Noli's beaches from east to west: the seafront, the Fishermen's Beach, the stretch towards Capo Noli and, beyond the cape, Malpasso and Baia dei Saraceni.
Noli has a single large beach that follows the whole bay in front of the medieval village, and then the rocky coast of Capo Noli. Don’t expect secret coves round every bend: the strength here is having the sea, the old town, restaurants and fresh fish a few steps apart. Here are the beaches section by section, east to west, with the free stretches, nearby beaches and practical tips.
The beach starts towards Spotorno, where the coast comes close to the Gaverri rock, and runs to the Hotel Capo Noli, below the headland. The village sits in between. The eastern part is where the beach clubs are; the western part, beyond the built-up area, is mostly high, rocky coast. A promenade runs along the whole bay, so you can switch beaches on foot in minutes.
Coming from Spotorno, the beach is squeezed between the Aurelia road and the sea. This is beach club territory, one after another, with bars, showers and loungers. The bottom is sand and pebbles. Between the concessions there are also small free stretches: the town’s beach plan, for example, lists one of about 50 metres next to the former City of Turin seaside colony, about 500 metres from the centre.
In front of the old town is Noli’s best-known stretch. It is a free beach, but not just for swimmers: here the fishermen of the cooperative haul their gozzi (traditional wooden boats) ashore and keep their nets, as they have done since the Middle Ages. In the morning they sell their catch on the promenade at the Mercato dei Pescatori (fishermen’s market). Now and then you can see the sciabica, a net dropped close to shore and pulled onto the beach by hand: it is a Slow Food Presidium. Leave the space clear for the boats and the slipway.
West of the village the beach continues with more beach clubs as far as the Hotel Capo Noli. Beyond it the coast becomes high and rocky and drops sheer from the Aurelia road. There are no real beaches here, but the sea is among the most beautiful in the area: the town council points to it as a destination for divers and freedivers. Off Noli there is also Nemo’s Garden, a project of underwater greenhouses where plants are grown on the seabed. The cliffs of Capo Noli are a climbing crag above the sea. To see the coast up close, take a kayak or a SUP.
In 2026 the FEE Blue Flag covers five stretches of Noli: Le Cave, Capo Noli, Zona Vittoria, Zona Anita and Chiariventi.
The largest free beach is the Spiaggia dei Pescatori. The rest is mostly leased to beach clubs, alternating with smaller free stretches. On July and August weekends the free beaches fill up by mid-morning: if you don’t want to pay for a lounger, arrive early. From September to May the beach is almost all free and stays pleasant for a walk or an early-autumn swim.
Past the Capo Noli tunnel, heading west along the Aurelia, you are already in the municipality of Finale Ligure. The first beach is Malpasso, sand and pebbles below the cliffs, also a 2026 Blue Flag beach. You can see it from above on the Torre delle Streghe path. Further on is the Baia dei Saraceni and then the beach of Varigotti. They are all described in the guide to the beaches of Finale Ligure.
To the east, beyond Spotorno, you will find the beaches of Bergeggi, facing the island’s marine protected area. For a different day with wider beaches, carry on to Finale Ligure.
Getting there. Noli has no station: get off at Spotorno-Noli, on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line, and continue with TPL Linea buses along the Aurelia or on foot, about 3 km. By car, leave the A10 at Spotorno.
Parking. The handiest car parks are between via XXV Aprile and piazza Monsignor Vivaldo, right by the centre, partly paid and partly free. On summer weekends they are full by mid-morning: coming by bus is often the better option.
Wind and sea. The coast is exposed to the tramontana, the offshore wind that in winter brings windsurfers just a few metres from shore. According to the town council, windsurfing is allowed from September to May. Before you go, check the Noli weather: with rough seas and a red flag, don’t swim.
Dogs. The rules change from season to season and some beach clubs accept pets. Ask the town council or check the signs at the beach entrances before you go.
FAQ
Sand mixed with pebbles. Below Capo Noli the coast is rock.
Yes: the Spiaggia dei Pescatori in front of the centre and a few smaller stretches between the beach clubs. In summer, arrive early.
Yes, for five stretches: Le Cave, Capo Noli, Zona Vittoria, Zona Anita and Chiariventi.
No. It is just past the Capo Noli tunnel, but in the municipality of Finale Ligure.
By train to Spotorno-Noli, then a TPL Linea bus along the Aurelia or about 3 km on foot.
Only where it is allowed in the current season: some beach clubs accept pets. Check the signs or ask the town council.
Where to stay
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