The Best Beaches in Portofino, Italy (Free + Secret Spots)

The beaches in Portofino aren't just for the jet set; they're serious contenders against Sicily and Sardinia's coastal legends. Let's cut through the hype and check out five of its best-kept secrets along the Ligurian shoreline.

If you're still planning your trip, my guides to Portofino Italy and Camogli cover everything else you need for this part of Liguria.

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• The Best Beaches in Portofino
• My Tips
• How to Get to Portofino
• Where to Stay in Portofino
• FAQ'S
• 🇮🇹 All You Need for Italy 🇮🇹

Everyone knows the postcard version of Portofino. The yachts. The designer sunglasses. The harbor that looks too perfect to be real. And yes, all of that exists. But what I think gets overlooked - and what I want to talk about - is the water.

The sea around Portofino is some of the most beautiful I've seen in all of Italy. It's that specific shade of deep jade green that the Ligurian coast does better than anywhere else. And the best part? You don't need a yacht to swim in it.

The entire headland sits inside the Portofino Regional Park. That protected status is the reason these beaches still feel untouched. Some are free. Some you can only reach by boat or on foot. All of them are worth knowing about.

The Best Beaches in Portofino

Baia di Paraggi

If I had to pick just one beach in Portofino, it's Paraggi. The water is that jaw-dropping jade green that looks photoshopped in pictures - and it's even better in person. I could see crabs and sponges moving on the seafloor while I floated. It's the kind of water that makes you stay in all afternoon.

It's a five-minute walk from the harbor, with both a free public section and paid beach clubs. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available right on the beach. It gets busy in summer - I'd arrive before 9am.

Getting there: Bus 782 stops nearby. Limited paid parking at Paraggi.

Baia Cannone

One of my favorites on the entire Ligurian coast. Baia Cannone is wild, free, and made up of smooth small stones. The water is extraordinary. And Castello Brown sits on the headland above it, framing the whole scene beautifully.

To find it, look for an iron staircase off the main road into Portofino - there's a small sign pointing toward the sea. It's a 30-minute walk from the center or four minutes by car. Bring water shoes. The pebbles are sharp but the swimming is worth every step.

Getting there: 15-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Portofino center. Free access.

Olivetta

Small, beautiful, and almost always quiet. Olivetta takes some effort to reach, which is exactly why I like it. The water is clear and there's a stillness here that the more popular beaches don't have. Come in the morning - shade arrives early in the afternoon.

Getting there: On foot via the coastal path. Free access.

Niasca

Tucked inside Paraggi Bay, facing the medieval castle, Niasca is a small free cove with arguably the clearest water of any beach in Portofino. I think it's the best snorkeling spot on the Ligurian coast. From here I've also paddled by kayak toward the Portofino lighthouse - a beautiful way to spend a morning. Come early before the afternoon shade rolls in.

Getting there: Short walk from Paraggi. Free access.

Punta Pedale

The furthest beach from the village, sitting on the coastal path between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Rocky, wild, and wonderfully quiet even in summer. This isn't a lounging beach - it's for people who want extraordinary water with nobody else around. Pack water shoes and plan the walk.

Getting there: About 40 minutes on foot from Santa Margherita Ligure. Free access.

Bonus: San Fruttuoso

Not technically a Portofino beach, but I always include it. San Fruttuoso is a secluded cove on the far side of the headland with a 10th-century Benedictine abbey right at the water's edge. It's one of the most special spots I've visited in Liguria. I took the ferry from Portofino - 15 minutes each way. No cars can reach it, which is exactly what makes it feel the way it does.

Getting there: Ferry from Portofino (15 min) or hiking trail (1.5-2 hours). Free beach, restaurants open in season.

My Tips

• Best time to visit: Late May through June, or September through October. Warm water, far fewer crowds.
• Bring water shoes. Paraggi is the only beach with easy barefoot entry. I never skip them for the others.
• Go early. Paraggi and Niasca fill up fast in July and August.
• Take the bus or ferry. Parking is a headache. The bus drops you right near Paraggi.
• Walk the coastal path. The trail from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino is one of the most beautiful walks in Liguria. Do at least one direction.

How to Get to Portofino

By train: The nearest station is Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino. It's 45 minutes from Genoa, 2.5 hours from Milan, and 2 hours from Pisa. From the station, I'd take the bus or ferry onward.

By bus: Bus line 782 runs from Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo directly to Portofino. It stops near Paraggi beach on the way. It's cheap, reliable, and the views from the road are stunning.

By boat: Ferries run from Santa Margherita Ligure, Genoa, Recco, and Camogli. Arriving by sea is my favorite way. You get the full harbor view as you pull in.

By car: Possible, but I'd skip it. Parking is extremely limited and the road gets congested. There's a small car park at Paraggi, but it fills up fast. The bus is easier.

Where to Stay in Portofino

These are some of the places we'd recommend you checking out if you're looking to stay in or around Portofino and Liguria.

Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino: Central, chic, and not shy about its upscale suites and dining.

Eight Hotel Portofino: A mix of luxury, attentive service, and an almost magical garden setting.

Albergo Nazionale: Not just a room but a culinary experience with great service to boot.

B&B Tre Mari Portofino (Nestled in Nature): Quaint, clean, and a view that's worth the stay.

Terre Rosse Portofino: Comfortable rooms, generous breakfasts, and a terrace view that's a feast for the eyes.

Hotel Eden: Great service in a prime location, for those not counting pennies.

Trekking In Paradise B&B: A friendly base camp for local exploration, with service that's on point.

FAQ'S

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