Boccadasse Beach

Our first day in Genoa wasn't the greatest, but this beach completely turned our opinion around. It's such a lovely spot. While the beach itself is good, I found the rocks along the coast to be even better. The water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It's definitely one of the nicest places I've visited on my trip.

The beach is primarily composed of large grey pebbles and pieces of driftwood. Unfortunately, some areas are littered, including discarded face masks. If you plan to visit, be sure to bring something padded to sit or lie on, as it’s essential. Beach shoes or flip-flops are also highly recommended. There is a small body of water that leads out to the wider sea. While the water near the beach is calm, standing is challenging due to the medium to very large, slippery stones. Close to the shore, we encountered a lot of small rubbish and floating plastics, which was unpleasant. The best experience was swimming beyond the rocks, where the surface rubbish cleared and the sea floor returned to sand. The cove itself is charming and picturesque, with a fantastic gelato shop and some eateries. Overall, I probably wouldn’t recommend this beach and would look for a cleaner option next time.

Bocadasse Beach in Genoa is celebrated for its charm and historical significance. This small, picturesque cove features a cobblestone shore and vibrant, colorful houses. Situated in the Albaro neighborhood, it falls within the Municipio VIII - Medio Levante area, which also encompasses the Foce and San Martino neighborhoods. The beach is flanked by Via Felice Cavallotti to the west, Via Caprera to the north, and Via Capo di Santa Chiara to the east. Bocadasse is a historic mariners' village that has retained its original urban layout despite the 20th-century building expansion. It is renowned for its pastel-colored houses, ice cream shops, restaurants, bakeries, bars, and art galleries. The village also hosts the Saint Anthony of Padua Church, which faces Corso Italia to the east and a panoramic square dedicated to the Genoese poet to the west. According to legend, the history of Bocadasse dates back to the 10th century when Spanish fishermen sought refuge from a stormy sea. The village was part of the rural municipality of San Francesco d'Albaro until 1873, when it was incorporated into the municipality of Genoa along with the current neighborhoods of San Martino, Foce, Marassi, Staglieno, and San Fruttuoso. To visit Bocadasse Beach, you can take the Trenitalia from Genova Brignole station to Genova Sturla station and then walk about 15 minutes to the beach. The beach is serene and laid-back, featuring rounded rocks and pebbles instead of sand. There is one lifeguard on duty and a small boardwalk that guides you down to the waterfront.

If you find yourself in Genova but lack the time to visit Cinque Terre, Boccadasse is a great alternative. It's best to visit early in the morning, as it tends to get very crowded during the summer months.

A fantastic local gem offering accommodation, delicious food, and a lovely beach perfect for tanning and capturing a few photos. The day and night scenes are absolutely breathtaking, as is the vibrant crowd. Enjoy a refreshing drink or ice cream at the popular shops in the area.