On the first Sunday of every August, the fishing village of Camogli hosts one of the most atmospheric events on the Italian coast: the Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) festival. On August 2, 2026, thousands of floating candles will drift across the Gulf of Paradise, boats will be strung with fairy lights, and the night sky will erupt in fireworks reflected on the still waters of the Ligurian Sea.

Dating back to 1952, Stella Maris is both a religious devotion to Mary as protector of seafarers and a breathtaking spectacle that transforms Camogli’s crescent-shaped waterfront into something out of a dream. The event draws visitors from across Liguria and beyond, yet somehow retains the intimate, local feel that makes it so special.

The Evening Programme

Sunset gathering (20:00–20:30): The faithful and visitors gather on the beach and along the lungomare. The statue of Stella Maris is brought to the waterfront and placed on a decorated fishing boat.
Sea procession (20:30–21:30): The statue is carried by boat out to sea, followed by a flotilla of traditional gozzi and modern launches, all illuminated. Priests lead prayers for the safety of sailors and fishermen — a poignant moment in a town where the sea has always been central to life.
Return and blessing (21:30–22:00): The flotilla returns to shore. The statue is carried in a torchlit procession through the narrow caruggi (alleyways) of the old town.
Music and festivities (22:00–23:45): Live bands and DJ sets take over the piazzetta and beachfront bars. The whole town becomes an open-air party.
Midnight fireworks: The grand finale — a synchronised fireworks display launched from a platform at sea, with the multicoloured explosions mirrored perfectly in the bay. The effect is mesmerising.

Practical Tips for Stella Maris

Arrive early: Camogli’s roads become gridlocked by late afternoon. If driving, park in Recco and take the train (3 minutes) or walk the scenic coastal path (30 minutes). The Camogli-San Fruttuoso train station is right on the seafront.
Book a table: Waterfront restaurants fill up weeks in advance. Try La Camogliese or Da Paolo for excellent seafood, or grab focaccia di Recco from a takeaway and sit on the beach.
Bring a blanket: The pebble beach is the best viewing spot. Stake out your spot by 21:00.
Stay overnight: The last trains out are packed. Book a room in Camogli or nearby Santa Margherita Ligure. See our Portofino coast hotels guide for options.
Combine with: Make a weekend of it — visit San Fruttuoso Abbey by boat in the morning, swim at the abbey beach, then head to Camogli for Stella Maris in the evening.

The Deeper Meaning

Stella Maris isn’t just a fireworks show. Camogli’s identity is inseparable from the sea — the town was once home to one of the largest sailing fleets in the Mediterranean. Every family has a story of relatives who went to sea, and some who never returned. The floating candles and the blessing of the waters carry real emotional weight for locals. As a visitor, being part of it is a reminder of why Italy’s coastal traditions feel so alive: they’re not staged for tourists; they’re lived.

For more on this stunning stretch of coast, read our Camogli travel guide and explore the Portofino and Santa Margherita area.