Beaches of Finale Ligure

Town beaches

Finalmarina beach

SandPebblesBeach clubsFree beach

The long beach in front of the town, below the palm-lined promenade. Sand and fine shingle, a seabed that generally shelves gently, beach clubs side by side alternating with free stretches. It is the most convenient: the station is a few minutes’ walk away, with cafés, ice cream and services on the promenade. In August it is very crowded.

A note on how Italian beaches work: at a beach club (stabilimento or “bagni”) you pay for a sunbed and umbrella for the day and get showers, toilets and often a bar. Free beaches (spiaggia libera) cost nothing, but you bring your own gear.

Spiaggia dei Neri

On Lungomare Migliorini, in the San Donnino area, there is a free stretch about ten minutes’ walk from the station. It is one of the closest options to the train if you don’t want to pay for a sunbed.

Finalpia and Spiaggia del Porto

Heading east the beach continues to Finalpia, the village around the abbey, and then to Spiaggia del Porto near the marina. These beaches are a little smaller and calmer than Finalmarina, again with clubs and free sections. Both have the 2026 Blue Flag.

Between Finalpia and Varigotti

Castelletto and San Donato

Between the Castelletto headland and Capo San Donato, topped by a watchtower, a bay opens below high cliffs where many birds nest. Sand and pebbles, two beach clubs and free space. In 2021 a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nested on this beach. It is quieter and more enclosed than the town beaches; access is from the Aurelia road, where parking is limited.

Varigotti beach

A long sandy beach in front of the low pastel houses of the old village, with clubs and free stretches and rocky edges that are good for snorkelling. It is the most photographed beach in the area and one of the busiest in summer. The centre of Varigotti is a limited traffic zone: park along the Aurelia or come by bus from Finale. For the village itself see our guide to Varigotti.

Towards Capo Noli: bays and coves

Baia dei Saraceni

Just past Varigotti on the Aurelia towards Noli, the Baia dei Saraceni is a beach between two headlands, almost entirely free and with few facilities. The water is clear and the setting more natural than elsewhere. There is no large car park: by bus, get off at the nearest stop and walk.

Punta Crena

Below the olive-covered headland of Punta Crena is a small beach that is only easy to reach from the sea, by kayak, SUP or pedalo. You get a good view of it from the mule track climbing to the church of San Lorenzo, at the start of the Pilgrim’s Path.

Malpasso, Riconco and Balzi Rossi

Pebbles

Beyond Punta Crena, towards Capo Noli, the coast gets wilder. Malpasso beach has a 2026 Blue Flag; the coves of Riconco and Balzi Rossi are shingle and pebbles, reached by steep paths or by boat. Bring water, water shoes and some shade: there are no facilities.

Practical tips

• Parking: in summer this is the main problem. If you are staying in Finale, get around on foot, by bike or by bus.
• Children: Finalmarina and Finalpia have the gentlest entry into the water and all services.
• Dogs: some beach clubs accept dogs; rules on free beaches change, so ask the tourist office before you go.
• Free beaches: in July and August get there by 9am, especially at weekends.
• From the water: a kayak or SUP trip from Varigotti is the best way to see Punta Crena and the Capo Noli coast.
• Other beaches nearby: to the west, Pietra Ligure and Loano are a few minutes away by train; if the sea is rough, head up to Finalborgo.