Kayaking in Liguria: Outdoor Adventures on the Sea

With its marine protected areas and beautiful coastline ideal for canoeing and kayaking, Liguria offers unbeatable outdoor experiences on the sea. 

Do you dream of enjoying the sea all year round, taking in Liguria’s untamed nature, its coastline, and its marine protected areas? In short, do you love beauty experienced and admired from the sea? Well, you should know that you don’t need to wait for the summer season to turn a holiday or a day out into a dream come true.
In Liguria, especially between October and spring, kayaking can be enjoyed solo, with friends, or as part of guided excursions. There are countless options and one certainty: there are few places as suited and unique for outdoor sea adventures as Liguria. From the Riviera di Levante to the Riviera di Ponente, opportunities abound, and you can rent a canoe in virtually every coastal town. Here are the opportunities of Be Active Blu, perfect for those who wish to enjoy water sports even in winter.

The East Riviera

Kayaking between Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre is a must for enthusiasts. This route spans one of the wildest stretches of coastline, approximately 5 nautical miles without towns or constructions, located between Porto Venere and Riomaggiore. The Scoglio del Ferale, recognisable by its pyramid shape and the cross at its peak, is a striking feature halfway through the route. The pebble and stone beaches offer the easiest landing points, providing a direct connection to the land, the sandstone cliffs, and the Mediterranean scrub just above. Of significant emotional value are the red cliffs of Tramonti, easily recognisable by their colour and towering height. Along the stretch of the Cinque Terre, between Riomaggiore and Monterosso, you can admire the famous limestone stratifications, where over 30 small- to medium-sized caves have been carved by wind and waves.

Another amazing paddle is the route between Santa Margherita and Levanto, which is linked to Bonassola and Framura by a stunning cycling path. The majestic cliffs and natural pools between Deiva Marina and Moneglia add even more beauty to the journey. Beyond Punta Manara, heading west, you’ll reach the enchanting Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, which is particularly magical at this time of year.
The Portofino Marine Protected Area is located along the coast of the Portofino Promontory. This historically significant refuge for ships from around the world is equally treacherous, with 18 shipwrecks still lying submerged beneath the towering cliffs of the southern area. Thanks to the establishment of the Portofino Marine Protected Area, visitors can connect closely with the environment and the rich biodiversity of the region. After leaving Portofino and heading towards Camogli, immersed in nature, the only accessible landing point will be San Fruttuoso, which can be reached after 3 nautical miles.
https://www.outdoorportofino.com/en/

The West Riviera

Kayaking in the Baia dei Saraceni is the perfect way to admire the stunning and evocative cliff of Capo Noli from the sea and visit the Saracen village of Varigotti. This dreamlike location calls for a mandatory stop on one of the small hidden beaches for some rest and to recharge with a delightful picnic featuring local products.

Another spectacular excursion begins in Bergeggi and takes you around the island. This marvellous outing requires no prior kayaking experience. Upon arrival, you can enjoy swimming and snorkelling in one of Liguria’s most important marine protected areas. Despite its small size, the island is rich in history, spanning from prehistory and the ancient Romans to the Saracen era and the Middle Ages, when Cistercian monks from the Lerins Islands of Cannes resided there. From a naturalistic perspective, you will be amazed by the biodiversity, both in the sea and along the coastline, and you will become key participants in its conservation.
At the far end of the west lies an itinerary in the Capo Mortola area near Ventimiglia. This excursion begins in a unique and exclusive location: the beach adjacent to the Hanbury Botanical Gardens. You’ll paddle along spectacular cliffs and swim in crystal-clear waters, reaching the Balzi Rossi to visit the prehistoric museum.
https://www.cribyoo.it/eng