Camogli is a fishing village also known as the “city of a thousand white sails”, located on the Golfo del Paradiso (Paradise Gulf) in the foothills of Monte di Portofino, 20km from Genoa.
Camogli is famous for its characteristic multi-story, coloured houses that are built right up to the shoreline. Their bright colours and contrasting horizontal stripes, known as marcapiano, helped returning sailors identify their homes from the sea. The elevation protects Camogli from the winds coming off the Po Valley which guarantees a moderate climate, even in winter.
The many points of interest in the town include the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta which dates to the 12th century and stands on a rock near the small port and, elevated behind it, the Castello della Dragonara (also known as Castel Dragone), an ancient defence system which today hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Stretching between Camogli and Punta Chiappa, the Tonnarella di Camogli is an ancient system of fixed fishing nets, one of only five remaining in Italy, which is lowered into place in April and removed at the end of August/early September.
Genova Liguria Film Commission
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The Sagra del Pesce (Festival of Fish) has been a fixture on the second Sunday in May since 1952. Fish are fried in a giant stainless steel pan which measures 3.8m in diameter, weighs 2.8 tons and has a 6m long handle and a capacity of 2,000 litres.
At the Festa della Stella Maris (Feast of the Star of the Sea), on the evening of the first Sunday of August, thousands of small candles are floated off onto the waves in honour of the Virgin Mary. The speciality of Camogli, salted anchovies, are eaten.
