ITALIAN RIVIERA - BEACHES


This part of the coastline is actually split into two: Riviera de Ponente and Riviera de Levante.

In Riviera de Ponente, the part of the coast located west of Genoa (that stretches towards the border of France) you will find famous beach resorts including San Remo and Ventimiglia. These beaches are known for pure relaxation.

Stretching east along the coast from the city of Genoa, the Riviera de Levante is more rugged than its western neighbor with scenic, soaring cliffs. Here you will find less fashionable resorts and more charming fishing villages. Great places to sunbathe along this section of the coast include Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Camogli.

Portofino`s beaches are a perfect place to relax and at the same time soak up the culture of one of Italy`s most beautiful towns. Spend your day indulging in water sports and sampling fresh seafood. Similar to many areas along this northern coast of Italy, Portofino beaches are really nonexistent. While there are many places to sunbathe and enjoy the views from the coast, this town is characterized by its stunning harbor and fishing village.

Paraggi Beach
If you drive for a few minutes along the coast, you will find spectacular Paraggi beach, which is truly one of the best beaches in Italy. This is where the locals go to upkeep their perfect golden tans, and where you can recover from big meals of pasta and pizza with a little sunbathing. Don`t forget your sunscreen; the sun is deceptively strong at this beach. This secluded stretch of sand is known more for its romantic atmosphere than for welcoming families.

Cinque Terre
One of the most popular places nearby is Cinque Terre. These five fishing villages are known for their unspoiled beauty, and as being great places for hikers. During the summer, small coves and hidden beaches are perfect for lazy afternoons in the sun. This destination is definitely more for the adventurous crowd, who might want to spend an hour hiking to their beach for the day. There are some beaches in the villages as well, but the best beaches are between the villages along the hiking trails. From Portofino to Cinque Terre, this coastline of Italy is one of the most captivating in the country.