The beaches of Bogliasco

The village beach

This is the beach in the photos: a cove enclosed between the “Roman” bridge over the stream and the eastern end of the village, about 200 metres long. The bottom is pebbles and coarse gravel, not fine sand, so water shoes help, especially for children. Part of it is free; the rest is taken by beach clubs with loungers and umbrellas.

Being small and sheltered, it works for families, but the water deepens a few metres from the shore, so keep an eye on weaker swimmers. The water is usually clear enough to see your feet on the stones. Locals come down in the evening too, for a last swim after work.

When it gets busy

On summer weekends many Genoese arrive by train and the free section fills up by mid-morning. Since the 2026 ranking the village is also better known abroad. To find a spot, come on weekdays, early in the morning or after 5 pm. In June and September the water is still pleasant and the beach much quieter.

The cove below the church

Towards Genoa, right below the Nativity church and its black-and-white pebble terrace, there is a second small beach known locally as “sotto chiesa”, below the church. It is more tucked away, with the Castello, the old Genoese defensive tower, in the background. In mid-July, during the Carmine festival, the procession arrives by sea and mass is said on the rock just here: if you are around that evening, it is the best show in town.

The Pontetto rocks

Heading east along the seafront walkway you reach the Pontetto rocks on the border with Pieve Ligure. There is no beach here, just smooth rock shelves, the “scali”, such as Scalo Fontana and Scalo Pontetto, where you lay your towel and dive into deep, clear water. It is the best spot for snorkelling: the seabed, with its seagrass meadows, is protected as a Natura 2000 site.

On the rocks there is a small viewpoint dedicated to Umberto Bindi, the songwriter born in Bogliasco. From here you see the Portofino headland to the east and Genoa to the west; at sunset it is one of the most photographed spots on this stretch of coast.

Before you go

• There are no facilities: bring water, shade and water shoes.
• Not suitable for small children or weak swimmers: you enter the water straight from the rocks.
• With a southerly swell the rocks become dangerous: stay on the beach on those days.
• You can also get here from the small Pontetto railway stop via a stepped lane, but fewer trains stop there than at Bogliasco.

Getting there and parking

The train is easiest: Bogliasco station is on the Genoa–La Spezia line, about fifteen minutes from Genova Brignole, and the beach is three minutes on foot. For the rocks you can get off at Pontetto; check times first on Trenitalia.

By car, leave the A12 at Genova Nervi and follow the Via Aurelia east. Park along the Aurelia between Pontetto and the centre, on Via Cavour and Via Pontiroli, or in the small pay car park near the medieval bridge. In summer spaces go early, especially at weekends.

Other beaches nearby

If Bogliasco is full, there are alternatives a few minutes away by train. Towards Genoa, in Nervi, you swim off the rocks along the Anita Garibaldi promenade. To the east are the beaches of Recco and the pebble beach of Camogli, below the tall harbour houses. For the full picture, go back to our Bogliasco guide.