For a seaside hotel in Liguria the easiest choice is the Riviera di Ponente, between Alassio, Albenga, Loano, Pietra Ligure and Diano Marina: long sandy beaches, flat promenades and plenty of hotels right on the beach. On the Riviera di Levante seafront hotels are fewer and pricier, but places like Santa Margherita, Sestri Levante and Lerici give you the charm of the Tigullio Gulf and the Gulf of Poets. Below are the best areas and links to search Booking straight away for beachfront hotels, hotels with a pool, family hotels and dog-friendly stays.
- Sandy beaches and families: Alassio, Albenga, Loano, Pietra Ligure, Diano Marina
- Elegance and scenery: Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Lerici
- Towns by the sea: Sanremo, Bordighera, Imperia, Varazze
- Cinque Terre: very few hotels right on the sea, almost all in Monterosso
- When to book: months ahead for July and August; June and September offer more choice and lower prices
Beachfront hotels in Liguria on Booking
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Riviera di Ponente: the sandy beaches
The stretch between Varazze and Diano Marina is beach-holiday country: wide, often sandy beaches, well-equipped beach clubs and promenades for an evening stroll. It has the most beachfront hotels in the region and suits families with children best.
- Alassio: the most famous beach on the western Riviera, the Budello lane and many hotels right on the sand. Seafront hotels in Alassio
- Loano and Pietra Ligure: long beaches, an easy promenade and often lower prices than Alassio. Seafront hotels in Loano
- Albenga: a medieval old town and beaches facing Gallinara island.
- Diano Marina: a family favourite, with a sandy beach and a long promenade. Seafront hotels in Diano Marina
- Finale Ligure and Varazze: sea and sport, with climbing and mountain biking in Finale and surfing in Varazze.
To pick the right beach, see our guide to sandy beaches in Liguria.
Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo and Bordighera
Further west, towards France, the sea alternates with towns with a long history of tourism: Sanremo with its casino and promenade, Bordighera with the Lungomare Argentina and villas among the palms. There are fewer beachfront hotels than around Savona, but the climate is mild in spring and autumn too. Seafront hotels in Sanremo
To choose an area and a hotel in Bordighera, between the seafront, the centre and the old town on the hill, see our guide where to stay in Bordighera.
Riviera di Levante: Tigullio and the Gulf of Poets
East of Genoa the coast is higher and more rugged: fewer long beaches, more bays, small harbours and postcard views. Seafront hotels cost more, especially in summer.
- Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo: elegant and handy for Portofino by boat or on foot. Hotels in Santa Margherita
- Sestri Levante: two bays, the Bay of Fables and the Bay of Silence, and a walkable centre. Hotels in Sestri Levante
- Moneglia and Levanto: quieter beaches and lower prices, close to the Cinque Terre.
- Lerici: the Gulf of Poets, with its castle and small beaches.
In the Cinque Terre there are very few hotels right on the sea: if you want a beach, choose Monterosso and read where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Hotels with a pool
A pool is not a given in Liguria: many seafront hotels don’t have one because the beach is steps away. If you want one, look at hotels on the hills above the coast or resorts in the larger towns; they often have a garden and wider views too.
Family hotels
With children, pick a sandy beach with shallow water and a flat promenade: the western Riviera from Varazze to Diano Marina is the easiest. Look for family rooms or apartments in hotels, and check whether sunbeds and umbrella on the beach are included.
Dog-friendly hotels
Many Ligurian hotels accept dogs, sometimes for a fee: always ask about size limits and whether the dog can stay alone in the room. In summer dogs are allowed only on some beaches: see our guide to dog beaches in Liguria.
Tips for choosing
- Beach included? Many hotels have an arrangement with a beach club: ask whether sunbeds and umbrella are included.
- Sea view: “on the sea” doesn’t always mean a sea-view room; check the room type.
- Car and parking: parking in seaside towns is often paid and old towns are restricted-traffic zones: ask the hotel.
- Train: almost every coastal town has a station; without a car, choose a hotel near the station.
- Low season: many seaside hotels close in winter; from November to March check opening dates.
For an overview of every area, see also where to stay in Liguria.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a seaside hotel in Liguria with a sandy beach?
On the Riviera di Ponente: Alassio, Albenga, Loano, Pietra Ligure and Diano Marina have long sandy beaches and many beachfront hotels.
Which part of Liguria is best for a beach holiday with kids?
The western Riviera between Varazze and Diano Marina: sandy beaches, shallow water and flat promenades.
Do seaside hotels in Liguria have a private beach?
They often have an arrangement with a nearby beach club. Always ask whether sunbeds and umbrella are included in the price.
Are there seafront hotels in the Cinque Terre?
Only a few. Monterosso is the only village with a real sandy beach; elsewhere you reach the sea from rocks and small coves.
When should I book?
Months ahead for July and August. In June and September the sea is still warm, there is more choice and prices are lower.