Camogli and Portofino in one day
We picked this shore excursion because of Portofino.
After leaving the cruise ship, we took a tour bus to Camogli. The ride took about 50 minutes.
From the cruise port, we took a bus to Camogli and then boarded a small boat along the Ligurian coast to Portofino, making the journey itself one of the best parts of our day.
The entire tour spans seven hours.
Camogli is a beautiful and colourful small fishing village.
Camogli is a town in Liguria, northern Italy. Liguria shares borders with France, Piemonte, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.
Genoa, or Genova, is the capital and largest city of Liguria.
Liguria’s coastline, where Camogli sits, is known as the Italian Riviera.
-Exploring Camogli
A hidden gem on the Italian Riviera surprised us with its tall pastel buildings along the waterfront, which gave the town a cozy charm, and with boats on the beach, it added to its lived-in feel. I’m always struck by how real life feels here.
Camogli is a small but beautiful town. I think you can easily explore Camogli in just a few hours if you don’t plan to spend time on the beach or hiking.
But rushing through is the exact opposite of what Camogli is all about. For me, part of the charm is its laid-back atmosphere.
-Begin your visit with a walk along the seaside promenade.
Begin your visit with a walk along the seaside promenade.
The promenade links the marina and harbour to Camogli’s main beach. It’s one of the prettiest spots on the Italian Riviera, with the sea on one side and pastel houses on the other.
As you stroll along, the Trompe-l’Oeil houses around the harbour stand out, with painted shutters and fake windows on their facades illustrating local artistry.
Walking the promenade takes about 10 to 15 minutes. When you reach the point where it narrows into an alley, I recommend continuing onward. Soon after, the alley opens into a small square where the giant frying pan stands—a symbol of Camogli’s famous annual fish festival held in May.
Taking in the sights and following our guide’s suggestion, we stopped for a cappuccino and tried Liguria’s delicious focaccia.
After a short walk from the café, we found a small shop at the end of the harbour. It was the only one open, since most stores close on Monday.
As our trip was coming to an end, we finally took a small boat to Portofino.
Portofino might be small, but it’s best enjoyed at a slow pace. There’s no need to hurry here; it’s a place to take your time and enjoy.
We found the only boutique open in a hidden alley. Not far from there, near the harbour, is the Chiesa di San Martino, a Roman Catholic church.
When lunchtime came, we went back to the harbour and sat inside the restaurant because it was cold outside.
We ordered the “plat du jour.” The food was good, but it was very expensive, and they added a service charge for each person. The spaghetti was tasty, but 30 euros felt like too much.
We climbed toward Castello Brown. The climb is tough, but the view is worth it.
From above, Portofino looks almost unreal. The harbour curves below, the sea goes on and on, and the town feels like a hidden gem you’re lucky to discover.
We walked up the small hill to the Church of St. George, which sits quietly above the town. The church is dedicated to St. George, Portofino’s patron saint, and was rebuilt after World War II with its original materials.
I wasn’t disappointed by the beauty of the place, but by how small it was—I had expected more.
Is This the Best Way to Visit Camogli and Portofino from a Cruise Ship?
For me, absolutely yes.
Travelling from a cruise ship to Camogli by bus, then to Portofino by boat, turned a simple transfer into a full Italian Riviera experience. It avoided crowds, added variety, and allowed us to see two beautiful coastal towns in one day.
Why this route works so well:
*Stunning coastal views by both land and sea
*Combines Camogli and Portofino in one itinerary
Personal Insight:
Taking a tour that started with a bus ride to Camogli and continued by boat made the journey feel just as special as the destination.
Camogli is a small village, but it is truly beautiful.
Portofino is also small and beautiful, and the way you arrive makes a difference. The boat ride offers an amazing view.
If you are a cruise traveller wanting a more authentic and scenic way to see the Italian Riviera, this route is a great choice.
Even with rough seas and occasional rain, the trip was still a wonderful day out.
I just wish it hadn’t been a Monday, since all the stores were closed.
