Location
Italy
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About beach Punta Crena
Punta Crena is a headland between Varigotti (Finale Ligure) and Noli on the Riviera di Ponente, topped by an old Saracen watchtower. Tucked under its cliffs is a tiny eroded cove, roughly 40 m wide, about 250 m from Varigotti's pier and next to the Baia dei Saraceni. The cove has light sand and strikingly clear turquoise water that is often compared to the Caribbean. Varigotti is regarded as one of the historic naturist spots of Liguria, and Italian travel guides name the Punta Crena cove as a place where nude sunbathing is practised; there is no designated section and the cove is so small that everyone shares it. Motorboats are barred from landing, so most visitors arrive by swimming or paddling from Varigotti beach. It has no services at all and gets very busy in high summer, when early arrival or a weekday visit is the way to find space.
Getting there
Most people reach the cove by sea: swim about 10 minutes from Varigotti's main beach, or paddle a canoe, SUP or pedal boat (motorboats may not land). Drive the SS1 Aurelia to Varigotti and use paid parking in the village; buses run along the Aurelia from Finale Ligure station. A cliff path from near the San Lorenzino church exists but is exposed, unmarked and ends with a rope-assisted descent; it has been closed by municipal ordinance and should not be used. Not accessible for reduced mobility.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a beautiful but tiny cove whose water colour is the main draw. It is very crowded in July and August, when boats and paddlers crowd offshore and the sand fills up quickly. Naturists share the cove with clothed visitors. People repeatedly warn against the cliff path and recommend swimming or paddling in instead.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Legal context
There is no official naturist designation at Punta Crena; nudity is informal custom only. Finale Ligure issued an ordinance prohibiting access to the cove because of the dangerous land route (reported 2020); arriving by sea is the usual approach, but check the current ordinance before going.
Naturism at beach Punta Crena sits under Italy's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Italy public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 44.1816, 8.4069
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Italy
Frequently asked questions
Is Punta Crena an official nude beach?
No. Varigotti has a long naturist tradition and the cove is used for nude sunbathing, but there is no designation or signage.
How do I get to Punta Crena?
Swim about 10 minutes or paddle from Varigotti's main beach. The cliff path is dangerous and has been closed by ordinance.
Are there facilities?
None. Bars, toilets and parking are in Varigotti village.
When is it least crowded?
Early mornings, weekdays and June or September; August is packed.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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