The Cinque Terre villages of Italy are probably the most well known villages of the Ligurian Coast of Italy though there many other towns that deserve attention.
Being so close to our beloved Piemonte region, we often return here to explore a few more villages along the coast.
We love staying in Santa Margherita Ligure, a fun town that provides us with a central base for our travels. In five minutes you can be in Ravello, in twenty minutes you can be walking along the beachfront of Chiaveri or heading to Sestri Levante. A visit to the Cinque Terre is only one hour away. We’ve even been known to head to Monterosso for dinner!
We also love to visit Camogli. Often we walk to Portofino and then catch the ferry to Camogli stopping at the Abbey of San Fruttuosa di Capodimante on the way. There is also a small fishing village not far from here.
San Fruttuosa is only accessible by sea or on foot and there are far too many hills for me! The abbey is built on the beach of a small alcove on the promontory behind Portofino.
In the early days, there was no beach and the boats used to moor under the arches. You can now tour the eighth century abbey that was built to house the remains of the matyr San Fruttuosa and also see the 10th -11th century Cloisters, the Chapter House and the Church. Parts of the Monastery are medieval, others Romanesque but before you go, ask your hotel to check that the main monastery and the Doria Bell Tower will be open.
In 1954 a life size bronze statue of the Christ of the Abyss was dropped into 15m of water just off the beach.  A replica is in the church but if you want to see the original, there are glass bottom boat tours available.
Spend an hour or two here and then catch the next ferry to Camogli.
Visiting Camogli
Camogli is a beautiful fishing village known for its painted houses. A stunning view welcomes you.
The centre of Camogli is its harbour filled with small fishing boats.
Around the quay, fishing nets dry adding to the atmosphere.
Camogli s not a very big town. The name Camogli, means ‘houses close to together’ and as you wander the narrow lanes, Â you can admire the tall pastel coloured houses many of which are decorated with trompe l’oeil features…..and washing!
A late lunch of grilled fish in one of the small restaurants along the waterfront was a perfect finish to the day before we headed to the train station for our trip back to Santa Margherita Ligure.
Have you been to Camogli?
This post is part of Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Don’t forget to pop over and see the other contributions.
How lovely. Reminds me of Mennagio on lake como…
Thanks Sarah. I stayed in Menaggio…it’s beautiful. Camogli is a stunning town too which I’m sure you’d love as much as Menaggio.
Beautiful! I have always wanted to explore this part of Italy. I love all those colorful houses in Camogli. I have never heard of the town but these pictures have embedded it in my wish list. I can’t imagine how awe-inspiring it must be to be greeted with that view from the ferry.
Thanks Mary. It’s a great part of Italy to explore as there are so many beautiful towns to visit with Camogli being just one of them. The view coming into the port is one of the reasons to arrive by boat!
We have visited Comogli, but fleetingly on our 7 hour Cinque Terra walk. So beautiful.
Very quick indeed..I think you need to go back for another visit Jan!!
So beautiful 🙂
Thanks Muza-chan. This part of Italy is truly stunning.
Your photos remind me of the area around Bellagio – though not quite as colourful. I haven’t been to Comogli or any of the nearby villages. They and the Dolomites are high on my list.
Sounds as though a trip to Italy is needed Leigh!! Both are stunning areas to visit.
Ahhh, the Cinque Terre…I can’t wait to see those beautiful cliffs and colorful architecture with my own eyes. Been to Italy, but not this region yet!
– Maria Alexandra
It’s a stunning area Maria. We like to base ourselves on Santa Margherita Ligure so we can visit the Cinque Terre as well as Camogli, Portofino and the other towns not far away. I hope you get to visit soon!
I have yet to visit this area but would love too! The Cinque Terre is so picturesque. I love the colors of the houses and boats in Comogli.
The Cinque Terre villages are beautiful Debbie but when you do visit, don’t miss the other stunning villages along the coast such as Camogli.They are so pretty too.
Comogli sure is beautiful but I never would have guessed that was what it meant!
I’ll definitely have to add it to my list. Thanks for the intro.
It’s certainly one not to miss when you visit Italy Marcia. The whole of the coastline is stunning
Oh… Camogli… I’m so glad you liked it. It’s one of my favorite escapes from Milan!
I can see why you love to visit here Simon. Camogli is such a pretty town and I loved the low key atmosphere.
Stunning! This area is high on my list to visit, and with this post it has moved even higher!
It’s a great place to visit Nancie. The coastal towns are so pretty.
I haven’t been but I am adding it to my Italy travel list. Looks so great!
Not only the well known towns of the Cinque terre but all the towns along the coast are worth visiting. It’s a stunning area Jade
Been to the Cinque Terre and the area south along the coast, but not here. Nice photos.
Thanks Dick. hopefully you’ll get to see this part of the coast one day. It’s a stunning area.
What a beautiful place, Jenny! 🙂 I have never been to this part of Italy before but I can’t wait to visit and explore one day. Such gorgeous photos. 🙂
Thanks Krista. it’s a stunning area. I hope you can visit soon!
You’re making me jealous with all the wonderful photos of these villages. I love the colorful buildings and boats. Beautiful! Would absolutely love to visit Camogli.
Sorry Cathy!!You’ll just have to visit Camogli and the other fabulous towns along the coast! YOu’d love it!
Ohh, please take me there! What a stunning spot, and your photos as ever, do it great justice.
Thanks Jo. I hope you get to wander this part of Italy one day!