What to do in Recco

Recco is located at the western end of the Portofino Coast just 20 km from Genoa in a small inlet of the Golfo Paradiso between Sori and Camogli.

It the Romans founded the village called Recina, which soon began to be dotted with splendid sailing ships and galleys. Like neighbouring towns, it suffered invasion and devastation by Saracen pirates in 1557 and 1646.

The town was severely damaged in World War II by Allied aerial bombardment, which not only caused hundreds of deaths and injuries, but also the destruction of much of the urban settlement.
Today, it is a renowned tourist resort in the Golfo Paradiso, a sort of gateway from the capital to the Riviera di Levante and Tigullio, but it is above all the gastronomic capital of Liguria, thanks to a long tradition in the field of gastronomy that has taken this locality and its operators to levels of excellence.

A visit to Recco starts from the seafront. The sandy beach attracts many surfers, who even in winter try to ‘catch the waves’ in this stretch of sea. The promenade is one of the town’s busiest spots and offers many attractions: bars, ice-cream parlours, restaurants and playgrounds for children.

To the west, it is bordered by the Punta Sant’Anna pool, which is the home of ‘Pro Recco’, a famous water polo team playing in the A1 championship, winner of numerous championships and, the only Italian team, five times the Grand Slam (Championship, Italian Cup, Champions Cup).

At Levante right next to the boat embarkation pier are the Tenco Gardens, the famous singer-songwriter from the Genoese school, who lived here with his mother and brother.

Continuing past the pier you reach the Baia dei Frati beach, one of the most beautiful spots for swimming.

In the city centre, you can visit the Church of Saints John the Baptist and John Bono. Completely destroyed by massive aerial bombardment on 10 November and 27 December 1943, the new parish church was rebuilt after the end of the war. The interior features several paintings, among others an altarpiece depicting Saints Mark the Evangelist, John the Baptist, Cecilia, George and Lawrence by the painter Valerio Castello dating from 1655.

Absolutely not to be missed is a taste of the famous Focaccia col Formaggio di Recco, a real treat for the palate, protected by the PGI mark.