The Unofficial Levanto, Italy Travel Guide

Levanto might not be the first destination that springs to mind when planning a trip to Italy. Often overshadowed by the iconic villages of Cinque Terre, the glitz of Portofino, or the historic allure of Genoa, Levanto remains an undiscovered treasure on the Ligurian coast.

Travelers often flock to the majestic landmarks of Rome and Florence, the romantic canals of Venice, and the stunning vistas of the Amalfi Coast. Tuscany’s rolling hills and world-famous cuisine also draw crowds from around the world.

We hope you find our information useful as you plan your trip to this beautiful town. If you do, feel free to share our site with your friends or give us a shout-out on social media. Happy travels!

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Where To Stay In Levanto Italy – Hotels Vacation Rentals BnBs — Levanto Italy

Sure, Levanto boasts its own stunning beaches and the serene beauty of the Ligurian Sea. You might enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the old railway tunnels turned cycling paths or a peaceful hike through the lush hills that cradle the town. The charming piazzas, lined with quaint cafes and bustling local markets, occasionally make it into travel guides.

But it’s uncommon to see Levanto featured prominently in mainstream travel brochures.

Despite efforts from local tourism boards, Levanto often gets overlooked when people plan their Italian Riviera getaway.

It seems that Levanto’s biggest fans are those who have lived or spent significant time here. Once you experience the tranquil beaches, the rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality, you start to see just how much this coastal town has to offer.

That’s where LevantoItaly.com comes in – a resource dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems and must-see spots in this enchanting town.

This isn’t an official tourist marketing site. That means you get an independent and unbiased view of the places we cover. We don’t claim to cover the entire region, and while we don’t intentionally skip the top attractions, our choice of destinations might seem unique or even quirky.

Levanto Beach Travel Guide — Levanto Beach

We love exploring smaller neighborhoods like Montale and Chiesanuova just as much as the bustling heart of Levanto. Same with day trips to nearby Santa Margherita Ligure or Sestri Levante. We take pride in highlighting spots where the local tourist office hasn’t yet created an English version of their website.

Our aim is to offer something a bit different from the large travel portals that focus on the most popular locations. We don’t feature sites or accommodations because they’ve paid for placement. Instead, we strive to provide an honest mix of the good and the not-so-good about each location.

Essential Guide to Levanto

Levanto pulls together natural beauty, historic charm, and plenty of coastal fun. This Ligurian spot isn’t just a launchpad for Cinque Terre—it’s got enough going on to stand on its own.

Where to Stay in Levanto

Levanto’s got a place for every traveler. La Giada del Mesco is a favorite—it’s comfy, close to the beach, and makes life easy.

The center of town has a bunch of city hotels, all within strolling distance of shops, restaurants, and the train station. Super convenient if you want to be in the middle of things.

If you’d rather wake up to sea views and a little more quiet, check out the hillside options. The scenery up there is something else.

Vacation rentals and family-run B&Bs work well for longer stays or if you want a more local vibe. They usually cost less than hotels, too.

Heads up: summer gets busy, so book early if you’re coming then. Spring and fall are honestly fantastic—nice weather, fewer people, and better deals.

See our article on where to stay in Levanto.

Getting to Levanto and Transportation Options

Trains make getting to Levanto a breeze. The station links you to La Spezia, Genoa, and all the Cinque Terre villages.

If you’re flying into Genoa or Pisa, you can hop on a train to Levanto with a couple of changes. Usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on connections.

You can drive, but parking’s a pain—especially in summer. If you have to bring a car, plan to leave it in one of the paid lots on the edge of town.

When the weather’s warm, boat tours leave from the harbor and give you a beautiful way to reach Cinque Terre. Highly recommend if you’re not in a rush.

Levanto itself is totally walkable. If you want to cover more ground, rent a bike and cruise the Maremonti cycle path. The route goes through old railway tunnels and connects to Framura—pretty cool, honestly.

See our article on how to get to Levanto.

Levanto’s Historic Center and Notable Architecture

The old town’s got that medieval vibe—tight lanes, old stone buildings, and a sense of history everywhere. Start at the medieval loggia in the main square; it’s where town officials used to meet.

The Church of Sant’Andrea really stands out, with those bold black and white stripes made from Carrara marble. Inside, there’s artwork from the 1200s that’s worth a look.

Garibaldi Street is the main drag—colorful buildings, plenty of shops and cafés. The layout is a bit of a maze, which makes wandering kind of fun.

Levanto Castle watches over the town from a hill. It’s partly in ruins, but the views of the bay are fantastic.

