The small turquoise bay of Paraggi, three kilometres along the coast road between Portofino and Santa Margherita, is the closest swimming spot to Portofino — and the most photographed. The water is a particular shade of green that comes from the shallow sandy bottom of the sheltered bay. A medieval watchtower stands on the headland; behind the beach a small road leads up to the Cervara Abbey trail.
The bus and the coast path from Portofino both pass directly along the back of the beach. Get there early in summer or you won't find space on the free public strip.