, are ideal for families looking to soak up the sun and enjoy some quality time together.
So, whether you want to join the crowd or find a peaceful corner by the sea, Portofino has the perfect beach for you and your family to have a blast.
1. Paraggi Beach
- Distance from Portofino center: Approximately 1 km (0.6 miles), a quick 5-minute drive or a leisurely 30-minute walk along the coast.
- Ideal for: Families with young children, swimmers looking for calm waters
- Good to Know:
- Get there early to find a good spot in the public area.
- Consider renting a sunbed at one of the beach clubs for extra comfort.
Located just a short hop from the heart of Portofino, Paraggi Beach is a real treasure on the Italian Riviera.
Its calm waters are perfect for kids just getting their feet wet, literally and figuratively!
The beach is a lovely mix of public spaces where you can lay down your towel for free and chic private beach clubs to enjoy a bit of luxury.
2. Baia dei Cannone
- Distance from Portofino Center: About 450 meters, a quick 5-minute walk from the city center
- Ideal For: People who love taking beautiful photos.
- Good to Know:
- Try to go when it’s not too busy to get great photos without too many people around.
- Remember to bring your camera or phone – you’ll want to take lots of pictures here.
Baia dei Cannone is a beautiful little beach within walking distance from the main square in Portofino.
It’s the kind of place you see in beautiful photos and think, “Wow, I want to go there!”
It’s small and feels private, like a secret spot where you can chill and soak up the beauty.
The water is clear, and the whole place is surrounded by rocks and Italian architecture, which makes it awesome for taking pictures.
This was my family’s favorite spot when we spent a day in Portofino due to its proximity to the main square and its stunning views.
3. Niasca Beach
- Distance from Portofino Center: About 1.9 km (nearly 1.9 miles), a 4-minute drive or a leisurely 30-minute walk with great views along the way.
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers and history buffs who appreciate a unique beach with a view of a medieval castle.
- Good to Know:
- Be ready for some stairs to get to the beach—it’s worth it for the unique setting and the rocky coastline.
- Kayaking is a must-do here; it’s a fantastic way to see the castle from the water and explore the nearby coves.
Niasca Beach is a small hidden beach located in Paraggi Bay, just a short distance from Portofino.
What makes it unique is that it faces an old medieval castle. You can’t find that at most beaches!
To get to the beach, you’ll go down a set of stairs leading to the turquoise waters.
It’s not your typical sandy beach, but that’s what’s so special about it.
The rocks and the clear water make it an ideal spot for kayaking (rentals available), letting you paddle around and explore the coastline.
4. Spiaggia dell’Olivetta
- Distance from Portofino Center: Close, just a quick 12-minute walk
- Ideal for: People who love history and underwater exploration.
- Good to Know:
- This spot is more about the history and the sea bed than lounging on the beach, so bring your snorkel gear or a kayak.
- Take a moment to see the commemorative plaque and remember the history here.
Spiaggia dei Olivetta is a spot with many stories, right next to Portofino.
It’s a spot that’s both somber and beautiful.
In December 1944, it was the site of a tragic event where German soldiers took the lives of 21 partisans and a civilian.
This dark moment in history is why the main square in Portofino is named “Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta” – in honor of those who lost their lives.
When you’re there, you can find a plaque on the left side of the bay that lists the names of these individuals.
It’s not a beach where you can lay down and soak up the sun—it’s super small, even smaller than other tiny beaches around.
But if you’re into snorkeling or diving, this is the perfect spot to check out marine wildlife or snorkel, or to take a break during a trek or paddle in the Protected Marine Area.
5. Zoagli Beach
- Distance from Portofino Center: About 12 km (7.5 miles), roughly a 30-minute drive.
- Ideal For: Families and snorkeling enthusiasts looking for a peaceful spot away from the crowds.
- Good to Know:
- Bring snorkeling gear to check out the underwater life in the clear waters.
- Pack a picnic and beach toys for the kids since it’s a great spot for a family day out.
Zoagli Beach is located near the small village of Zoagli, Italy, not far from Portofino.
The water here is so clear that it’s like looking through glass, which makes it excellent for snorkeling.
You can see all kinds of fish and maybe even find some cool shells.
It’s also a nice place to just hang out with the family.
There are nearby restaurants for lunch.
There is a public beach, but If you’re up for a bit of a treat, there are beach clubs at Zoagli where you can get a little extra comfy.
They have everything you need to relax in style, like nice chairs, umbrellas for shade, and even food and drinks if you get hungry or thirsty.
6. Baia di San Fruttuoso
- Distance from Portofino Center: You can only reach it by a 15-minute boat ride or by taking a 1 hour and 30-minute hike.
- Ideal for: Perfect for families who love adventure and history.
- Good to know:
- The trip to get there is part of the fun, so enjoy the boat ride or the hike.
- Don’t miss the nearby ancient abbey.
Baia di San Fruttuoso is this hidden beach that you can’t just drive up to—it’s an adventure just getting there!
You either hop on a boat or lace up your hiking boots to access this tucked-away spot.
But once you’re there, wow, it’s like stepping into a different world. The water is super clear, making it a fantastic place for a swim.
But there’s more to it than just the beach. There’s an ancient abbey right by the water that’s full of history. It’s been around for centuries, and you can feel the past all around you when you’re there.
