Don’t get me wrong, I love Cinque Terre. I still dream about the savory mussels and cinnamon gelato in Manarola. But tourists have taken over and it’s more a herding of cats than an enjoyable experience. I recommend taking trains down for an afternoon to explore each of the 5 cities if you want to visit. Otherwise, stay in this hidden gem of a town – Camogli. With just 4,000 residents, Camogli felt like an Italian hug from your favorite nonna.
Why is Camogli better than Cinque Terre?
Authenticity
Quick, visit Camogli before all the tourists hear about this wonderful village! Camogli is less crowded than Cinque Terre and offers a more authentic experience along the Italian coast. I was looking for a quiet beach to relax on my solo travels and this was the perfect spot. While Cinque Terre has sweeping views along the Italian Riviera with stunning cliffside villages, the large tourist crowds have somewhat sterilized the environment.
Stunning Seaside & Beach
Camogli is an Instagram postcard with a long promenade, colorful houses and a beautiful beachline. The small village is built on the hill, with a beautiful marina and pebbly beach. If you haven’t noticed, most coastal towns in Italy simply offer cliffs or gigantic rock beaches, so Camogli’s turquoise waters and small beach front offer a unique Italian experience. For more information on the best beach towns in Italy, check out our post here.
Delicious Local Food
Camogli is known for its seafood and unique specialties like “Camogliesi” focaccia. There are many different focacceria shops in the village, but my favorite is U Caruggiu. They have a location by the Camogliese Hotel and one on the high street down from the train station. Be sure to try their pesto focaccia with cheese!
Relaxed Vibes
Camogli has a warm, low-key charm that makes it easy to unwind and truly relax. The village is lined with quaint streets and cute cafes. Enjoy the surrounding hills and nature trails or spend lazy afternoons on the small beach. Stroll along the promenade and stop at a café to enjoy a cocktail at sunset. Cinque Terre has become world-renown with lots more hustle and bustle. While Manarola did have the elusive cinnamon gelato, I think Camogli's relaxed vibes is a nice retreat on your holiday.
Accessibility
Unlike the steep climbs and multiple train changes often needed to navigate Cinque Terre, the village of Camogli is easily accessible with the train station steps from the beachside. Camogli is straightforward to reach and easy to explore. My parents loved Cinque Terre in 2013 but lamented the hundreds of steps down the cliff (and back up the next morning) to reach our hotel. Camogli has two main streets through the town, the large promenade along the beach front and the high street where the train comes through.
Additional Tips on Camogli
Camogli is a small village only 30 minutes from Genoa that offers boutique stays and family-owned restaurants. Even as a solo traveler, Camogli is very welcoming and friendly. Locals try to provide an authentic Italian vacation to all (even us loud Americans). Turn off your phone and enjoy the slower pace of Camogli for a few days.
Where to Stay
As a solo female traveler on a budget, I was looking for a little spot not far from the beach with a private room. I loved my stay at Stella Marina, a small hotel with budget accommodations only 3 minutes from the beach and 5 minutes from the train station. If you have a larger group or find Stella Marina is booked up, use our favorite site – Booking.com to find your local accommodations. They offer loyalty discounts and free cancellations.
Unique Things to Do
Nestled in a cove accessible only by boat or a hike sits the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, built in the 10th century. While you can hire a boat, if you have the time (and energy), I’d suggest taking the hike (inward, not coastal) to the Abbey and the ferry back. The ferry runs from Camogli year around (ticket info here). If you want to hike to the Abbey, look for “Via San Rocco” on Google Maps for the starting point. For more information on the hiking trails, check out Never Ending Voyage’s post. Once you arrive, entry into the Abbey is currently €9 (as of Feb. 2025). You can also rent beach chairs (expect around €25 for 2 chairs) and enjoy the morning on the small beach here. Note, there are limited food options, so be sure to pack snacks and water.
I spent long afternoons relaxing on Camogli’s pebble beach, dipping into the clear waters when I need to cool off. If you visit in May, there is a fish festival – Sagra del Pesce – where a giant frying pan is used to cook up heaps of fresh fish. For other traditions of the village, check out Camogli's visitor site.
Looking to get out of the sun? Duck into the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta; the beautiful church dates back to the 12th century and sits right along the waterfront.
Camogli vs. Cinque Terre
I often say, "If you are in Italy, you are happy." Anywhere you explore in this wonderful country is filled with rich culture, traditional food and long history. If you are choosing between Cinque Terre or Camogli, I think the latter offers a quiet respite from the chaos of Rome and Venice. Of course, this doesn’t mean Cinque Terre isn’t wonderful. But if you are looking for a more intimate connection to the Ligurian coast, Camogli is the spot for you.
Have you been to either of these places, or are you planning a trip?
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