Festival della Comunicazione 2027 – Camogli, Italy

• September 9, 2027
  Event date:
• September 12, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Festival della Comunicazione 2027 – Camogli, Italy is one of the most original and beloved cultural festivals in Italy, a unique event dedicated to communication in all its forms, from media and web languages to literature, philosophy, science, technology, economy, politics and entertainment. Conceived during a dinner between friends with Rosangela Bonsignorio, Danco Singer and Umberto Eco, who became the godfather of the first edition, the festival was born in Camogli and has transformed this small fishing village on the Ligurian coast into the center of communication in Italy, a virtual square where it is possible to discuss cultural and technological topics with hundreds of prominent figures.

Visitors can expect a rich, open-air and highly participatory experience spread across the entire village. The festival brings together writers, journalists, scientists, philosophers, historians, economists, artists, directors, actors and social media experts who share their experiences through meetings, shows, exhibitions and workshops. The atmosphere is informal yet intellectually stimulating, with audiences sitting in piazzas overlooking the sea, on terraces and in historic theaters, listening to dialogues that range from the future of artificial intelligence to the meaning of inspiration, from social relations to visions and connections.

Unlike a traditional academic conference or a film-only festival, the Communication Festival blends formats. You will find lectio magistralis, public conference-shows, breakfasts with authors, aperitifs with journalists, photographic exhibitions in the harbour, workshops for kids, and special projects such as Elettronica in passeggiata organized by the University of Genoa and INFN Genoa section. The festival is designed for curious minds of all ages, with free admission for many formats and a strong connection to the maritime scenery of Camogli.

Festival dates

Official Dates: September 9–12, 2027

Schedule Framework: The festival traditionally takes place over four days, from Thursday to Sunday, with events running continuously from morning until late evening. Morning sessions include breakfasts with authors and meetings in Piazza Colombo and Piazza Battistone. Afternoon sessions take place on Terrazza della Comunicazione and Terrazza Miramare. Evening events include public conference-shows at Terrazza Miramare starting from 21:00 onwards. Events in main venues such as Piazza Ido Battistone, Terrazza della Comunicazione and Terrazza Miramare are by reservation from the official website, while other formats such as Piazza Colombo, breakfasts and aperitifs are free admission subject to availability. Full program and reservation opening will be published on festivalcomunicazione.it

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venues & festival locations

Main Venues: The festival is distributed across iconic open-air locations in Camogli, all within walking distance and overlooking the sea.

Piazza Ido Battistone: Also known as Piazza Battistone, this is the main square facing the harbor and the beach, hosting large public talks with hundreds of attendees. It is the heart of the festival where the most anticipated guests appear.

Terrazza della Comunicazione: A panoramic terrace dedicated to in-depth meetings, dialogues and presentations, offering a more intimate setting with sea views.

Terrazza Miramare: Located on the promenade, this terrace hosts evening public conference-shows, including collaborations with University of Genoa and INFN, such as talks on the sea as a literary place and source of scientific discoveries and on studying space from the ocean depths.

Piazza Colombo: A smaller square used for free admission meetings, workshops and informal encounters.

Teatro Sociale: The historic social theater of Camogli, reopened after a long period of closure, hosts some of the conferences and special events, bringing cultural life back into a historic building.

Harbour and Promenade: The harbour hosts photographic exhibitions such as Fotografando il Festival, while the promenade hosts the University of Genoa InfoPoint and technology exhibitions.

Village as Stage: The entire village becomes a stage, with bookshops, cafes and hotels participating in the festival atmosphere.

Full programme

Structure: The full programme includes more than one hundred events spread over four days, organized around a central annual theme that changes each year. Previous themes have included Vision, Connections, Civilization, Social Relations and Inspiration. The theme guides reflections and debates across all disciplines.

Daily Flow: Mornings begin with breakfasts with authors and meetings for schools. Midday offers workshops for kids and technology showcases. Afternoons feature main lectures and dialogues in Piazza Battistone and Terrazza della Comunicazione. Evenings feature large public shows and performances.

Components: The program includes meetings and lectures, shows and performances, exhibitions and photographic displays, workshops for kids and adults, breakfasts and aperitifs with authors, and special scientific dissemination events curated by UniGe and INFN.

Collateral Projects: Special projects include SEALab contributions with research exhibitions on electronics, UniGe young researchers presenting their work in interviews with journalists, and exhibitions on electronics in passeggiata organized by the Course of Electronics and Information Technologies in cooperation with industry partners.

