Beaches in Arenzano

The beaches in the centre

The main promenade runs right in front of the town, lined with palm trees, bars and a row of beach clubs (“stabilimenti”). The beach is small pebbles and shingle: bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet. The clubs rent umbrellas and sunloungers and have showers, and many have a bar or restaurant. Book ahead in August and on July weekends.

The big plus of the centre is convenience: you get off the train, walk through town and you are on the beach. Between swims, the park of Villa Negrotto Cambiaso is two minutes away and offers shade at lunchtime.

The free beaches

Lungomare Olanda

This is Arenzano’s largest free beach, near the sailing club. There is more sand here and the pebbles are smaller, which makes it the best choice for families. Behind it lies the large park of Villa Figoli des Geneys, a green backdrop to the beach.

Nobody runs it: there is no umbrella rental and no showers of its own, so use the bars along the promenade for drinks and toilets. The beach itself is free all day; seafront parking is paid by the hour.

Lungomare Stati Uniti

The last free stretch before the marina, with boats moored a few metres away. It is smaller and more sheltered, handy if you are staying near the marina or want a swim before cycling to Cogoleto.

The coves along the De André promenade

Past the marina the coast changes: the Fabrizio De André promenade, built on the old railway line, runs right above the sea, and below it are small pebble beaches and rocks, free and without facilities. This is the wildest part of Arenzano and the quietest, even in high summer.

You scramble down from the path over rocks and pebbles: wear proper shoes, take care, and skip it when the sea is rough. Among the rocks the water is clear and good for snorkelling. There are no facilities on these beaches, so bring water and shade.

The seafront from above

To get a feel for the coastline before choosing, walk up towards the Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague or onto the first trails above the town: from there you can see the whole beach, from the centre to the marina and the headland towards Cogoleto. At sunset it is also the best way to end a beach day.

Practical tips

With children

SandRocksBeach clubs

Choose Lungomare Olanda, which has more sand, or a beach club in the centre with a play area. Avoid the coves below the promenade, where you climb down over rocks.

With a dog

Beach clubs

The rules for dogs on the beach change every year with the town’s beach ordinance, and some beach clubs have dedicated areas. Check the latest rules on the Comune di Arenzano website or ask the beach club directly.

Parking and trains

Parking near the sea is paid and fills up early in summer. The easiest option is the train: the station is about five minutes’ walk from the beaches, and Genova Piazza Principe is 35–40 minutes away.

When to go

Free beach

June to September for swimming. In July and August, especially at weekends, the centre fills up with day-trippers from Genoa: if you want space, go early in the morning or head for the coves. In June and September the sea is still warm and the free beaches are quiet.

Nearby beaches

Sand

For a change, cycle along the seafront path to Cogoleto and Varazze, where the beaches are wider and sandier. Everything else, from getting there to what to see, is in our Arenzano guide.