Italian Riviera
 

Myself and two friends are planning a trip to the Italian Riviera this July. I've read many good things about Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre. We are all 30, and single and want to have a fun time. Beaches, nightlife and activity is what we are looking for. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as one city or area over another or the names of any resorts that you've had good experiences with? We are focusing on Genoa or further east. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks

We went to Santa Margherita Liguri, and it was wonderful, but I don't think it has what you are looking for, namely beaches(rocky) and nightlife(very little, if any). Maybe Italy experts here can help. Judy

The Italian beach scenes you see in the movies are not in that area at all. It is a more rugged coast with lots of backpackers. There are decent beaches in Levanto and Monterosso but hardly a swinging singles scene. Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio are the closest beach towns, but they are flat and do not have the scenery.

Bob, what area(s) has the Italian beach scenes you see in the movies?

I loved Portofino, but would not recommend the hotel we stayed at (Hotel Eden) and did not like Genoa at all.

Degas, I have not found them all, but it is my opinion that the locals spend beach time at Viareggio, Sperlonga, Ischia, Maratea, Sardinia and much of the Adriatic coast. I would welcome other opinions.

Genoa, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre are not the places to go for beaches and nightlife. The Ligurian coast (Riviera di Levante) resembles the Big Sur coastline of northern California and can be quite rocky with cliffs and crags (i.e. Cinque Terre). While Portofino has a nice, protected inlet and harbor, it is hardly a "singles" hangout. Cinque Terre has clubs that stay open (the American Bar in Riomaggiore); however, the nightlife is relegated to just that as there are no real 'clubs' in the CT. Of course, there are plenty of nature activities to do (hiking, fishing, boating, etc) but it sounds like you all would like a more lively pursuit.

The opposite, western side of the Italian Riviera (Riviera di Ponente). located west of Genoa -- the beach cities of San Remo, Ventimiglia, etc might provide that more lively nightlife you are looking for.

Alternatively, if you are searching for a terrific beach without having to go as far south as Viareggio, check out 'Il Tirrenia' -- a fantastic beach area located between Livorno and Pisa that only the locals seem to know about. It is a mere 15 minute bus ride from Livorno at under 1 euro. I was there in September and was astounded to see a very long, long sandy beach that was very wide (it was quite a distance to the water - in contrast to the normally narrow, often rocky, pebbly Italian beaches further up on the Ligurian coast) with available umbrellas and beach chairs with no rental fees. We loved it! Besides having a beautiful, long stretch of beach, the town was very friendly and "hopping" with lively bands playing in the clubs, open cafes, etc. Young people and families alike were out milling about, taking their nightly "passegiata" in the warm, balmy air and the atmosphere was festive.

As aforementioned, Il Tirrenia is a bit south of the Italian Riviera, but easily accessible via train through La Spezia to Pisa (50 minutes away), then a local bus from Pisa (3 miles south out to the coast).

I hate to say this because I love Italy so much, but have you thought about going to Greece instead. It of course has many islands with wonderful beaches and A LOT of night life.