Language: Events are held primarily in Italian, with full recordings available live and on demand on YouTube, allowing remote access.

Featured films & premieres

Documentary and Visual Storytelling: While primarily a communication festival, the program includes a strong component of featured films, premieres and visual narratives that explore communication through cinema.

Documentary Premieres: The festival regularly hosts premieres of documentaries and docu-films that investigate media, technology, science and society, often followed by discussions with directors and protagonists. These screenings are integrated into the evening program on Terrazza Miramare.

Thematic Film Selections: Featured films are chosen in line with the annual theme. For example, during editions focused on Inspiration, screenings have explored the creative process behind cinema, literature and scientific discovery.

Short Films and Young Authors: The festival promotes short films by young directors and students, particularly those linked to communication studies, journalism and new media languages.

Photographic Cinema: The Fotografando il Festival exhibition in the harbour presents a visual narrative of the festival itself, blending photography and film language.

Collaboration with Institutes: Screenings are often curated in collaboration with cultural institutes and universities, providing contextual introductions and debates.

Directors, actors & guests

Guest Profile: Each year the festival features over one hundred prominent figures from culture, entertainment, media, economy, politics and technological innovation. Guests include internationally renowned writers, journalists, philosophers, scientists, economists, historians, directors, actors and social media experts.

Founding Spirit: Born from a shared idea with Umberto Eco, the festival is directed by Rosangela Bonsignorio and Danco Singer and organised by Frame and the Municipality of Camogli, with support from Liguria Region and Metropolitan City of Genoa, under patronage of the European Commission.

Recurring Collaborators: The University of Genoa and INFN Genoa section participate for consecutive years with a rich calendar of events for dissemination of knowledge, bringing professors, researchers and young researchers to present their work.

Diversity of Voices: The program balances academic prestige with popular appeal, featuring voices from traditional media and new digital platforms, ensuring dialogue between generations and disciplines.

Public Interaction: Guests participate not only in formal lectures but also in breakfasts, aperitifs and informal meetings, allowing direct interaction with the audience.

Screening schedule

Format: The screening schedule is integrated into the overall program, with films and visual presentations scheduled mainly in late afternoon and evening slots to take advantage of terraces and open-air settings.

Typical Daily Structure: Late morning slots may include documentary previews and short film presentations. Afternoon slots host thematic screenings linked to daily topics. Evening slots host premiere screenings and public conference-shows that combine film, lecture and performance.

Venues: Screenings take place at Terrazza Miramare, Teatro Sociale and occasionally in Piazza Battistone for larger audiences. Some screenings are held in collaboration with local cinemas and cultural associations.

Reservation: Screenings in main venues require reservation through the official website, while smaller screenings in Piazza Colombo are free admission subject to availability. Full detailed screening times are published in the official program.

Ticket types & accreditation

Free and Paid Model: The festival follows a mixed model that ensures wide accessibility. Many events, particularly those in Piazza Colombo, breakfasts and aperitifs, are free admission subject to availability.

Reservation System: Events in Piazza Ido Battistone, Terrazza della Comunicazione and Terrazza Miramare are by reservation from the official website. Reservation is free but mandatory due to limited capacity.

Previous Edition Pricing Converted to USD: The majority of events are free. For special events and workshops requiring contribution, prices in previous editions have ranged from approximately USD 5 to USD 12 for workshops for kids and adults. Some evening shows in Teatro Sociale have had nominal fees ranging from USD 10 to USD 22 to cover production costs. Season pass for reserved seats, when offered, has previously ranged from USD 35 to USD 65. All events organized by University of Genoa and INFN are free.

Merchandise: Official festival merchandise, books and gadgets are available for purchase at stands in the village.

Industry & professional access

Professional Community: The festival is a reference point for professionals working in communication, journalism, publishing, marketing, digital media, education and research.

Networking Opportunities: Industry professionals can meet authors, publishers, journalists and technology experts during aperitifs, breakfasts and dedicated networking moments organized by Frame and partners.

University and Research Access: The participation of University of Genoa, INFN, IULM and other institutions creates opportunities for researchers, PhD students and science communicators to present their work and connect with media professionals.

Media Accreditation: Journalists, bloggers and content creators can request media accreditation through the official website to access reserved areas, press conferences and interview opportunities with guests.

Educational Access: Teachers and educators benefit from workshops for kids and professional development sessions focused on communication teaching and digital literacy.

