Best known for its colorful stacked houses on the Italian riviera, Camogli is a hidden gem in the Liguria region of Italy. Camogli is the perfect destination for students or budget travelers, with fair prices for food and activities.

1. Order some cheese focaccia

If you have travelled to Italy before, then you have probably eaten focaccia. But did you know that Camogli is where focaccia was first invented? Revello Focacceria was founded in 1970, when Giacomo Revello attempted to avoid the local laws that prohibited the sale of bread on Sundays. Revello added sugar and eggs to his bread to disguise it as dessert, thus allowing his bakery to stay open on Sundays and making the bakery a local hotspot.

The type of bread found at Revello Focacceria is not your traditional focaccia – its made with Stracchino cheese and is not as bubbly as normal focaccia. Regardless, this snack is just as good and definitely a must-try while visiting Camogli!

2. Visit the Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta and the Dragona Castle

Built in the 12th century, the Basilica Minore di Santa Maria Assunta is one of the main attractions in Camogli, perched at the end of the colorful town. Head to the top of the basilica for some panoramic views of Camogli from the sea!

The Dragona castle dates back to the 13th century, and has been damaged and attacked many times throughout history but still stands tall. Although it is not currently open to visitors, it is still beautiful to view from the outside! 

3. Take the ferry along the coast 

Several ferry companies offer basic trips and tours along the coast to other towns in the riviera, including Rocco and Portofino. The timetables vary based on the season, but hopping on the ferry is the best way to see these picturesque towns from the sea! 

4. Enjoy some delicious pesto pasta

Walking along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, you’ll find it hard to choose from the many restaurants overlooking the sea. One of our favorites was La Camogliese, where we tried authentic pesto pasta for only 10 euros! 

5. Follow the walking path to Recco 

Recco is another town about 30 minutes away from Camogli. Since we had to take the train back to Genoa in that direction, we decided to walk along the coast to Recco and take the train from there instead! This route is a great way to get some exercise and see another coastal town, especially if you are pressed for time and don’t have another full day to spend on the riviera.  

6. Sit back and relax on the Mediterranean beach 

Visiting the beach is definitely the best thing you can do in Camogli (for free!). Order some fried snacks or a spritz-to-go before heading down the stairs to the rocky shore.

7. Grab a sweet treat from the best Gelateria in town 

Our favorite place for gelato in Camogli was definitely Latterie 1978. Despite the name, this gelateria was opened in 2024 and offers a wide array of gelato flavors to choose from. Our favorites were dark chocolate, pistachio, and ricotta with caramelized dates!