From Genoa Cruise Port
Best Beaches on the Italian Riviera from Genoa
Pebbled coves and clear Ligurian water — when your port day includes beach time.
Distance
Camogli beach 28 km; Paraggi 33 km from Genoa
Travel time
Walk from village centres or short transfer to Paraggi
Time needed
Allow 60–90 minutes for beach time
The Italian Riviera offers pebble beaches and small coves rather than wide sandy stretches. Camogli beach suits a quick swim on village excursions; Paraggi bay near Portofino is the closest swim spot to the famous harbour.
Cruise ships dock at Genoa's Stazione Marittime cruise terminal in the Porto Antico area — the gateway to the Italian Riviera. Portofino sits 35 km east along the coast, Santa Margherita Ligure 32 km, Camogli 28 km. Most passengers reach the Riviera by coach excursion, private transfer, regional train to Santa Margherita, or ferry from Genoa harbour. Build a 60–90 minute buffer before all-aboard — summer coastal road traffic returning from Portofino can add 20–30 minutes.
Beach time needs 60–90 minutes including changing and drying — factor this into your excursion choice. Not all Portofino-focused tours include swim stops.
Water shoes help on pebble beaches. Summer water temperature is pleasant June through September; May and October swims are for the brave.
How to get there from the cruise port
| Method | Detail | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional train from Genova Piazza Principe / Brignole | Direct services to Santa Margherita Ligure — allow 15–25 min taxi from cruise terminal to station. | 45–60 min | €4–8 |
| Shore excursion minivan/coach | Door-to-door with guide, timed return and harbour drop-offs on the Riviera. | Full day | Tour price |
| Ferry from Genoa to Camogli/Portofino (seasonal) | Seasonal passenger ferries from Porto Antico — check timetables; not daily on all sailings. | 45–90 min | €15–25 |
| Private transfer | Pre-booked car or minivan to Portofino, Santa Margherita or Camogli. | 40–75 min | €120–280 |
Times and costs are indicative. Always keep a 60–90 minute buffer before all-aboard.
Highlights
- Camogli pebble beach
- Paraggi bay near Portofino
- Santa Margherita small bathing areas
- Clear Ligurian swimming water
Tips
- Pack swimwear under day clothes if beach time is possible
- Pebbles are hot in midday sun — water shoes recommended
- Confirm beach stop when booking Portofino excursions
Prefer a guided tour?
Family Riviera Shore Excursion
Beach time, harbour colour and gelato — the Riviera paced for mixed-age families.
More Riviera guides
Best Beaches from Genoa — FAQs
Can I swim on a Portofino port day?▼
Yes at Paraggi if your tour allows time — otherwise choose Camogli or a family-focused excursion.
Sandy beaches near Genoa?▼
Mostly pebble and stone — Boccadasse near Genoa is a small pebble cove if you stay local.