Cannone and Olivetta Bay: Discover the Hidden Soul of Portofino by Sea

Portofino Boat Tours reveals a side of Portofino that few ever get to see. Everyone knows Portofino: the pastel-colored houses, the luxury yachts, the glittering boutiques around the famous Piazzetta. But very few know that just beyond the glamour lies a much quieter, more intimate side of this Riviera jewel — a place where the cliffs meet the sea in complete silence, and the waters are as clear as glass.

We’re talking about Baia Cannone and Baia Olivetta: two small coves nestled into the coastline just outside Portofino. These natural hideaways offer a glimpse of the true Ligurian Riviera, the one locals treasure and few tourists ever reach.

And while the views from land are lovely, the real magic of these bays is only revealed when approached from the sea.

Where Are Cannone and Olivetta Bay?

Located on the western edge of Portofino, these two bays sit beneath cliffs topped by historic villas and pine forests. You won’t find umbrellas or beach clubs here — only rugged rocks, shimmering water, and a peace that feels a world away from the crowds.

• Baia Olivetta lies just below the Church of San Giorgio, surrounded by cliffs and elegant villas, including the legendary Villa Altachiara.
• Baia Cannone is just around the corner, a bit smaller and more hidden, offering the same postcard beauty without the people.

These are not beaches in the traditional sense — they’re natural inlets, where people sunbathe on smooth rocks and dive directly into the sea.

Why These Bays Are So Special

The Ligurian coast is full of beauty, but what makes Baia Olivetta and Baia Cannone unique is the combination of exclusivity, tranquility, and history. These are places where you can:

• Swim in unspoiled turquoise water, protected from the wind and current
• Escape the crowds, even in high season
• Feel part of the landscape, surrounded by Mediterranean nature
• Catch a glimpse of historic villas, including one with royal and mysterious connections
• Enjoy the Riviera exactly how locals do — quietly, respectfully, in deep contact with nature

They’re the kind of places you only find if you know where to look. And Orange Wave knows exactly where to go.

A Little History: Royals, Secrets, and Villa Altachiara

Baia Olivetta is famously overlooked by Villa Altachiara, a magnificent 19th-century estate with a view that seems to float above the sea. The villa once belonged to Claretta Agnelli, and later to Lord Norton, a British aristocrat whose life — and death — added an air of mystery to the place.

Legend has it that members of the British royal family would often swim in Olivetta Bay while staying nearby, and the bay is still known among locals as a “royal” spot — elegant, reserved, timeless.

When you float there on a quiet morning, with the cliffs rising around you and the only sound being the sea, it’s easy to understand why.

Swimming and Snorkeling at Cannone and Olivetta Bay

Because of their sheltered positions and rocky seabeds, both bays offer ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are calm, clear, and rich in marine life — especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sunlight filters through the pine trees and reflects off the sea like liquid gold.

You might spot:

• Schools of colorful fish hiding among the rocks
• Sea urchins and starfish in the shallows
• Cormorants diving and drying their wings nearby
• And if you’re lucky, dolphins swimming further offshore

For those who want to disconnect from everything, even for just 30 minutes, this is the place to do it.

The Best Way to Reach the Bays: By Boat

Technically, it’s possible to reach Baia Olivetta on foot from Portofino — but it’s not easy. The access is steep, the path isn’t always clear, and once there, space is limited.

By contrast, arriving by boat gives you complete freedom. You can admire the coastline, choose the best time to stop, and drop anchor right in front of the cliffs. You can swim, take photos, or just relax on deck with a glass of wine — without worrying about logistics, crowds, or parking.

With Orange Wave’s private or shared boat tours, you can:

• Visit Baia Cannone and Baia Olivetta during a half-day or full-day experience
• Stop for a swim, snorkel, or even a romantic aperitivo
• Get local insight from expert skippers who know the best angles, the safest places to dive, and the stories behind the cliffs
• Combine these hidden gems with Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Paraggi Bay, creating a well-rounded itinerary

This is the Riviera your way — unhurried, authentic, and unforgettable.

👉 Browse Orange Wave’s boat tours or ask to include Olivetta Bay in your next sea adventure.

What to Bring If You Stop Here

If your tour includes a stop at Cannone or Olivetta, you won’t need much — but these tips can help:

• Water shoes or reef sandals (for comfort on rocky seabeds)
• A snorkeling mask — the water is too clear not to look below
• Towel and drybag if you’re going ashore
• Camera or waterproof phone case — the setting is incredibly photogenic
• Curiosity and respect — these places are wild and precious

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

• Morning: Best for flat seas, low traffic, and pure peace
• Sunset: The golden light on the rocks is magical, especially from the boat
• Midday in high season: Can be crowded by land, but by boat you’ll have more flexibility and comfort

The bays are accessible from spring to early autumn, depending on sea conditions. Orange Wave skippers always prioritize safety and comfort, choosing the best timing based on the day.

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

Baia Olivetta and Baia Cannone are proof that some of the most special places are the ones without signs, fences, or tickets. They are spaces that must be earned through intention, approached with care, and remembered forever.

They offer a kind of silent luxury — not flashy, not staged, just real beauty in its purest form.

So next time you’re planning a boat tour in Portofino or the Tigullio Gulf, don’t just visit the big-name spots. Ask for the quiet places too. The ones where the sea tells older stories, and where Liguria still feels untouched.

Explore Them with Orange Wave

Orange Wave’s mission is to help you discover the Ligurian coast like never before — not just from the surface, but from its heart.

With small group sizes, expert local skippers, and flexible itineraries, our tours take you to places that buses and ferries can’t reach — like Baia Olivetta and Baia Cannone.

Let us show you the Riviera’s hidden side.

👉 Book your experience now and get ready to fall in love with the sea — one cove at a time.