Red carpet & special events

Red Carpet Atmosphere: While not a traditional film festival red carpet, the festival creates a similar celebratory atmosphere along the promenade and in Piazza Battistone, where guests arrive and are welcomed by the public and media.

Special Evening Events: Evening public conference-shows on Terrazza Miramare, such as talks on the sea as a literary place and studying space from the ocean depths, are staged as special events with lighting and stage design that enhances the maritime scenery.

Photographic Events: Fotografando il Festival is a special photographic competition and exhibition where pictures taken by the public are exposed in the harbour, creating a collective visual memory.

Tributes: Special tributes to founding figures such as Umberto Eco are organized, including lectio magistralis dedicated to evolutions of communication, keeping the intellectual legacy alive.

Social Events: Breakfasts with authors, aperitifs with journalists and dinners with guests offer intimate special events that extend beyond formal stages.

Festival rules

Reservation and Punctuality: Events requiring reservation require attendees to arrive at least fifteen minutes before start time. Reserved seats not claimed may be reassigned to waiting list attendees.

Capacity Limits: Each venue has strict capacity limits for safety reasons. Staff manage entry and may close access when capacity is reached, even for free admission events.

Respect for Village: Camogli is a small fishing village with residents. Visitors are asked to respect quiet hours, keep the harbour and beaches clean and follow local regulations.

Photography and Recording: Photography is allowed in most venues for personal use. Professional recording requires authorization. Full event recordings are made available officially on YouTube by the organizers.

Child Policy: Workshops for kids require parental presence for younger children. Some evening events may not be suitable for very young children due to late hours.

Weather Policy: Being an open-air festival, some events may be moved to Teatro Sociale or other indoor venues in case of bad weather. Announcements are made on the official website and social channels.

How to get there

Location: Camogli is a small fishing village in the province of Genoa, on the Ligurian coast, about twenty five kilometers east of Genoa.

By Train: The easiest way is by train. Camogli – San Fruttuoso station is on the Genoa – La Spezia line and is served by regional trains from Genoa, La Spezia and other Ligurian towns. From Genoa Brignole station, travel time is about thirty minutes. The station is a short walk from all festival venues.

By Car: By car, take the A12 motorway and exit at Recco. Follow signs to Camogli. The historic center is a limited traffic zone and parking is very limited, so train is strongly recommended during festival days.

By Air: Nearest airports are Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and Pisa International Airport, both connected to Genoa by bus and train services.

By Boat: During summer and early autumn, ferry services connect Camogli to other coastal villages such as San Fruttuoso, Portofino and Cinque Terre, offering a scenic alternative arrival.

On Foot: Once in Camogli, all venues are walkable within five to ten minutes. The village is compact and best explored on foot.

Public transport & parking

Local Public Transport: Camogli is served by local buses connecting to Recco, Santa Margherita Ligure and other nearby towns. During festival days, extra services may be provided.

Train as Main Transport: Regional trains are the main public transport for festival visitors, with frequent services along the coast. Combined festival information with train schedules is provided on the official website.

Parking: Public parking garages exist near the station and at the entrance to the village, but they fill quickly during festival days, especially on weekends. Private garages are also available. It is advisable to arrive early or use train.

Bike and Scooter: Bike sharing is limited due to hilly terrain, but e-scooters and bicycles can be used in the promenade area.

Accessibility of Transport: The train station has steps and may require assistance for visitors with mobility needs. Local taxis are available from Recco and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Accommodation areas

In Camogli – Historic Center: Staying in the historic center puts you within walking distance of all venues. Hotels such as Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi, which has hosted Umberto Eco during festival days, offer sea views and historic charm. Previous prices for double rooms in center have ranged from USD 140 to USD 320 per night during festival period.

Camogli – Promenade and Harbour: Guesthouses and B&Bs overlooking the colorful harbour offer authentic fishing village atmosphere. Previous prices have ranged from USD 90 to USD 210 per night.

Recco and Nearby Villages: Recco, a few minutes by train or bus, offers additional hotels and is famous for its cheese focaccia. Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and Rapallo offer larger hotel infrastructure with prices previously ranging from USD 120 to USD 350 per night.

Budget Options: Hostels and budget B&Bs in Recco and Camogli offer dorm beds and private rooms with previous prices from USD 35 to USD 85 per night. Early booking is essential as Camogli is small and festival attracts thousands of visitors.