It’s a great place to explore with the family, mixing a little history lesson with your beach day.
7. Camogli Beach
- Distance from Portofino: Approximately 13 km, around a 30-minute drive
- Ideal For: Families and anyone who’s into a fun beach vibe with a bit of Italian flair.
- Good to Know:
- Look out for the distinctive pink bell tower, a notable landmark that adds to Camogli’s charm.
- Beach chair rentals are available for comfort, alongside numerous cafes nearby for refreshments.
Camogli Beach is a bit of a drive from Portofino, but worth it.
It has a large pebble beach that looks awesome, especially with all the colorful buildings.
The vibe here is super friendly and relaxed, making it a great spot for families or anyone looking to hang out and enjoy the beach without any fuss.
One of the most incredible things to see here is the pink bell tower.
It’s not something you see every day at the beach, and it stands out.
If you’re planning to stay a while, you can grab a beach chair and kick back.
And when you get hungry or thirsty, there are many little cafes nearby to try local food or get some gelato.
Camogli Beach is all about having a laid-back day by the sea, Italian style.
8. San Michele di Pagana
- How far from Portofino: Just about 7 km away, which means a 15-minute drive
- Ideal For: Travelers who enjoy scenic walks, a bit of history, and a quiet coastal vibe.
- Good to Know:
- There’s a lovely coastal path perfect for a stroll, giving you great views of the sea and the area.
- The church of San Michele is a beautiful spot right by the water, adding a touch of history to your visit.
San Michele di Pagana in Rapallo is a peaceful little place with several public beaches not too far from Portofino, great for those looking to escape the usual tourist spots.
Right in the heart of this area is the San Michele church, which is pretty cool to see, especially with its backdrop against the sea.
The whole place has a laid-back feel so that you won’t be bumping into lots of tourists.
And when you’re feeling like taking a break, some cute shops and coffee bars are nearby.
It’s nice just to grab a coffee or a little something to eat and soak up the local vibe.
9. Santa Margherita Ligure Beach
- Distance from Portofino: Only about 5 km away, which means a quick 10-minute drive
- Ideal for: Folks looking for an easy-to-reach beach spot with a lively atmosphere.
- Good to Know:
- It’s super close to the train station, so you can walk there in no time.
- The beach has pebbles instead of sand, so bring a blanket to sit on and maybe water shoes to keep your feet happy.
- An open shower is available to rinse off the salt water before heading back or grabbing a bite.
Santa Margherita Ligure Beach is the central beach in the city of Santa Margherita Ligure.
What’s great about this spot is that it’s always buzzing, making it a fun place to hang out.
Just get there early to get a prime spot.
Plus, you’re never far from a tasty meal or a refreshing drink because there are loads of restaurants and cafes just a stone’s throw away.
And don’t worry about getting too sandy or salty; there’s an open shower where you can rinse off and freshen up.
Santa Margherita Ligure Beach is perfect for a hassle-free, fun-filled beach day.
10. Spiaggia Fegina, Monterosso/Cinque Terre
- Distance from Portofino: About 70 km away, which means a drive of roughly 1.5 hours.
- Ideal For: Beach lovers looking for sand and convenience in Cinque Terre.
- Good to Know:
- The beach is right before the train station, making it super easy to get to.
- It’s one of the rare sandy beaches in the area, so it’s perfect for those who prefer sand over rocks.
Spiaggia Fegina in Monterosso is a bit of a journey from Portofino, but it’s a favorite for those who love sandy shores.
What’s really handy is that the beach is just steps away from the Monterosso train station, so you can step off the train and onto the sand in no time.
This beach stands out in the Cinque Terre for its soft sand, making it a bit of a rarity in the region.
It’s also quite large, giving you and your family or friends plenty of space to relax without feeling crowded.
If you’re up for it, there are public beach areas where you can just lay down your towel and enjoy, but if you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, there are beach clubs available, too, offering loungers, umbrellas, and a bar/restaurant.
Getting there early is a good tip, especially during the busy season, to snag a good spot on this beautiful beach.
11. Sestri Levante’s Bay of Silence
- Distance from Portofino: Roughly 35 km away, so you’re looking at about a 45-minute drive.
- Ideal for: Those seeking a serene beach experience away from the usual crowds.
- Good to Know:
- The Bay of Silence is known for its calm waters and quiet atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.
- It’s surrounded by beautiful old buildings, adding a charming backdrop to your beach day.
Sestri Levante’s Bay of Silence is a bit of a drive from Portofino, but it’s a real treat for anyone looking for a quiet and beautiful beach.
The bay lives up to its name with its calm waters and tranquil vibe, making it perfect for just relaxing and soaking in the surroundings.
What makes this beach extra special is the picturesque setting with lovely old buildings all around, giving it a really cozy and charming feel.
You can choose to chill in the public areas with your own beach gear, or if you’re looking for more comfort, there are private sections where you can rent loungers and umbrellas.
Public Beaches in Portofino Map
Final Thoughts
Portofino truly offers some incredible free beach options for travelers traveling to Italy.
There are public beaches in Portofino for every type of family.
Portofino beaches promise a day full of sun, sea, and sand.
I hope you have as much fun on these beautiful beaches as my family and I did.
