Explore the Italian Riviera

Things to see near Bagni Nautici

From Lavagna’s old town to the Cinque Terre, here are a few ideas for turning a day at the beach into a journey through villages, bays and trails.

Travel times are approximate and vary with traffic, season and transport.

Facade of Casa Carbone in Lavagna
Art and old townAbout 10 minutes

Lavagna and Casa Carbone

Walk beneath the arcades of Via Roma, visit the Basilica of Santo Stefano and discover Casa Carbone, a preserved fin-de-siècle home managed by FAI.

  • Old town and arcades
  • Casa Carbone
  • Marina and promenade
Bay of Silence in Sestri Levante
Bays and old townAbout 10 minutes

Sestri Levante

The Bay of Silence, Bay of Fables and old-town lanes make Sestri Levante ideal for an afternoon visit or an evening stroll.

  • Bay of Silence
  • Historic centre
  • Panoramic walks
View of Lavagna and Chiavari from Santa Giulia
Shopping and cultureAbout 15 minutes

Chiavari

An elegant town of medieval arcades, artisan shops, decorated palaces and a seaside promenade—perfect for culture, shopping and an aperitivo.

  • Medieval arcades
  • Palazzo Rocca
  • Promenade and marina
Portofino harbour and colourful houses
Iconic villageHalf-day trip

Portofino

From the famous piazzetta, walk up towards San Giorgio church, Castello Brown and the lighthouse for open views across the headland.

  • Piazzetta and harbour
  • Castello Brown
  • Walk to the lighthouse
San Fruttuoso Abbey seen from the sea
Sea and historyExcursion

San Fruttuoso Abbey

An abbey overlooking a tiny bay in Portofino Park, reached by boat or on foot along the paths crossing the headland.

  • FAI heritage site
  • Arrive by boat or on foot
  • Bay in Portofino Park
View of Manarola in the Cinque Terre
Villages and trailsFull-day trip

Cinque Terre

Five villages suspended between the sea and terraced hillsides. The train is often the easiest way to visit; check trail access and opening conditions first.

  • Five seaside villages
  • Rail connections
  • National Park trails

Getting around

Set off without the hassle

Cavi station is just a short walk from Bagni Nautici. For many places along the Riviera, travelling by train avoids traffic and parking.

By train

Sestri Levante, Chiavari and the Cinque Terre are on the coastal railway. Always check the timetable before leaving.

Check Trenitalia

By ferry

Services to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre are seasonal and depend on sea conditions.

Check departures

By car

Useful for inland villages and quieter destinations. Along the coast in high season, consider train, bus or ferry.

Plan your route

Beyond the best-known sights

Four places worth discovering

Ideas for your day

Choose by pace and weather

Sunny · Active

Ancient Roman Road

A route between Cavi and Sestri Levante through Mediterranean vegetation and sea views. Suitable footwear and water are essential.

View the route
Sunny · Families

Beach, SUP and canoe

An easy day without travelling: beach time, water activities and lunch directly at Bagni Nautici.

Explore the beach
Rainy · Culture

Historic homes and palaces

Casa Carbone in Lavagna and Chiavari’s historic centre are good alternatives when the weather is less suited to the beach.

Visit Casa Carbone

Before you go

Always check opening times, transport, trail conditions and access arrangements on official websites. During high season, train and ferry are recommended for Portofino, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre.

Photo credits

Photos: Davide Papalini, FC-1982, Davide Papalini, Quintin Soloviev, Hayden Soloviev and Carlo Alberto Conti — Wikimedia Commons; images resized and optimised.