Alternative Stays: Many visitors stay in Genoa and commute by train, enjoying city accommodation and day trips to Camogli.

Food & dining

Camogli Cuisine: Camogli is famous for its seafood and Ligurian specialties. Between events, visitors can enjoy fresh anchovies, octopus salad, farinata and the renowned focaccia al formaggio of nearby Recco.

Restaurants and Trattorias: Restaurants along the harbour and promenade serve Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto, pansotti with walnut sauce and grilled fish. A full meal has previously ranged from USD 22 to USD 45 per person.

Breakfasts and Aperitifs: The festival organizes breakfasts with authors and aperitifs with journalists, often held in cafes and terraces, offering coffee, pastries and local wines. These events combine dining with cultural discussion.

Street Food: Street food vendors offer fried fish cones, focaccia slices and gelato, ideal for quick breaks between talks, with prices previously from USD 4 to USD 9.

Cafes and Bars: Bars around Piazza Battistone and Piazza Colombo serve espresso, spritz and local Vermentino wine, becoming informal meeting points for festival attendees.

Accessibility

Venue Accessibility: Main venues such as Piazza Battistone and Piazza Colombo are flat and accessible. Terraces are accessible with ramps, although some historic buildings like Teatro Sociale may have limited accessibility due to architectural constraints.

Seating: Reserved seating for visitors with mobility needs is available upon request at reservation. Staff provide assistance for access to terraces and theater.

Family Accessibility: The festival is family-friendly with workshops for kids and free admission events suitable for all ages. Strollers are allowed in squares and terraces.

Sensory Considerations: Being an open-air festival, sound amplification is used in main venues. Some events are streamed on YouTube, improving access for those unable to attend in person.

Support: For specific accessibility needs, visitors are advised to contact organizers in advance via info@festivalcomunicazione.it or +39 3934762334 to arrange support.

Best screenings to attend

Evening Conference-Shows on Terrazza Miramare: These are among the most atmospheric events, combining science, literature and sea views, such as talks on the sea as a literary place and studying space from the ocean depths.

Main Lectures in Piazza Battistone: The headline lectures featuring prominent writers, philosophers and journalists are the most popular and should be booked early. They offer broad reflections on the annual theme.

University and INFN Sessions: Sessions curated by University of Genoa and INFN provide deep dives into scientific communication, technology and research, ideal for those interested in science dissemination.

Workshops for Kids and Technology Exhibitions: Elettronica in passeggiata and SEALab technology exhibitions on the promenade are highly interactive and suitable for families, showcasing electronics and information technologies.

Photographic Exhibition in Harbour: The Fotografando il Festival exhibition offers a unique visual narrative of the festival and the village, best visited at sunset.

Previous year’s highlights

Thematic Depth: Recent editions have explored themes such as Inspiration, with a rich program of meetings, shows, exhibitions and workshops with hundreds of famous guests.

Scientific Collaboration: The twelfth edition featured a strong collaboration with University of Genoa and INFN Genoa section, presenting a rich calendar of knowledge dissemination events for the fifth consecutive year, including public conference-shows on the sea and space.

Guest Diversity: Previous programs have included writers, journalists, social media experts, scientists and artists sharing experiences, with special breakfasts and aperitifs that created intimate dialogue between guests and public.

Technology Showcase: Exhibitions of research and technologies on electronics in passeggiata, organized by the Course of Electronics and Information Technologies and in cooperation with ST Microelectronics, showcased student projects and innovative devices.

Community Impact: The festival has grown in importance year by year, transforming Camogli into a national reference for communication culture, with thousands of visitors filling squares and terraces and extensive media coverage.

Official tickets & accreditation

Official Website: festivalcomunicazione.it

Email: info@festivalcomunicazione.it

Phone: +39 3934762334

Reservation System: Tickets and reservations for events in Piazza Ido Battistone, Terrazza della Comunicazione and Terrazza Miramare are managed through the official website. Reservation is free but mandatory due to limited capacity. Other formats such as Piazza Colombo, breakfasts and aperitifs are free admission subject to availability.

Accreditation: Media accreditation and professional access can be requested via the official website. Full event recordings are made available live and on demand on YouTube.

Information Point: During festival days, an InfoPoint is available on the Camogli promenade, managed by University of Genoa and festival staff, providing program information, maps and assistance.

For final program, detailed schedule and reservation opening for 2027, please consult festivalcomunicazione.it

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