Keep an eye out for bits of the old town walls. Some ancient gates and towers still stand, hinting at Levanto’s defensive past.

See our article on the history of Levanto.

Best Beaches and Coastal Activities

Levanto Beach runs along a crescent-shaped bay—almost a kilometer of sand. Some parts are free, others have sunbeds and umbrellas you can rent.

The water’s clean enough to earn Blue Flag status. Mornings tend to be calm (good for swimming), while afternoons often bring waves for surfing and other water sports.

Vallesanta Beach, just north of the main stretch, is quieter and less crowded. Families seem to love it for the relaxed feel.

If you’re up for exploring, kayaking tours take you to hidden coves and dramatic cliffs you’d never reach on foot. Local guides run tours for all levels.

Want more beach time? Hop on the cycle path to Bonassola and Framura. Those beaches are just as pretty, but usually way less crowded—even during the busy season.

See our article on Levanto Beach.

Top Things to Do in Levanto and Surroundings

Levanto really balances chill vibes with adventure. It’s a solid destination, plus it opens up easy access to Cinque Terre’s villages, hiking trails, local food, and culture—all without the crush of big crowds.

See our article on things to do in Levanto.

Exploring the Cinque Terre and Neighboring Villages

Cinque Terre’s five villages are practically next door. Monterosso, the closest, is just five minutes away by train. From there, you can hop between Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each one’s got its own thing going on.

Grab a day pass for unlimited train rides between the villages. It’s smart to go early or late in the day—less crowded, more enjoyable.

Prefer somewhere quieter? Bonassola and Framura, just north of Levanto, have peaceful beaches and a real local feel. You can get there on the scenic Ciclopedonale Maremonti bike path.

If you’re up for a longer trip, Portofino and Camogli are both stunning. The Gulf of Poets, with spots like Portovenere, is packed with views that inspired writers for centuries.

See our article on the Ciclopedonale Maremonti bike path.

Outdoor Activities and Nature Trails

Levanto’s location is a dream if you like the outdoors. It sits right at the edge of Cinque Terre National Park, so hiking options are everywhere. The Blue Trail links all five Cinque Terre villages, though sometimes parts close after landslides.

Some of the best hikes start right in Levanto. The trail to Monterosso gives you amazing coastal views and takes around 2–3 hours one way.

Cyclists should definitely try the Ciclopedonale Maremonti. It’s a flat, scenic ride through old tunnels, connecting Levanto with Bonassola and Framura. Super easy, even for kids.

Water sports are big here. Levanto’s beach is known for surfing, especially in fall and winter. You can rent boards or take lessons from local surf schools. Kayaking tours are another great way to see the dramatic coastline.

See our article on the trail to Monterosso.

Local Cuisine and Dining in Levanto

Ligurian food is all about fresh seafood, pesto, and good olive oil. Levanto’s restaurants cover everything from casual bites to more upscale meals.

Try trofie al pesto—it’s twisted pasta that soaks up the basil sauce. Focaccia is everywhere, often topped with olives or onions, and makes a perfect snack or lunch.

Antica Trattoria Centro serves classic dishes in a cozy spot. If you want seafood with a view, head to the waterfront—most places serve the catch of the day, simply prepared and super fresh.

Definitely taste the local wines. Vermentino is crisp and refreshing, while Sciacchetrà is a sweet dessert wine from grapes grown on those steep terraces.

Levanto’s food markets are worth a stop if you want to cook for yourself. Locally made olive oil makes a great souvenir—just saying.

See our article on Levanto restaurants.

Noteworthy Sights and Cultural Highlights

Chiesa di Sant'Andrea in Levanto — Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Levanto

Levanto’s medieval center is honestly worth a wander. The 13th-century Church of Sant’Andrea stands out with its bold black and white stripes—classic Ligurian style, and you can’t really miss it.

The Monastero delle Clarisse (Monastery of the Poor Clares) hints at the town’s deep religious roots. Just around the corner, the medieval Loggia makes a surprisingly charming spot to pause and take in the old town vibe.

Via Garibaldi buzzes with shops, little cafes, and the everyday rhythm of Levanto. Duck into the Oratorio di San Giacomo if you’re into art—there are some genuinely impressive pieces tucked inside.

Le Grottesche restaurant sits inside a building covered with 16th-century frescoes, so you get a side of culture with your meal. Levanto just feels relaxed—families especially seem to appreciate the slower pace compared to the busier tourist spots nearby.

The weekly market pops up on Wednesdays. It’s a nice chance to chat with locals or browse everything from fresh veggies to clothes and random household finds.

See our article on things to do in Levanto.