Welcome to Camogli
From Jesse's Journeys in Italy
Population:
5,692 (2008)
Official site:
Camogli
Wikipedia:
Camogli
Map:
Camogli
Camogli is a half an hour drive
south of
Genoa and one of the most
romantic destinations on the
Italian Riviera. Although
the
Cinque Terre National park
has gained notoriety and fame in
recent years, Camogli for the
most part has gone relatively
un-noticed and is a favourite
amongst the Milanese and
Genovese as a fun weekend
day-trip, a place to sit back,
take in the incredible scenery
and enjoy some top-notch local
cuisine (Pesto, Focaccia,
Sardines, Sword Fish and other
local specialties).
There are also some great walks
which start and end in Camogli
and so for nature lovers and
food enthusiasts alike, Camogli
makes a great base.
For
those who like adventure,
there is a beautiful 2 1/2-hour
walk to San Frutuosso and its
13th-century abbey. Those who
are looking for something more
glamorous can continue to the
wealthy resort town of
Portofino. Or you can take a
boat ride to either place in a
fraction of the time.
Small taxi ferries to and from
Camogli are numerous and very
convenient for visiting this
area of the coast.
Camogli (pronounced
kuh-moh'-lee) has a double
meaning in Italian. The
first translation, "houses close
together," is apparent when you
stroll through the town's narrow
streets, which are lined by tall
columns of pastel-colored homes.
The second meaning, "houses of
wives," is not so obvious; it
refers to the fishermen's wives,
who traditionally spent their
time at home while their
husbands were out at sea.
But Camogli is more than just a
fishing village. Although it may
not reel in scores of
international celebrities and
luxury yachts like its more
famous neighbour,
Portofino, Camogli is an
increasingly popular tourist
destination. In the summer, the
town's population of 7,000
almost doubles, as numerous
Italians who own summer homes in
the area arrive to enjoy the
nearby beaches.
Camogli's biggest tourist
attraction is its annual
fish-fry and festival during the
second weekend of May.
Saturday's "blessing of the
fish" festivities include
bonfires and a spectacular
display of fireworks. On Sunday
the town pulls out what is said
to be the largest skillet in the
world (about four meters -- more
than 12 feet -- in diameter) and
fries up a huge helping of fish
donated by the local fish
cooperative.
Camogli is also home to the C.
Colombo nautical institute
(named for Christopher Columbus,
one of Italy's most famous
sons), which produces many of
Italy's merchant marines.
Numerous craft and jewellery
stores line the town's central
promenade and there are
definitely some good finds at
very reasonable prices.
The beaches in Camogli are great
and while there are beach lidos
in the summer, locals swim here
from May to October in the
temperate waters. After a
day of hiking and exploring the
coastal area, a cool dip in the
sea off the shores of the town
is a great way to refresh for an
enchanting evening dinner in one
of the many beautiful piazzas or
along the boardwalk.
Either way you spend your day(s)
in Camogli, time has a funny way
of going too fast.
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