The coast of Liguria is dotted by incredible seaside cities and towns and beaches and is a wonderful place to go if you are a sun-lover or water baby. However, one of the most singularly picturesque swimming spots of all (and that truly is saying something in this utterly stunning and photogenic part of Italy and the world) has to be the lovely Baia Cannone. Located in Portofino, near the world-renowned and beloved Cinque Terre, this gem is an absolute must-see for those who have found a villa in Liguria and who are looking for the best places to cool off, splash around, swim, lay out with a good book, or simply sit back and admire the impossible beauty of your surroundings.
Baia Cannone is just a postcard perfect sight to behold with your own eyes. It is that type of little slice of Italy that could almost be bottled and sold as it is so singularly idyllic. Picture this, if you will: you head past Niasca along the road towards the buzzy and chic town of Portofino, you reach the Piccolo Hotel and follow as the road bends to the left, shortly afterwards, also on the left, you'll see a little sign for Baia Cannone and discover an iron staircase that leads you down to the sea, in front of you opens a little rocky bay, surrounded by verdant green hills and a small cluster of colourful buildings perched over the cliffs, and below it all is water that is dazzling and a deep, rich shade of azure. This is precisely just the type of place that people dream of when they think of holidaying in this part of Italy.
There are just a few things to bear in mind if you are visiting, however. Like much of the Ligurian Coast, it is quite rocky so bring appropriate footwear if you have it and take care if getting down and into the water. The rocks may impede swimming a little until you get a bit further out but then you have nothing to worry about and can just enjoy this stunning gem. It is also worth remembering that though this spot is somewhat secluded, it is famously lovely in the area and, as such, draws relatively big crowds at times, particularly during the height of the summer. If you are on an off-season holiday in Liguria, however, during spring or later in the fall, you may be lucky enough to have it almost to yourself. Finally, as Portofino itself is a celebrity hot spot, if you are coming to explore it for the day rather than staying in the area, you may be somewhat shocked by prices in the area, particularly for things like bottled water, other drinks, and snacks. This is easily remedied by packing a nice picnic to bring along with you and enjoy in this scenic spot and is actually a perfect way to make a visit even more magical and/or romantic! If staying within a certain budget is a concern for you, however, you will be glad to know that, unlike many other popular bathing spots in the area, Baia Cannone is not a fee-paying establishment and you can enjoy it for free. Furthermore, despite the fact that it is not a fee-paying bathing establishment, the bay has lots of excellent services and facilities nearby – the best of both worlds!
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are looking for a perfect place to go, relax, swim, people-watch, yacht-watch, or grab a drink or a bite to eat in the most scenic of settings, then this beautiful spot ticks all of those boxes and even more besides.
There are just a few things to bear in mind if you are visiting, however. Like much of the Ligurian Coast, it is quite rocky so bring appropriate footwear if you have it and take care if getting down and into the water. The rocks may impede swimming a little until you get a bit further out but then you have nothing to worry about and can just enjoy this stunning gem. It is also worth remembering that though this spot is somewhat secluded, it is famously lovely in the area and, as such, draws relatively big crowds at times, particularly during the height of the summer. If you are on an off-season holiday in Liguria, however, during spring or later in the fall, you may be lucky enough to have it almost to yourself. Finally, as Portofino itself is a celebrity hot spot, if you are coming to explore it for the day rather than staying in the area, you may be somewhat shocked by prices in the area, particularly for things like bottled water, other drinks, and snacks. This is easily remedied by packing a nice picnic to bring along with you and enjoy in this scenic spot and is actually a perfect way to make a visit even more magical and/or romantic! If staying within a certain budget is a concern for you, however, you will be glad to know that, unlike many other popular bathing spots in the area, Baia Cannone is not a fee-paying establishment and you can enjoy it for free. Furthermore, despite the fact that it is not a fee-paying bathing establishment, the bay has lots of excellent services and facilities nearby – the best of both worlds!
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are looking for a perfect place to go, relax, swim, people-watch, yacht-watch, or grab a drink or a bite to eat in the most scenic of settings, then this beautiful spot ticks all of those boxes and even more besides.