Of the five Cinque Terre towns Monterosso has by far the best beaches and water to swim in. Very…read moresheltered. Plenty of places to grab a drink or bite near by

Wonderful place for families and couples to enjoy. Tips: Smorfia pizzeria is the best pizza I've…read moreever had. The guy selling coconuts on the beach is a scam artist. The ATMs all try to trick you into paying a 6-14% conversion fee. Just hit decline and pay the $5 fee. Stay away from Euronet ATM machines everywhere in Europe. Terrible. But yes Monterosso Al Mare is a beautiful place with incredible food, people, swimming, and activities.

It didn't get much of a write up in the travel books we read before we visited, but Camogli beach…read moreturned out to be extremely charming. The beach sits at the bottom of a hilly town, where colorful building facades face the water. On one end of the beach there is an old church, and on the opposite end there are tree capped hills and cliffs. Overall, the scene is beautiful. The beach itself however, as a destination to swim and suntan, is certainly not the best we've seen. It's more rocky than sandy, and space is severely limited. That said, I would definitely recommend checking out this cool town and its beach. My only advice would be to bring all of your essentials (sunscreen, towels, chairs) beforehand, because the few shops that have them near the beach charge a fortune.

The free beach in Camogli is really lovely and my husband and I go every year. The only thing I…read morehave noticed over the last couple of years is that the life guards that are hired are more interested in checking out their reflections in shiny object and though you can hire umbrellas and sunbeds their unfriendly attitude really put me off. 5 stars for the beach and wonderful Camogli and one star for the staff that work there.

This "secret" swimming hole is wonderful! Water is super clean and the swimming area is easy to…read moreaccess. Be careful of the bold seagulls! They will snatch your panino right out of your hand if you are not careful!

Near the Church of San Pietro (St. Peter) is Byron's Cove, a rocky area where the poet Byron used…read moreto swim. I was here, but unfortunately without my swimming suit. Others at the time were more fortunate within the warm waters of this pretty cove.

From the owner: Cabine, Ombrelloni, Lettini, Sedie Sdraio, Noleggio Canoe, Tavole Surf, Sup, Kayak!read more

We kept noticing people carrying beach towels and bags walking down the street in Sestri Levante,…read moreso naturally we followed them, and that's how we stumbled into Spiaggia Baia del Silenzio. You pass through a cluster of buildings and suddenly open up into this unreal little beach cove with soft sand, calm turquoise water, and pastel houses wrapping around it like a postcard come to life. It feels hidden even though it's right there. I understand that the water is usually calm, which is actually where the name "Bay of Silence" comes from. Locals say it stays peaceful even when the rest of the coast is rough. It's perfect for swimming, floating, or just sitting at the edge watching boats bob around. The vibe is relaxed and local, especially earlier in the day before it fills up. It's one of those places that makes you stop and appreciate where you are. Great for a swim, a slow afternoon, or catching golden hour when the whole bay lights up. Easily one of the most unexpectedly beautiful stops on the Ligurian coast. I even started looking at homes for sale at the local real estate offices near there. Haha

Amazing food Great service! The view of the bay is one of…read morethe most beautiful in the world. Accompanied by elegant, sophisticated and delicious food. The wine list is interesting- and the local wines are excellent. Great experience! Highly recommended.

Amazing place to visit, hike, drink eat etc…read more I hike most of the trails between the 5 towns and they are spectacular. You can even take the train or a water taxi between them depending. The highlight for me was the final hike from the most southern town Riomaggiore all the way to Portovenere....8 miles 2500 feet of elevation gain and stunning view after stunning view. You even pass by a monastery great little outdoor restaurants etc. Bucket list item

The most beautiful walk of my entire life. Be sure you understand the route - easy to get lost!read more