A long weekend in Camogli and a new playlist to celebrate spring.

Plus, a bit of This & That.

Camogli

Camogli, a small Italian fishing village along the coast in the Liguria region of Italy, is truly magical. As you walk through the narrow cobblestone roads, surrounded by colorful buildings with intricate hand painted facades, it feels as if you're being transported to an Italian movie set where a love story is just beginning to unfold. The breathtaking coastline stretches out before you; all you want to do is relax under an umbrella at the beach, soaking up the sun and letting the day slip away. Our first introduction to Camogli came years ago while we were on summer vacation in Italy, and our dear friend Marc Popper took us there for an afternoon filled with eating warm Ligurian focaccia and rum-filled Camogliese pastries from the famous focacceria and pasticceria, Revello. Andre and I both fell in love with Camogli on that trip and knew we'd return for years to come.

So, when we found out the boys had a three-day weekend, we immediately booked an Airbnb in Camogli. The gloomy weather here in Torino is finally turning, and we all needed beach vibes to fill us up. Less than a two-and-a-half-hour drive, Camogli, like many towns along the Ligurian coast, is a perfect place for a quick getaway. And, even though it was still a little cool, grey, and misty, we had the best time with the kids, throwing rocks into the sea for hours, exploring the town, checking out the beautiful and ornate interior of the church, watching a fisherman fry up fritto misto on his boat, and of course, eating Ligurian pesto, endless focaccia and drinking that crisp white local wine. There is always something powerful and therapeutic about being by the ocean, grounding you and recharging the spirit.

Most people heading to this region tour the usual suspects of the Cinque Terre or Portofino. But there is so much more to this stretch of coast that feels more connected to Italians and the charm of local Italy rather than the buzz and hum of an ultra-touristic destination. If you're considering a trip to Italy, Camogli and this breathtaking stretch of Liguria are an exceptional place to visit. The beaches are beautiful, and the food is delicious. Like most beach towns, it can get busy, so arm yourself with lots of patience finding parking, but the reward is spending time in this village where time slows down, and you feel that “dolce far niente” energy.

Here is a round-up of where to stay, what to eat, and what to see in Camogli: