Bogliasco

The first town you’ll encounter after Genova heading east is Bogliasco, a former fishing village overlooking Liguria’s sparkling blue sea and dominated from behind by Monte Cordona (800 metres).

Nestled in a natural inlet at the mouth of the stream of the same name, Bogliasco boasts a varied shoreline where small free beaches alternate with steep cliffs and stretches perfect for daring dives or endless sunbathing.

Leave your list of things to see in Bogliasco at home – you won’t need it. This peaceful village is summed up by an enchanting seafront promenade, a central square that’s the heart of town life, a row of pastel-coloured houses reminiscent of the more celebrated ones in Cinque Terre, and a backdrop of verdant hills. It’s a place devoted to relaxation, perfect for leisurely holidays with a slow pace.

Or at least that’s its reputation. In reality, it’s also a town suited to younger visitors: you won’t find a hedonistic nightlife, but a couple of nice bars and a vibrant community of surfers.

Though not yet a mass-tourism destination, Bogliasco has developed a hospitality industry based on small but meticulously maintained establishments and quality services. Just a few kilometres from Genova, it’s easily accessible and an excellent base for exploring Liguria’s most famous tourist attractions.

Beaches in Bogliasco

Bogliasco’s beaches are small free stretches close to the old town centre and wild-looking cliff formations bathed by a brilliant blue sea that drops off sharply not far from the shore; there are also a few beach clubs.

The main town beach in Bogliasco is a narrow band of pebbles mixed with coarse sand stretching along the natural inlet on which the town stands.

The loveliest rocky beach in Bogliasco is Scogliera del Pontetto, a small headland at the eastern edge of the town. Here the sea is crystal clear, thanks in part to the rocky seabed, and you can enjoy splendid views of the Portofino headland to the east and Genova to the west.

Usually quiet, it’s the best beach for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts and for sun-worshippers who like to stretch out for hours. It’s not the most comfortable and lacks facilities, so it’s not recommended for families or those seeking creature comforts.

From Bogliasco you can reach other enchanting coastal spots in Liguria for a day trip: Monterosso al Mare, the first of the Cinque Terre you encounter travelling west to east, is 60 km away; much closer is the Portofino headland with the splendid beaches of Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Rapallo and Paraggi Bay.

Things to do in Bogliasco

Bogliasco is the kind of village that enchants visitors through its atmosphere alone, without need for museums and famous monuments.

The town’s main attraction is the seafront promenade that begins at the Church of the Nativity of Mary and descends to the beach. It may not sound like much until you experience the romantic views of the coast and the shimmering expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

A town symbol is the castle perched on the headland west of the small tourist harbour. Built in the Late Middle Ages and owned by the Republic of Genova in the 12th century, it was plundered by the Venetians in the 15th century and became a bone of contention between Austrians and French during the Napoleonic wars. Currently a private residence and therefore not open to the public, it remains a striking sight from the outside.

Another typical feature of Bogliasco is the medieval stone bridge that connects the two banks of the stream, built on the remains of an earlier Roman bridge.

Where to stay in Bogliasco

There aren’t many hotels and B&Bs in Bogliasco, but the establishments here stand out for offering good value for money and, whilst limited in number, you can find quality options across all price ranges.

The most sought-after rooms and apartments are those with sea views; if that’s your wish too, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible as they sell out quickly.

Don’t overlook guesthouses and villas in the hills: they’re set in splendid natural surroundings where peace and quiet reign, and they’re the ideal location for a relaxing break. The town centre and its bars are just a few kilometres away and easily reached.

Recommended hotels in Bogliasco

We offer a selection of hotels at Bogliasco to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Bogliasco, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Bogliasco

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Bogliasco. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Bogliasco are in high demand.

How to reach Bogliasco

If you’d like to arrive in Bogliasco by car, the relevant motorway is the A12, with recommended exits at Genova Nervi (if coming from the west) and Recco (if coming from the east). Once off the motorway, take the SS1 Aurelia following signs for Bogliasco.

Arriving by public transport is straightforward as the railway station is right in the town centre and is served by numerous regional trains and Intercity services on the Genova-La Spezia line.

If you live far from Liguria, you can easily reach Genova airport with a budget flight and from there travel by hire car or bus or train (though in the latter case you may need to change in central Genova).

Bogliasco Weather