Liguria with Kids: The Sea and the Best Equipped Beaches
Liguria's 15 best family beaches offer crystal-clear waters, shallow seabeds, easy access and plenty of amenities. For a wonderful holiday!
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You could say that Ligurians aren’t fussy when it comes to sea and sunshine: a little corner is enough for them, whether it’s on a jetty, a handful of rocks or a tiny strip of sand at the foot of a headland, to lay out a towel and enjoy some beach relaxation.
But their expectations aren’t exactly humble either: their little corner allows them to swim in crystal-clear azure waters, enjoy wonderfully mild temperatures (well into the autumn) and take in breathtaking scenery.
This is why, despite lacking the vast beaches found elsewhere in Italy, Liguria is a fantastic destination for seaside holidays.
The tiny beaches carved out of the sea, reachable only by boat or along steep paths hewn into the rock, the rocky outcrops clustered around charming little harbours and the paved terraces are actually just one side of Liguria’s beaches. Beyond this familiar image lies a surprising variety of beaches, which also includes family beaches, wild beaches, exclusive beaches and even beaches for surfers.
To help you find the beach of your dreams for your next trip, we’ve selected the 15 finest beaches in Liguria. We’re presenting them by area, starting from the easternmost province and moving westwards: this way you’ll get a clearer idea of the best area for your seaside holiday in Liguria.
If Ligurian tourism were a cake, La Spezia Province would claim a hefty slice – it’s the fortunate province that includes the Cinque Terre. These celebrated villages aren’t exactly seaside resorts, but the chance to combine a visit to these picturesque hamlets with a dip in the azure waters that lap their shores is simply irresistible.
The province is also home to other famous places, such as Lerici, Portovenere and Levanto, each with stunning beaches nearby.
The coastline is rugged, characterised by mountains rising straight from the sea, cliffs and headlands, along which bays and coves succeed one another. The beaches of La Spezia Province are often small rocky clusters or tiny strips of sand and pebbles nestled in little inlets; however, you can find the occasional larger beach.
The Cinque Terre beach that combines the unique beauty of this stretch of Ligurian coast with ease of access is Fegina Beach in Monterosso al Mare.
It’s a wide strip of sand that begins at Punta Mesco, at the western edge of Monterosso, and extends to the tunnel leading to the historic centre; some areas are free, but there are also equipped zones. Two rocky spurs emerge from the sea close to the shore, adding allure to this lovely beach.
It’s considered the loveliest family beach in the Cinque Terre, but it’s perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the dreamlike atmosphere of these celebrated villages without the inconvenience of smaller, harder-to-reach beaches.
Among the Cinque Terre beaches, one of the most beloved is Guvano Beach, which lies between Corniglia and Vernazza. It’s a mixed beach of white sand and pebbles that stretches at the foot of cliff faces that drop almost sheer to the sea.
Getting there isn’t easy, and this deters many visitors – much to the delight of those who don’t mind putting in a bit of effort to enjoy fine views in peace and quiet. Among these are quite a few naturists, who appreciate the privacy afforded by this secluded beach.
The size of Vernazza’s Town Beach is inversely proportional to its fame: tiny in dimensions, it’s one of Italy’s most famous and photographed beaches.
Invariably crowded, with no facilities, sitting right next to a bustling harbour, this strip of sand bathed by splendid emerald waters probably wouldn’t be quite so beloved if it weren’t for the extraordinary setting it’s nestled in – namely, the historic centre of one of the world’s most romantic villages.
It costs quite a bit, but if your dreams are priceless, then treat yourself to a day at the Eco del Mare beach in Lerici. It’s a small private beach along the Gulf of Poets, between Fiascherino Beach and Lerici town centre, situated 60 metres below street level and accessible on foot via a staircase of 140 steps or by lift.
The beach is very exclusive; the available parasols are few, spaced out and equipped with white canopies for extra privacy. You’ll be among the lucky few to enjoy the spectacle of this inlet with its wild yet romantic charm.
It would truly be foolish to leave before sunset!
Palmaria Island is the largest and only visitable of the three islands standing before the delightful town of Portovenere. On one side of the island, the coast is steep, with cliffs rising over 180 metres high (some accessible by boat trip), whilst on the other it’s gentler and allows for pleasant hours of seaside relaxation.
The beaches on Palmaria Island are perfect for nature lovers seeking a day by the sea surrounded by greenery. You can spend the whole day in the sunshine or explore the island on foot, then dive into the sea to cool off.
The second province you encounter as you travel across Liguria from east to west is the metropolitan city of Genoa. This name sits somewhat oddly with the reality of the coast: far from hectic urban vibes, the Golfo Paradiso and Golfo del Tigullio (both part of this province) will take you on a journey back in time with their dreamlike landscapes and romantic vistas.
Dividing the two gulfs is the Portofino headland, a verdant promontory that’s a protected natural area. Along this stretch of coast, the sea perhaps displays the finest colours in all of Liguria, yet small beaches still predominate, almost always rocky or pebbly.
Always featuring in the top spots of any ranking of Liguria’s finest beaches is the Bay of Silence, a narrow strip of fine sand framed by pastel-coloured houses: beautiful by day, it becomes magical at sunset when the lights of the houses reflect on the sea.
