Soggiorna
The silk and velvet village
Zoagli, located between Rapallo and Chiavari on the Gulf of Tigullio, has been known for centuries for its artisanal weaving of silk and velvet: some historic looms are still active and produce fine fabrics that, according to local tradition, have also dressed luxury car interiors and high-fashion garments. Some textile workshops can be visited or offer direct sales.
The scenic coastline
The town develops along a rather steep stretch of coast, with the railway and the old Aurelia road running halfway up the slope above the sea: the seaside promenade, partly built on an old railway embankment, offers open views of the Gulf of Tigullio, with Portofino visible in the distance on clear days. The beaches, small and partly free, alternate with stretches of cliffs.
Between Rapallo and Chiavari
Zoagli is a quiet base for those visiting the Tigullio who prefer not to stay in the more touristy and crowded centers of Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, or Portofino, while still maintaining quick connections to those towns.
How to get there
Zoagli has its own train station on the Genoa–La Spezia line, with regional trains directly to Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Chiavari in just a few minutes.
Before you go
How long you need. A couple of hours are enough for the seafront walk and the centre. If you want to visit a textile workshop or stop at the beach, count on half a day.
When to go. In summer it is a quiet base for the Tigullio, far less crowded than Rapallo or Santa Margherita. In spring and autumn the seafront walk remains pleasant, but several seasonal services are closed.
Accessibility. The seafront walk, built partly on an old railway embankment, is the easiest stretch. The village, however, is laid out on a steep coastline, and the links between the upper part and the sea involve steps and sharp gradients.
If it rains. The textile workshops are the indoor alternative; the seafront walk, exposed as it is, loses its interest and can be closed during sea storms.
To check before you leave: opening times and whether the textile workshops can be visited, as they are private artisan businesses and do not keep museum hours; any closures of the walk due to sea storms; beach access and services for the current season.