Tucked into the Gulf of Paradise, a stone's throw from Portofino, Camogli charms with its colourful houses, little harbour and the abbey of San Fruttuoso. Here is how to visit this Ligurian gem from Monaco.
Tall houses with sorbet-coloured facades, a small fishing harbour pressed against the cliff, a baroque basilica at the water's edge and, just offshore, a medieval abbey you can only reach on foot or by boat: visiting Camogli means falling for one of the most authentic gems of the Italian Riviera. Tucked into the Gulf of Paradise, a stone's throw from Portofino yet far from its bustle, this Ligurian village is just a few hours from Monaco, making it an ideal escape to extend a stay on the French Riviera. In this complete guide, you will find everything to plan your visit: how to get there, what to see in Camogli, the unmissable abbey of San Fruttuoso, the beaches and the best time to go.
Camogli, a discreet gem of the Gulf of Paradise
Camogli stretches along the Gulf of Paradise, in the province of Genoa, on the north-western flank of the Portofino peninsula. A former village of sailors and fishermen, its name may come from the expression "casa delle mogli", the house of the wives, who kept the home while the men were at sea. To this day, Camogli has kept its maritime soul, far from the mass tourism that can overwhelm its neighbours.
What strikes you first are those narrow, soaring houses, painted in yellows, ochres and reds, their facades adorned with trompe-l'oeil decoration. This painting tradition was no mere whim: it once allowed sailors to recognise their home from the open sea. At the foot of these colourful buildings, the little harbour still shelters a few fishing boats, and the promenade along it is lined with cafes, trattorias and gelato shops.
For travellers staying on the Riviera, Camogli offers a delightful contrast with the hushed elegance of Monte-Carlo: here, the mood is that of a real Ligurian village, lively and unpretentious, where you savour warm focaccia by the water and time seems to slow down.
How to get to Camogli from Monaco
Camogli lies about 190 kilometres from Monaco, making it a fine day trip or, better still, a one or two-day escape. The journey follows the Italian Riviera and is easy to organise, whether you choose the train or the car.
By train, the most relaxing option
The train is the most restful way to reach Camogli. From Monaco station, a five-minute walk from the Port Palace, you travel to Ventimiglia then Genoa, before continuing to the small Camogli-San Fruttuoso station. Depending on connections, allow around three to three and a half hours. The local line between Genoa and Camogli is frequent, with many regional trains a day, and the final stretch takes only about thirty minutes.
By car, for the freedom of the road
By car, allow around two hours from Monaco via the A10 motorway towards Genoa, then the Recco exit. Be aware, however, that the centre of Camogli is steep and parking is limited and paid. It is best to aim for one of the car parks higher up, then walk down to the harbour. To travel in comfort, our guests often prefer a private transfer or a chauffeured car, services you can book among our exclusive services.
💡 The concierge's tip
"Take the morning boat from Camogli to San Fruttuoso, before the afternoon excursions arrive: you will have the cove and the abbey almost to yourself. Then book a terrace table on the harbour for lunch, and try the cheese focaccia from nearby Recco. When you stay at the Port Palace, your concierge can arrange your transfer and your boat trip in advance."
What to see in Camogli
Camogli is best explored on foot, wandering between the seafront and the lanes climbing towards the heights. Here are the visits not to miss.
The seafront and the colourful houses
The heart of Camogli is its marina and the promenade running alongside it. You stroll between the trompe-l'oeil facades, watch the moored boats and sit down facing the sea. Early in the morning or late in the day, when the light gilds the walls, the sight is striking. It is also the chance to taste focaccia di Recco, the thin cheese-filled flatbread typical of the Gulf of Paradise.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
Set at the tip of the old quarter, just above the harbour, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 12th century. Its plain facade conceals a sumptuous baroque interior: three aisles adorned with gilding, polychrome marbles, crystal chandeliers and works by the Genoese school. It is one of the finest religious buildings on the Ligurian coast, and entry is free.
The Castello della Dragonara
Right beside the basilica stands the Castello della Dragonara, a medieval fortress built to defend the village against Barbary raids. Perched on its rocky spur, it offers a magnificent view over the harbour, the colourful rooftops and the gulf. The climb is short and the reward more than worth it.
Camogli's beaches
Camogli beach stretches at the foot of the houses: it is a pebble beach, partly free and partly laid out as beach clubs. The water is clear and swimming is pleasant all summer. For a wilder cove, head to Punta Chiappa, a tongue of rock reaching into the sea, accessible on foot by a path or by boat. Lovers of the underwater world will find one of the finest diving spots in the region there.
