Liguria is famous for cliffs, not beaches — but between the rocks, sandy coves hide. Monterosso (the only sand in the Cinque Terre), Varigotti (Saracen bay), Sestri Levante (Baia del Silenzio), and Finale Ligure (the widest sand on the Riviera).
A crescent of sand between two headlands in the old town. The "Bay of Silence" — calm, protected, pastel houses above.
The only real beach in the Cinque Terre. Two sections: Fegina (new town, wider) and the old town beach (smaller, between the rocks).
A Saracen fishing village with a sandy bay. The houses are Moorish-colored (pink, yellow, orange). One of the most photogenic beach villages in Italy.
The only sandy beach on the Portofino promontory. Crystal water. Stabilimento 30-60/day or tiny free strip.
The widest sand on the Ligurian Riviera. Climbing capital of Italy (the cliffs behind). Medieval Finalborgo 2km inland.
The western section of Varigotti. Wider, with a campsite behind. The Saracen tower above.