Ligurian poet Giovanni Descalzo was the first to call it Bay of Silence, drawn to this evocative place precisely for its tranquillity. The name proved apt, and everyone knows it by this name today, though it’s a bit less silent than in the early twentieth century; it certainly remains far more peaceful than the beaches in busier seaside resorts.
It lies to the east of the isthmus connecting the old heart of Sestri Levante to the modern town. Enchanting and easy to reach – how could you miss it?
Paraggi Bay is known as Portofino’s beach because it’s the only proper beach close to Liguria’s glamorous capital; administratively speaking, however, it falls within the municipality of Santa Margherita Ligure.
It’s a sandy beach with rocky areas at both ends; it’s equipped with no free sections. Highly popular, it’s often quite crowded, but it deserves a visit for the enchanting natural scenery surrounding it and the crystalline clarity of its emerald waters; it’s also ideal for diving enthusiasts.
Nestled in the greenery of the Portofino headland lies an isolated bay that, in the Middle Ages, was a place of silence and contemplation for a small community of Benedictine monks. Today, Capodimonte Bay, better known as San Fruttuoso Bay after the Benedictine monastery standing right by the sea, is one of Liguria’s top tourist attractions.
The tiny pebble beach nestled in this bay is a gem not to be missed. It’s not accessible by car; the simplest and most enchanting way to arrive is by boat: the bay will gradually unfold before your eyes, revealing its beguiling beauty. The more sporty can reach it on foot along the trails of Portofino park; however, proper trekking shoes are necessary.
In the waters of San Fruttuoso, at around 10-15 metres depth, stands the statue of the Christ of the Abyss, which has become a popular diving site.
If you love secluded beaches, make a note of Pozzetto Beach, one of the finest on the Riviera di Levante. It’s a tiny beach of dark sand mixed with pebbles, with rocks behind and to the sides, perfect for those wanting to get away from town and those who enjoy snorkelling.
It’s a free beach with no refreshment facilities nearby, so bring supplies of water and food. It’s reached via a footpath from the Via Aurelia, roughly halfway between Rapallo and Zoagli.
From Genoa westwards begins the Riviera di Ponente, characterised by a gentler coastline. Except in some stretches, mountains are set back inland: tall cliffs dropping sheer to the sea are a rarity around here; instead, you’ll more often find spacious valleys that find their way down to the sea.
The first stretch of the Riviera di Ponente is called the Palms Riviera and coincides almost entirely with Savona Province. Many beaches in Savona Province are found at seaside resorts with lidos and plenty of facilities, but there are no shortage of more isolated and wild beaches.
The Bay of the Saracens is one of the top attractions in Varigotti, known as “the Saracen village of Liguria”. To the east of the headland that marks the historic nucleus of the village stretches a narrow beach of sand and shingle; on the headland flourishes lush Mediterranean vegetation, framing the beach with its vibrant green. The sea colours? A thousand shades of blue.
Depending on your preferences, afternoon may be the best or worst time to stretch out on the Bay of the Saracens beach. The sun sets behind the headland and the beach falls into shadow, causing great joy to those who dislike excessive heat and disappointment to those who love getting a tan. Consider yourself warned!
A lovely town beach for those wanting beautiful sea without sacrificing comfort is the one in Bergeggi, a mixed beach of pebbles and sand that alternates free areas with equipped ones. The waters here are part of a protected marine area, so despite their proximity to town they’re very clear.
If you prefer fine sand to pebbles, you can head to nearby Playa de Luna, though this is a private beach.
Who said Liguria doesn’t have long stretches of sand? Alassio Beach is a 4 km-long stretch of sand: it starts from the town centre and extends to the fishing village of Laigueglia; there are both beach clubs and free areas. The sand is very fine, a lovely grey-white colour; the seabed slopes gently.
Alassio’s town beach is suitable both for families with children who need facilities and conveniences and for young people seeking beachfront bars and entertainment.
The final province of Liguria you’ll encounter in western Liguria, beyond which lies France, is Imperia. The final stretch of the Riviera di Ponente is known as the Riviera dei Fiori, which immediately brings to mind its most famous destination: Sanremo.
The beaches of Imperia Province cater to everyone: there are easily accessible beaches perfect for families, and others more dramatic in character for those willing to walk a little before laying out their towel.
The Balzi Rossi at Ventimiglia rank among the natural wonders of western Liguria. These dramatic fissures and cavities open at the base of an impressive limestone cliff face that rises straight from the sea. Inhabited in prehistoric times, the caves harbour invaluable archaeological finds spanning millennia.
Set within this unique landscape is an enchanting beach of pebbles and flat rocks with sandy seabed that shelves gradually. It’s reached via a beautiful pedestrian path along the coast.
Many assume that Ligurian beaches—narrow, difficult to access and with deep waters—aren’t suitable for travelling with children. But that’s not universally true.
A perfect example of a beautiful family-friendly beach is the town beach at San Lorenzo al Mare. Just steps from the old village, this sandy shoreline alternates between open areas and equipped zones. The seabed shelves gently for the first few metres from shore, allowing younger swimmers to play and paddle safely.
At Arma di Taggia, La Fortezza beach takes its name from a 16th-century defensive fortification that marks its eastern boundary. It’s a lovely, broad sandy beach with facilities, well-suited to families. With crystalline turquoise waters, it’s ideal for peaceful swimming.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
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