The abbey of San Fruttuoso, a hidden treasure
If you had to keep just one excursion around Camogli, it would be the abbey of San Fruttuoso. Nestled at the bottom of a tiny bay, between cliff and turquoise water, this Benedictine abbey founded in the 10th century can only be reached on foot, along a demanding hiking trail through the Portofino park, or more simply by boat from the harbour of Camogli.
The setting is unreal: a medieval cloister, a Doria tower and a small beach, all without a single road. Off the bay rests the famous Cristo degli Abissi, the Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue submerged at a depth of about fifteen metres since 1954, now an icon of Italian diving. A visit to San Fruttuoso, followed by a swim in its cove, remains one of the great moments of a stay in Camogli.
Around Camogli: Portofino, San Rocco and the gulf
Camogli makes an excellent base for exploring the Portofino peninsula and the Gulf of Paradise. Several options are available, by sea or along the trails.
From the harbour, boats connect in season to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Santa Margherita Ligure. It is the finest way to admire this wild coast, bristling with pines and coves. To discover the glamour of Portofino without the afternoon crowds, it is best to set off early. And to extend the Italian experience, the Ventimiglia market is another escape our guests love.
Walkers will take the path towards San Rocco di Camogli, a hilltop hamlet offering a sweeping view over the gulf and the bell tower of Camogli below. From there, marked trails lead to Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso, through the regional nature park of Portofino. To the east, Santa Margherita Ligure is also worth the detour for its Belle Epoque villas and refined atmosphere.
When to visit Camogli and see the Sagra del Pesce
The best time to visit Camogli runs from May to September, with mild weather and a sea warm enough for swimming. May, June and September strike the right balance between fine weather and moderate crowds, while July and August are busier and hotter.
Two events are worth planning your trip around. The Sagra del Pesce, the famous fish festival, takes place on the second Sunday of May: thousands of fish are fried in a giant pan several metres in diameter and handed out free on the harbour. And on the first Sunday of August, the Festa della Stella Maris lights up the bay with thousands of small floating lights set on the water in tribute to the Virgin, a magical sight at nightfall.
☉ Good to know
The Sagra del Pesce is held every year on the second Sunday of May and the Festa della Stella Maris on the first Sunday of August. Both festivals draw large crowds: if you plan to come on these dates, book your accommodation and transfers well in advance, and favour the train to avoid parking difficulties.
Camogli from the Port Palace
Making Monaco your base for exploring the Italian Riviera is an obvious choice. From the Port Palace, a boutique hotel set on Port Hercule, you are five minutes from the station and two hours' drive from the villages of the Gulf of Paradise. After a day spent wandering the lanes of Camogli or sailing to San Fruttuoso, what a pleasure to return to a room facing the yachts of Monaco's harbour.
Guests who wish to explore both Rivieras appreciate our suites overlooking Port Hercule and the chance to plan their excursions ahead. When you stay at the Port Palace, your dedicated concierge can book your transfers and boat trips so that each day unfolds without the slightest worry. Before you set off, take the time to discover Port Hercule, the most prestigious harbour in Monaco, over which the hotel watches.
Port Palace Monaco
Explore the Italian Riviera from Port Hercule
Our suites overlooking the harbour make Monaco the ideal base for reaching Camogli, Portofino and the Gulf of Paradise. Concierge service included to arrange your excursions and transfers.
Book your stayFAQ - Visiting Camogli
Is Camogli worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Camogli charms with its authentic fishing-village character, its colourful trompe-l'oeil houses, its baroque basilica and the immediate proximity of the abbey of San Fruttuoso and Portofino. It is a quieter, more genuine alternative to the busiest destinations on the Italian Riviera.
How do you get to Camogli from Monaco?
By train, allow around three to three and a half hours from Monaco station, via Ventimiglia and Genoa, to the Camogli-San Fruttuoso station. By car, the trip via the A10 motorway takes about two hours, Recco exit. As parking is limited in the village, a private transfer remains the most comfortable option.
How do you reach the abbey of San Fruttuoso?
The abbey of San Fruttuoso can only be reached on foot, along a hiking trail through the Portofino park, or by boat from the harbour of Camogli. The boat crossing, the simplest option, takes only a few minutes and offers superb views of the coast.
How much time do you need to visit Camogli?
Half a day is enough to discover the harbour, the basilica and the castle. But to make the most of Camogli, its beaches and an excursion to San Fruttuoso or Portofino, allow a full day, or even an overnight stay.
Camogli embodies everything we love about Liguria: colour, sea, simplicity and unspoilt beauty. From Monaco, it is an Italian interlude within easy reach, to be savoured over a day or a weekend. Treat yourself to the comfort of an exceptional base on Port Hercule to explore the Riviera at your own pace.
