Beaches of Pietra Ligure

What the coast is like

The beach follows the whole promenade. It is wide and mostly pale sand; in places the sand mixes with small, rounded pebbles. Getting into the water is easy: you can stand for a few metres before the bottom drops away. This is a coast for relaxed swimming, not for rocks and diving.

Most of the shore is taken up by beach clubs (stabilimenti) renting umbrellas and loungers, with showers and a bar. Between them are free stretches, some with paid services (spiagge libere attrezzate). In 2026 the Blue Flag, awarded by the FEE for water quality and services, went to the Ponente stretch. If you are used to the rocky coves of the Cinque Terre, expect something quite different: an easy, sandy family beach.

Free beaches

Spiaggia delle Barche

SandFree beachFamily friendly

In front of the old town, next to the fishing boats pulled up on the sand, this is the most central free beach. The sand is fine and the water shallow near the shore; bars, gelato shops and restaurants are a few steps away. It is also the busiest: in August, come early or late in the afternoon.

Free beaches towards Borgio Verezzi

SandPebblesFree beach

Heading east along the seafront towards Borgio Verezzi you will find wider, quieter free stretches of sand and shingle, including the free beach of San Pietro. Fewer facilities, more room for your umbrella.

Free beaches with services

Beach clubsFree beach

These are council beaches where access is free but you can rent an umbrella and lounger, with showers and toilets. One of the best known is “A Maina de Ransci”. A handy middle ground between a free beach and a beach club.

Dog-friendly beaches

Pietra Ligure has two free beaches with services where dogs can go in and swim: RinTin Beach, on the western side, and Ex Leonessa, on the eastern side. The council’s rules:

• health documents in order and an anti-flea collar;
• dog on a lead on the beach at all times;
• owner present and attentive, including while swimming;
• fresh water and shade always available.

Some private beach clubs also accept dogs with their own rules. Before you go, read the current regulations on the dog beaches page of the tourism website.

Beaches for children

Pietra Ligure is one of the easiest places on the Riviera for families with small children. The water stays shallow for a few metres, the sand is good for playing and many beach clubs have play areas and family facilities. Beaches are close to the station and the car parks, so there is no long walk with bags and pushchair. The council also runs a project called “Il Mare per Tutti” to make the beaches accessible.

Water sports and boat trips

The town’s tourism website lists several sea experiences with local operators:

• SUP and windsurfing: lessons and rentals to try the board.
• Snorkelling and diving: including night snorkelling trips.
• Boats: sailing days and fishing trips.
• Whale watching: trips offshore to look for cetaceans.

The current list is on the Sea page of Visit Pietra Ligure.

Parking near the beaches

This is one of Pietra’s strong points: according to the council, there are large free car parks near the beaches and beach clubs. The biggest is at the former sports ground (ex campo sportivo), with electric-car charging points. In the streets of the centre most spaces are paid. In July and August the car parks closest to the sea fill up during the morning.

If you come by train you do not need a car: the station is a few minutes’ walk from the seafront.

Nearby beaches

• Borgio Verezzi: immediately east, with three Blue Flag beaches in 2026 (Ex Sati, Rio Batorezza, Rio Bottasano).
• Loano: immediately west, also a Blue Flag town, with a long beach and a marina.
• Finale Ligure and Varigotti: more scenic beaches, with headlands and the Baia dei Saraceni.