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Checking into Camogli, The Best of Italy

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Updated: 10th March 2016

I’ve never jumped like a crazy man on a hotel bed before, or taken bubble bath selfies and posted them on Facebook groups. Maybe it was a moment of madness? Or maybe it was just that Camogli effect.

Camogli

The plan was Portofino, the big famous cousin of this small seaside fishing port. But the second I set eyes on a photo of Camogli bay and the Cenobio Dei Dogi hotel the underdog won. Who wants to follow the crowds anywhere?

Even on the back of visiting the stunning Cinque Terre region of Northern Italy this place still had me bouncing around on the bed, and with views like that out the window – can you blame me?

What’s so special about Camogli?

Good question and I have no clue. It was December, it was cold, it certainly wasn’t the kinda seaside getaway that would have me tanning it up on the beach. But it was cute, it was charming and those are two cliche words I hate writing. Damn! This place got me good.

The small bay, with its pebble beach is illuminated with colourful facades behind it. The tiny crooked alleys leading up the hill are haunted with the scent of that addictive Italian food smell. You know the one? It makes you gain about two stone in weight every time you hear the word Gelato.

This spot hasn’t got any must sees, it lacks the fame of its neighbours, it isn’t even that big. But it’s addictive, it’s colourful and it’s the kinda place you would happily disappear for a few weeks assuming that a James Bond film would rock up and start shooting a lovers scene eventually.

What it does have is that European thing. I say a thing because after so many years I still don’t know what that thing is. The cobbled streets? The excited bubble of language? The alfresco dining no matter what the weather?

Whatever ‘that thing’ is I miss it whenever I am out of the continent, and here oozes of it. I was well overdue an overdose on some old world style drugs and Camogli comes up trumps. The fishermen with their daily catch, the slow paced life, the grandeur of the high historical buildings. Camogli has it nailed, but I guess not everyone has got the memo yet.

CornigliaFlowers

Checking in to Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi

I have never accepted any of the free accommodation offers I get yet. Mainly because the kind of Hotels I like have some wow factor, something unique. Because of that, I rarely talk about them on here. This was no different, no freebie, but it was the only reason I even came to Camogli. A few photos on Booking.com later and I was sold.

CornigliaHotel-2

This place oozes class and grandeur but also has the history to back it up. Set in its own private gardens of palms and plants against the Portofino mountain. It was back in 1565 that ‘The Dogi’ was built as a luxury villa for an aristocratic family as a getaway. Eventually, it was abandoned until the 18th century. By 1920’s the plan to build an impressive and luxury hotel was born. Tragically, the man behind the plan passed on but his wife and daughter went ahead and opened the doors in 1956.

Camogli Hotel

Luckily for us they did because this joint is the hottest ticket in town.

See – Unique and awesome. The restaurant also has the most stunning sunset views of the bay and knocks up some killer cuisine. If you weren’t sold on Camogli before, I’ve got to be convincing you now?

Need to Know

The Cenobio Dei Dogi Hotel If you want to check this place out, it makes for a great heritage stay. I got a fantastic last minute deal, though to be fair, it was dead December time.

Getting to Camogli: Super easily reached by train from either Genova (35min-1.15min), from the Cinque Terre region or even Pisa (3hours). Check out train times on the Trenitalia website.

Getting around: It’s tiny. Screw the map and the guidebook and get blissfully lost in a land of food, fish and colourful lanes.

18 replies
  1. Silvia says:

    Io ho una seconda casa qui e sono un’instacabile viaggiatrice: ma solo qui ritrovo il mio luogo del ❤️. Il suono dei gabbiani, il fragore delle onde, la parlata lifgure dei pescatori o degli abitanti che si siedono sulle panchine davanti al porticciolo, le urla giocose dei bambini sui quadrati, il fatto che tutto è pedonale e sei immerso nella natura e tra la gente, il sole che tramonta direttamente sul mare colorando il cielo di mille sfumature.

  2. Mary Diane McCord Hanna says:

    I too love this town and have been here twice and stayed at the same place and have amazing photos like the ones you posted! The sound of the rocks chitter-chattering in the waves as they recede is so relaxing.

  3. Margot says:

    Found this place in 2006 and loved it. Been telling friends ever since, been back three times and taken friends. It’s so special 😉

  4. Ruse Ana Maria says:

    This article made me buy a ticket to Camogli!
    Going on Saturday!
    Hope it’s as good as you advertised it!
    Fingers crossed!
    Thank you for the beautiful posts!

    • danflyingsolo says:

      It is super close, kinda on the other side of the sticky out bit. I didn’t get to see Portofino as I was running out of time but if you can do both would be great :)

  5. Mr.Loto says:

    I was recently in Camogli and I must say it is really nice. The colorful houses, narrow streets, the smells and the beautiful landscapes are a real medicine for the soul.
    Greetings

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