Beaches right in Zoagli
Zoagli does not have a huge sandy bay, but it has something many seaside towns lack: a coastline with real character. The main beach lies directly under the spectacular railway viaduct, whose arches frame the bay like a stage set. It is a small pebble beach with clear water and a view you remember. In summer there is a beach club with sunbeds and umbrellas, but there are also free areas on the rocks next to it.
The highlight is the Passeggiata, a coastal footpath carved into the rocks for about half a kilometer. At several points you can step down into the sea from the rocks. The water is exceptionally clear because there is no sand in suspension. For snorkelers this is a small paradise: fish, sea urchins and anemones between the rocks. Water shoes are a good idea here.
Right on the small piazza you will find cafes and bars for an espresso or a focaccia after swimming. The restaurant L'Arenella sits right on the beach and serves fresh fish and Ligurian classics with the sea just meters away. In the evening, the Passeggiata is the most beautiful place in town: sunset over open water, golden light on the rocks, and a calm, local vibe. A small plaque in the rocks commemorates Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, who loved Zoagli and became an honorary citizen.
East of the viaduct you will find Pietra di Luna, a private beach club with a pool perched above the rocks. It is the more luxurious option: pool, bar and sunbeds on the rocks with the sea below. Not cheap, but special.
From the loft in Sant'Ambrogio it is about a 15‑minute walk down to the beach, through olive groves and past the church. The walk back is steeper, but a gelato on the piazza makes it pleasant. By car it is about 5 minutes. Parking is available at the station (up to 5 hours free) and along the coastal road if you arrive early.
Lavagna: the longest sand beach on the Riviera di Levante
Lavagna has the widest beach in the area. Almost four kilometers of sand and fine pebbles with a gentle slope into the sea. That makes it perfect for families.
Lavagna holds two quality labels: the Blue Flag (water quality and services) and the Green Flag (recommended by Italian pediatricians). The beach is clean, the water clear, and the infrastructure strong.
A long row of bagni lines the waterfront: beach clubs with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and changing cabins. Most have a bar for coffee in the morning and simple lunch dishes at noon. Prices for an umbrella with two sunbeds are usually 15 to 25 euros per day in high season. Between the bagni you will still find free sections to lay down your towel.
In Cavi di Lavagna at the eastern end, it feels calmer and more local. Houses sit closer to the sea, and there are small beach bars with loungers on the pebbles. Surfers and kitesurfers often head toward the Entella river mouth on windy days.
Lavagna town itself is worth a stroll: medieval arcades, the black‑slate portal of the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità, and a marina with about 1,600 berths. A few kilometers inland stands the Basilica dei Fieschi, one of the most impressive Romanesque‑Gothic churches in the region.
By car: about 10 minutes along the coastal road. Parking along the beach road or at the eastern end near Cavi. In summer it fills up by late morning. By train: Zoagli to Lavagna, one stop, about 4 minutes. The beach is a 5‑minute walk from the station.
Chiavari: beach + old town
Chiavari has one of the largest free‑beach sections on this part of the coast. The beaches sit just west of the marina and are walkable from the historic center.
You can still choose a bagni for full service, but many visitors simply set up on the free sections. There are accessible beach areas and a dedicated dog beach (Bau Beach) where dogs can swim. Water quality is excellent and the entry is family‑friendly.
Chiavari stands out for the mix of beach and city. The medieval center, Borgolungo, is a maze of arcades filled with small shops, cafes and trattorias. On Fridays the old town hosts a huge market with food, cheese, produce, focaccia and local goods. It is perfect for a beach day: market in the morning, sea in the afternoon, dinner by the harbor in the evening.
Along the marina you will find restaurants and bars facing the boats. And if you want to continue exploring, boats depart from Chiavari toward Portofino and Cinque Terre.
Chiavari and Lavagna are separated only by the Entella river, so you can easily combine both in one day.
By car: about 15 minutes along the coastal road. Parking is available near the marina (paid in summer) or along the promenade. On Fridays, the train is easier. By train: two stops, about 8 minutes. From the station it is a short walk to the beach and old town.
Day trip: Marina di Massa, Tuscany
If you want a completely different beach day, head to Marina di Massa. Wide sandy beaches, the dramatic Apuan Alps in the background, and a different Tuscan atmosphere.
The bagni here are a tradition: umbrella, sunbeds, showers, changing cabins and often a restaurant right on the sand. A day pass for umbrella + two sunbeds is usually 20 to 35 euros depending on season and beach club.
There are also free sections, mainly at the edges and near the river mouth. The beach is so wide that even August feels relaxed compared to the tighter Ligurian coves.
The promenade is lined with Art‑Nouveau villas, gelaterie and restaurants. Evenings are lively, with locals strolling, eating late and enjoying the sea breeze. In summer there are markets, concerts and fireworks.
If you want to extend the trip: the old town of Massa sits 2.5 km inland, the Carrara marble quarries are 15 minutes north, and you can cycle along the coast to Forte dei Marmi (10 km) or Viareggio (25 km).
By car: about 1 hour on the A12 toward Livorno, exit Massa. Parking is plentiful but paid in summer (5–10 euros/day). By train: Zoagli to Massa Centro with a change in La Spezia or Sarzana (~1h15). From Massa Centro a local bus takes you to the beach.
More beaches in the area
The Riviera di Levante has more highlights: Sestri Levante with the famous Baia del Silenzio (25 km from Zoagli), San Fruttuoso with its abbey (reachable by boat or hiking), and Paraggi between Santa Margherita and Portofino with Caribbean‑like turquoise water.
From our apartment in Sant'Ambrogio, all of these are doable as day trips. The train is often the best option: no parking stress and a beautiful coastal ride.
FAQ: Beaches around Zoagli
Yes. Zoagli has a clean pebble beach and several sea-access points along the seaside walkway over the rocks.
For sandy beaches, Lavagna and Marina di Massa are strong options and both work well as day trips.
Both are family-friendly. Lavagna is often calmer, while Chiavari offers strong infrastructure and easy train access.
For Lavagna and Chiavari, the train is often easiest in summer. For Marina di Massa, a car offers more flexibility.