Your travel guide to Arenzano, Italy, designed to help families enjoy their time in this charming coastal town. Discover the reasons to visit, family-friendly activities, the best beach clubs, dining options, and accommodations.
Arenzano is a colorful and welcoming coastal town located in Liguria, a breathtaking region in northern Italy known for its iconic gems like Cinque Terre and Portofino along the stunning Italian Riviera.
While less known to international tourists compared to its famous neighbors, Arenzano attracts many Italian and French visitors. It’s the perfect spot for families seeking a safe, laid-back beach town to enjoy during the summer months.
I first learned about Arenzano through a friend who lives here, and I’ve visited several times since.
Each visit has confirmed that it’s a fantastic destination for a family summer vacation, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling towns of Cinque Terre and Portofino, which are close by and worth a visit (they truly are fabulous; see my tips below).
This is my essential travel guide to Arenzano for families. I hope you find it helpful!
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Reasons to Visit Arenzano with Kids
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination, I recommend visiting Arenzano for the following reasons:
- A picturesque, safe coastal town with a walkable center and easy access to a pebbly beach.
- A charming town with a family-friendly atmosphere, conveniently located near Milan or Genoa.
- A convenient base to explore Cinque Terre and Portofino via train and ferry while avoiding the crowds.
- An off-the-beaten-path gem along the Italian Riviera.
Considerations for Visiting Arenzano with Kids
Arenzano features a pebbly beach that may not appeal to everyone, particularly those in search of soft sand. For better sandy beaches, consider visiting Sestri Levante or Levanto.
Arenzano is well-connected by train to other destinations, making it ideal for train explorers. However, it lacks the same ferry connections found in towns like Rapallo.
Despite these factors, I find Arenzano a delightful and picturesque town, perfect for families. I highly recommend it for a memorable summer vacation in Italy.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Arenzano
Arenzano is predominantly a beach town, coming alive in the summer when it offers numerous activities.
Here are some experiences to enjoy:
Arenzano Beach – This charming beach features well-equipped beach clubs. The shore consists of grey sand and pebbles, making water shoes a practical choice for kids. The beach is spacious and offers easy water access.
The beach clubs, conveniently located along the main promenade, provide loungers, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, and even pools at Bagni Lido and Bagni Maddalena!
Address: Bagni Lido, Lungomare John Fitzgerald Kennedy 12, 16011 Arenzano GE, Italy
Address: Bagni Maddalena, Lungomare Kennedy 8, 16011 Arenzano GE, Italy
Arenzano Promenade – The promenade runs alongside the beach and main road, featuring a shaded, flat walkway that’s stroller-friendly.
It’s a delightful place for a stroll, complete with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Villa Negrotto Cambiaso (Park) – This lovely park is perfect for families, featuring ample shade, open space for running and playing, a brand-new playground, and even peacocks!
As a historic villa, you can also admire the beautiful greenhouse and main house, making it an enjoyable stroll for parents too.
Arenzano Town Center – The charming town center features a flat main road lined with shops, restaurants, and the iconic colorful houses characteristic of the area.
There’s a small playground in the center that often has additional games during busy summer periods.
Cycling – Arenzano offers a scenic and easy cycling route perfect for families. The greenway follows the coast and leads all the way to Varazze (11 km), another charming town that makes for a delightful family excursion with beautiful views!
More experienced cyclists can also enjoy mountain biking in the area. Though it’s outside my comfort zone, you can find information at the main tourism office in Arenzano, located at Lungomare Stati Uniti, 1.
Hiking Trails: Nestled at the foot of beautiful mountains, Arenzano offers excellent trails for those days when you wish to take a break from the beach and explore the heights.
Some trails are suitable for inexperienced hikers, while others are more challenging; you can find an overview of the options available.
Dining Options in Arenzano with Kids
Arenzano boasts high-quality cuisine, and we have some favorite dining spots!
Trattoria Carlito – A lovely, casual restaurant offering a limited yet varied menu (including seafood and pesto). It features excellent air conditioning in summer and provides good value for money. Address: Via E. Ghiglini 22, 16011 Arenzano
Papu Paio – A charming fish restaurant (simple pasta al pesto available too) located in a picturesque setting at the port. Address: Via del Porto 11, 16011 Arenzano
Caffe’ Roma – A quaint cafe with outdoor seating along the main promenade. Great for drinks, sandwiches, focaccia, or light lunches. Address: Corso Giacomo Matteotti, 116, 16011
For focaccia:
Panificio Zena, Corso Matteotti 74, 16011 Arenzano
Pan per Focaccia (also offers hot food and sweets), Via di Francia 20, 16011 Arenzano
Where to Stay in Arenzano with Kids
Residence Via di Francia features apartments with up to three bedrooms, kitchens (including dishwashers), and parking. It’s well-placed to access the beach and all the town’s amenities.
Grand Hotel Arenzano is a lovely hotel with a pool situated right by the beach. It’s suitable for families with a baby (cribs available upon request during booking) or small families with one child.
Activities Near Arenzano for Families
From Arenzano, you can easily visit:
- Genova, a short train ride away, home to the Aquarium, Sea Museum, city center, tourist train, and ancient port with cruises.
- Cinque Terre, accessible by train and ferry; I recommend heading to Levanto and taking the ferry from there for the best views.
- Portofino, reachable by train to Rapallo or Santa Margherita followed by a ferry ride.
I hope this family guide to Arenzano was helpful in planning your trip!
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