Festival della Comunicazione 2026 — Camogli’s Festival of Ideas

The Festival della Comunicazione returns to Camogli for its 13th edition in September 2026, transforming the pastel-hued fishing village into Italy’s most scenic forum for ideas. Founded in 2014 with the collaboration of the late Umberto Eco, the festival brings together writers, scientists, journalists, philosophers, and digital pioneers for four days of talks, workshops, and conversations overlooking the Golfo Paradiso.

A Festival Founded by Umberto Eco

Eco, the renowned semiotician and novelist (The Name of the Rose), chose Camogli as the festival’s home precisely because its human scale resists the gigantism of larger cultural events. The festival retains his vision: rigorous but accessible discussions, no VIP areas, and venues scattered through the town so that attendees walk between sessions through Camogli’s iconic caruggi and along its seafront.

What to Expect in 2026

Each edition explores a theme through the lens of multiple disciplines. Past themes have included “Freedom,” “Technology,” “The Future of Memory,” and “Truth.” The programme typically features 60–80 speakers across four days, with morning talks in Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, afternoon workshops in smaller venues, and evening keynote conversations at the Teatro Sociale. Most events are in Italian, with occasional English-language sessions.

Between sessions, the town’s famous focaccia shops—Revello and Marinetti are the local institutions—and waterfront restaurants keep attendees well-fed. The festival also runs a pop-up bookshop featuring titles by all participating speakers.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Camogli is on the Genoa–La Spezia train line, 25 minutes from Genoa Brignole. The station is a 5-minute walk from the seafront. Parking in Camogli is extremely limited—take the train.
• Registration: Many events are free but require online registration. Check the official festival website for the 2026 programme and booking system, typically released in July.
• Where to stay: Camogli has a handful of hotels and many vacation rentals. Book early—the town fills during festival weekend. Alternatively, stay in nearby Recco or Santa Margherita and take the 5-minute train ride.
• Language: Most talks are in Italian. If you don’t speak Italian, check the programme for English-language sessions or “international” tagged events.

Explore more of Liguria’s coastal towns with our Destinations guide and our 7-day Liguria itinerary.