Beaches of Borghetto Santo Spirito

What the beach is like

Borghetto’s coast is low and regular: a continuous sandy beach along the whole town that carries on north into Loano’s. The seabed shelves gently, so the first stretch of water stays shallow, which is why so many families choose this part of the Riviera delle Palme. To the south the sand ends against the rocks of Capo Santo Spirito, where the water gets deeper and clearer.

The Varatella stream crosses the town and flows into the sea across the beach, briefly interrupting the row of beach clubs. After heavy rain the water near the mouth can be cloudy for a day or two: then pick a stretch further from the stream.

Beach clubs and free beaches

Most of the shore is taken by beach clubs (stabilimenti) with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and a bar; some have children’s play areas and step-free access. Between them are free public stretches (spiaggia libera), where you can lay down your towel without paying. In July and August these fill up by mid-morning: if you do not want to rent an umbrella, arrive early.

In 2026 the town put its beach concessions out to tender, so names and management of some clubs may change in coming seasons. Book your umbrella directly or through booking apps, especially for the central weeks of August.

Blue Flag

Borghetto Santo Spirito’s shoreline is on the FEE Blue Flag list for 2026, like neighbouring Loano and Pietra Ligure. The award looks at water quality and services: a good sign, but after summer storms still check for any temporary bathing bans posted on the beach.

With children

Sand, shallow water and a flat promenade make Borghetto easy with small children. Choose a beach club with a lifeguard and play area for maximum comfort; the central stretches are the easiest to reach with a buggy and bags. On rough-sea days, when waves break close to the shore, the Ceriale water park just past the headland, open in summer, is a good alternative.

With a dog

Borghetto has free beaches where dogs are allowed under a municipal ordinance: one on the bank of the Varatella mouth, more central, and one near Piazza Pelagos, further out. The rules introduced with the ordinance are strict:

• dog microchipped, vaccination record up to date, plus a recent vet’s certificate of good health;
• flea collar or treatment required, lead fixed to the ground;
• water and shade always available for the dog;
• only a few dogs in the water at a time, always supervised, back on the lead right after swimming;
• clean up after your dog: fines apply.

Rules and stretches can change from season to season: check the current ordinance on the Borghetto Santo Spirito town website before you go. Several beach clubs accept dogs with a reserved umbrella: ask when booking.

Walking along the sea: from Loano to Ceriale

The best thing about Borghetto’s beach is that you can change beach on foot. To the north the promenade continues without a break to Loano: same sand, same shallow water, plus the marina and the art fountains on the seafront. The beaches of Loano also have “equipped free beaches”, handy if you want an umbrella without a full beach club.

To the south, under Capo Santo Spirito, the pedestrian footbridge above the sea leads to Ceriale: a few hundred metres along the rocks, with views over the Albenga plain and Gallinara island. On that side the headland’s rocks are the place for mask and snorkel on calm days. The footbridge has no shade: in summer go in the morning or at sunset.

For a change of scene, take the train: in a few minutes you are in Pietra Ligure, with its sandy beaches and the Spiaggia delle Barche, or in Alassio, with one of Liguria’s most famous beaches.