Varigotti's beaches: the beach in front of the fishing village, the Baia dei Saraceni below Punta Crena and Malpasso, with rules and tips.
Varigotti beach seen from above
Bottom
sand mixed with small pebblespebbles and rocks at Punta Crena
Blue Flag 2026
Varigotti beach and Malpasso beach
Free beaches
free stretches in front of the villagethe Baia dei Saraceni is mostly free
For children
the village beachwith facilities and the pedestrian centre behind it
Dogs
banned from the beaches from 15 May to 15 Septemberexcept in authorised areas at beach clubs
Without a car
train to Finale Ligure Marinathen a TPL Linea bus
The beaches of Varigotti lie along a few kilometres of coast between the village and Capo Noli. They range from the long beach in front of the colourful houses, with beach clubs and free stretches, to the Baia dei Saraceni, the cove below Punta Crena and Malpasso beach, already below the cliffs of the cape. Here they are one by one, from west to east, with the town council’s rules for 2026.
By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on ·5 min read
Varigotti's beaches from west to east
Varigotti is a hamlet of Finale Ligure. East of the village the Punta Crena headland closes the beach; beyond the point the coast becomes high and rocky up to Capo Noli. All the beaches are along the Aurelia road: you can reach them on foot or by bus.
Varigotti beach (the village beach)
SandPebblesBeach clubsFree beach
This is the main beach: a long strip of sand and small pebbles in front of the low houses of the old village, stretching west. Beach clubs alternate with free stretches. At the edges, towards Punta Crena, the bottom becomes rocky: with mask and snorkel you can see fish just a few metres from the shore. In 2026 it has the Blue Flag.
It is the easiest choice with children: bars, ice-cream shops and facilities are close by and the old centre is a limited traffic zone. In July and August it is the busiest: for the free beach, arrive early.
Baia dei Saraceni
SandPebblesRocks
Just past Punta Crena, along the Aurelia towards Noli, opens the Baia dei Saraceni (Bay of the Saracens). This was the natural harbour of ancient Varigotti, defended by the castrum (fort) on the headland; until the 1960s people camped here freely. Today it is a beach of fine sand and small pebbles, mostly free, with a few kiosks and umbrella and lounger hire. The water is clear and you can snorkel near the rocks.
Parking along the Aurelia is scarce and paid, and in high season it fills up in the morning: better to walk from the village or come by bus.
Punta Crena
SandPebblesRocksFamily friendly
Below the headland, among the rocks, is a cove of pebbles and sand a few dozen metres long. From land you go down a steep, exposed, unmarked path, with one section fitted with a rope: it is not suitable for children or inexperienced walkers. The right way to get there is by sea, by kayak, SUP or pedalo from the village beach. There are no facilities: bring water and shade.
Malpasso beach
SandPebblesFree beach
Further east, towards Capo Noli, on the stretch of coast where the old railway used to run, is Malpasso beach: sand and pebbles below the cliff. The town council classes it as a “spiaggia organizzata” (organised beach), managed differently from the free beaches: access conditions can change from year to year, so check them on site. In 2026 it has the Blue Flag. TPL Linea buses from Finale Ligure Marina have a stop at Malpasso.
Beyond Malpasso, towards Capo Noli, the coves can only be reached by steep paths or by boat. From the cape onwards the coast of Noli begins.
Beach rules in 2026
The Finale Ligure town council’s beach ordinance of 23 April 2026 applies to all of Varigotti’s beaches. The rules that matter most to you:
Bathing season: from 15 May to 15 September. From 1 June to 15 September beach clubs stay open at least from 9 am to 7 pm.
Dogs: in season they are not allowed on the beaches, not even on a lead or muzzled. Exceptions are guide dogs and equipped, authorised areas inside some beach clubs: ask the operator before booking.
Shoreline: the first 5 metres from the sea are for walking only. You cannot leave towels or bags there.
Free beaches: you cannot leave umbrellas, deckchairs or tents after sunset, and camping is not allowed.
Getting there and where to park
Varigotti has no station. By train, get off at Finale Ligure Marina, on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line, and take the TPL Linea bus that follows the Aurelia towards Varigotti and Malpasso. Trenitalia also sells a combined train and bus ticket: check routes, timetables and fares on TPL Linea before you set off.
By car, leave the A10 at Finale Ligure and follow the Aurelia east. There is paid parking on the former railway track bed, in via degli Orti and along the Aurelia; in July and August spaces run out early, especially at weekends.
June and September are the least crowded months. Before you set off, check the Varigotti weather: with rough seas, avoid the Punta Crena cove and the kayak trip. If you want other beaches, those of Finalmarina and Finalpia are a few minutes away by bus: you’ll find them in the guide to the beaches of Finale Ligure.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the beaches of Varigotti
Is Varigotti beach sandy?
Yes, sand mixed with small pebbles. The Punta Crena cove, on the other hand, is pebbles, among the rocks.
Are there free beaches in Varigotti?
Yes. In front of the village there are free stretches between the beach clubs, and the Baia dei Saraceni is mostly free.
Which beaches have the Blue Flag in 2026?
Varigotti beach and Malpasso beach, among the six awarded beaches in the municipality of Finale Ligure.
Can I take my dog to the beach?
Not from 15 May to 15 September, except in the authorised areas of some beach clubs. Outside the season the beach ordinance does not ban it, but follow the signs on site.
How do I get to the Punta Crena cove?
By sea, by kayak, SUP or pedalo from the village beach. The path from land is steep, exposed and unmarked.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Varigotti
All places to stay in Varigotti on Booking: compare prices and availability.
