Portovenere 

At the southern edge of Liguria, Portovenere feels almost impossibly scenic. The village clings to a rugged peninsula just beyond La Spezia, with tall pastel houses facing the harbour and the sea shifting between deep blue and turquoise. The main waterfront is compact, but that is part of its charm. Come early in the morning, when the light is soft and the sea is calm, and the setting feels especially peaceful. For a more adventurous swim, explore the nearby coves along the coast or head out by boat towards Palmaria. 

Best for: scenic swimming & boat trips 

Sestri Levante 

Few places capture the elegance of the Italian Riviera quite like Sestri Levante. Set on a narrow peninsula between two bays (Baia delle Favole and Baia del Silenzio), it offers two very different beach experiences within moments of each other. Baia del Silenzio is the more iconic of the two, and for good reason. Sheltered, calm and framed by pastel houses, it is one of those rare beaches that feels as beautiful in reality as it does in photographs. Just across the strip of land lies Baia delle Favole, which is broader, livelier and more open to the sea. 

Best for: classic Italian Riviera charm, calm swimming & an easy day at the beach 

Vernazza 

In the Cinque Terre, Vernazza is one of the most memorable places to swim. Many visitors pass through quickly, but it is worth staying longer to enjoy the atmosphere around its small harbour and waterfront. Its small harbour cove has long been a place to swim, and there is something special about entering the water with the village rising around you. Lay your towel on the stone waterfront and watch as fishing boats drift in and out, children jump from the rocks, and the sea reflects the warm tones of the houses above. 

Best for: combining Cinque Terre sightseeing with a swim in a village setting 

Paraggi 

Just beyond Portofino, Paraggi offers a more exclusive beach experience in Liguria. This small, intimate cove is known for its remarkably clear water, which takes on shades of green and blue that feel almost tropical. What sets Paraggi apart is its rare sandy beach, a luxury along the Ligurian coast where most beaches are pebbly. The beach spans approximately 100 metres of pristine sand, bordered by pine trees and sheltered by the rocky headlands on either side. 

Best for: clear water, a stylish atmosphere & a beach day near Portofino 

Moneglia

Less talked about than many of Liguria's headline names, Moneglia has a quieter appeal that many travellers end up loving. Its wide crescent of beach and relaxed pace offer a strong sense of local character rarely found in more famous spots. The main beach stretches for approximately one kilometre and features rare sandy sections protected by artificial rock barriers, making it perfect for families with children. This is the kind of place where families return year after year, where seafood lunches stretch into the afternoon and where the rhythm of the day still follows the sea. 

Best for: families & a quieter seaside atmosphere 

When to visit Liguria for a beach holiday

If you want to enjoy the best beaches in Liguria without the peak summer crowds, the best time to visit is usually late May or June. During these months, the weather is warm, the sea is inviting and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than in high summer.