One visit to Camogli, Italy leaves you eager to return.
Even these two Americans, notorious for dining early, enjoyed leisurely dining at Bagni Lido. The seaside restaurant in Camogli is on the Ligurian coast north of Portofino. We had elaborate dinners, starting with raw swordfish cut onion-skin thin, melting in our mouths.
Camogli invites you to arrive with breathtaking views and asks you to linger with scrumptious meals and fine wines.
Although Camogli may claim to be a fishing port rather than a tourist destination, you could have fooled us. Boats in the Golfo Paradiso support that fishing still dominates the area. But swarms of people enjoying a hot May day attests to it as a tourist destination. A half-hour drive from Genoa and close by train from Milan, folks choose this spot for glorious beach respite.
One of the meanings of Camogli is, “houses close together” and what a lovely description. At under 6,000 people, Camogli looks like the Cinque Terre villages smushed together to form this charming, colorful town. The buildings rise up from the coastline in a maze of winding streets and corridors. The hills and steep stairs help you roam the shops and restaurants, seeking whatever strikes your fancy. In this store, it could be a comically rounded ceramic fish-shaped dish cast in sea-foam green. In that coffee shop, it could be indulging in an after lunch Macchiato that you’ll never find stateside.
Camogli’s Delightful Fish Festival
We missed the annual fish fry by two weekends and what a sight that would be to see. The Italians, their humor dominate, cook a “blessing of the fish” dinner in a massive frying pan (12 feet). What fun!
Camogli’s promenade is astounding. You can:
- Strolling the streets.
- Bask in summer sunlight.
- Sit on a rock wall watching the bathers frolic in the cool water, stepping expertly across the stone beaches.
Dining on the coast, you to watch the setting sun cast multiple shadows in the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Catch the warm glow reflected in the glass of a tower window, evoking thoughts of medieval fireplaces and warm mead.
Which, a few hundred years ago, you drank in the dining room of the Castel Dragone on the nearby cliff. It has a ragged history of being torn down and rebuilt, but lucky for the visitor, has remained whole since the 14th century.
Camogli’s Harbor attests to the fishing history of the city with boats of many colors and sizes bobbing in sync with the ever-moving waters. It’s difficult not to spend an hour simply photographing them from various angles.
Arriving in Camogli by regional train from Rapallo or Santa Margherita is simple. Driving is fine as long as you know parking is limited. Or you can opt for the ferry. Every view into the town, from the shore, the hill at the train station, or on foot, invites you to be delighted by the colors, the people, and the stone streets.
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Read: A Notable and Truly Steep Hike in Rapallo, Italy
I love how you go into all of these smaller towns. I’ve only been overseas once in my life. But if I get there again, I’m definitely going to take you as inspiration and look in the nooks and crannies as opposed to just seeing the major attractions. I love all the nighttime pictures with the church. The architecture is just beautiful.
Erica, I can’t wait to hear that you’ve booked a trip to Europe and where you’re bound to end up. Love to inspire–means I’m doing a good job!
Hello Rose! I never get tired of reading about Italy! It is one of my fav destinations. Great scenery, food, and wine … I’m in! 🙂
Glad that you are still loving the Italy blogs, Doreen. It’s such a glorious country to spend time in–for the reasons you list!
William, I know you would very much enjoy Italy–with your love of history and all connected with it. It is a glorious country on every level.
By reading your posts, it seems I have been traveling with you through Italy.
The history, weather, and beauty of the area is beyond breathtaking. Thank you so much in giving us this opportunity to read about it.
What a beautiful setting- breathtaking. This looks like my kind of resort; authentic, slow paced and opportunities for sight seeing.
I am yet to visit Italy and have heard lots of wonderful stories about it – namely the food and culture. Why on earth it has taken me so long I do not know.
Phoenicia, I think you would love the relaxing atmosphere of this part of Liguria. It is quiet and things to do both walking within the towns and out. Pop on over!
I’ve never been to Italy before but it’s certainly on my bucket list! Camogli looks like a beautiful little village, and very peaceful too if there are less than 6000 people in it. Would love to visit if I ever get the chance to. Thanks for sharing Rosemary, wonderful photos!
Thanks for stopping by, Rosary. I hope you get to Italy, too. It’s wonderful!
What a wonderful looking town! I really hope to get back to Italy one day because I’ve only seen Rome and the surrounding countryside and there are just so many wonderful places to explore in that country. Thanks for sharing RoseMary!
There certainly are, Marquita. And I wouldn’t miss seeing this slice of the Ligurian coast. Wow–repeated often.
Ken, it would be worth planning your next Italy trip for next May…and let me know how it goes?
Looks like such a beautiful place. And I would have loved to see that giant frying pan in action.