Tucked away on Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, Levanto feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the crowded Cinque Terre villages. It’s got that authentic Italian charm—colorful buildings, a long beach perfect for swimming, and easy access to everything you might want to see nearby.
Levanto really blends relaxation and adventure—think beaches, cycling paths, and hiking trails. Mornings can be lazy on the family-friendly beach, afternoons spent pedaling along the Ciclopedonale Maremonti to Bonassola or Framura, or maybe hiking the trail over to Monterosso. The town’s compact center invites you to just wander on foot and see where you end up.
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Foodies will love the local cuisine and nearby wineries, while history buffs can geek out over the medieval architecture scattered around town. There are parks, playgrounds, and plenty of ways to get out on the water, so Levanto’s got something to do for all kinds of travelers, no matter the season.
Discovering Levanto’s Beaches
Levanto’s coastline has a little something for everyone. The main beach stretches across town, while hidden coves and nearby beaches offer quieter escapes if you’re not into crowds.
Levanto Beach
Levanto Beach is the heart of the town’s vibe. This wide, sandy stretch runs nearly a kilometer along the promenade, so you’ll always find a spot. In summer, there’s a mix of free public areas and sections with umbrellas and loungers for rent.
The water is usually clear, from turquoise to deep blue. Swimming is safe, but keep an eye on the flags—sometimes the surf picks up. Mornings are calm, afternoons can get wavy, and that’s when surfers show up from all over Europe.
Because the beach faces west, sunsets over the Ligurian Sea are pretty spectacular. Beach bars line the sand, serving drinks and snacks, so you can easily spend the whole day just hanging out by the water.
Exploring Nearby Beaches: Bonassola and Framura
Right next door, Bonassola and Framura bring their own flavor to the coast. Bonassola is just a 20-minute stroll through an old railway tunnel, and it’s got a cozy, crescent-shaped beach with quieter, calmer waters.
Bonassola’s beach is smaller and less busy than Levanto’s, which is great for families. Cafés right on the water serve up fresh seafood and regional dishes.
Framura is a bit further, made up of five tiny hamlets with rocky coves tucked between them. These hidden spots feel private and offer excellent snorkeling. The water’s so clear you can spot colorful fish and sea life just off the shore.
You can get to both places by train, bike, or on foot via scenic coastal paths, so day trips from Levanto are a breeze.
Outdoor Activities on the Coast
Levanto’s beaches aren’t just about sunbathing. Surfing is huge here—rental shops line the promenade, and you can get a lesson if you’re new. The best waves usually roll in during spring and fall.
Diving centers arrange trips out to nearby reefs, where protected marine areas are packed with sea life and cool rock formations.
If you’re up for a little adventure, grab a kayak and paddle out to explore hidden coves and dramatic cliffs you can’t reach on foot. Rentals are easy to find near the main beach.
If the sea gets too rough, the Piscine Casinò offers a saltwater pool with a killer view of the Mediterranean. There’s even a terrace for sunset drinks—honestly, not a bad way to end the day.
Hiking and Nature Experiences
Levanto is a dream for outdoor lovers, with trails that show off the Ligurian coastline and countryside. Whether you’re a casual walker or a serious hiker, you’ll find everything from easy coastal strolls to challenging mountain hikes.
Hiking Trails in Levanto
The Levanto to Monterosso trail is a favorite. It winds along the coast, offering amazing views of the Riviera. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and has a few steep bits, but the scenery makes up for the effort.
If you want something easier, the Pista Ciclopedonale (cycling and walking path) from Levanto to Framura is pretty much flat and paved. It follows an old railway line through tunnels along the coast—perfect for families or anyone who just wants a chill walk.
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Shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) are the best times to hit the trails—mild temps, fewer people, and the landscape is just gorgeous.
Trekking to Cinque Terre
Levanto is a great jumping-off point for Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO site with some of the best coastal views in Italy. The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) links all five villages.
You can hike straight from Levanto to Monterosso (the first village) in about 2 hours. The trail climbs up through olive groves before dropping down to Monterosso’s beaches.
If you’re up for a bigger challenge, the High Path (Sentiero Alto) runs above the villages through vineyards and woods. There’s usually way less foot traffic up there, and the views are still incredible.
Always check trail conditions before heading out—sometimes trails close because of landslides or repairs.
Exploring the Ligurian Countryside and Vineyards
If you want to get off the coast, Levanto’s countryside is lush and inviting. Guided tours take you through terraced vineyards where local wines like Vermentino and Sciacchetrà are made.
The Levante Trails program runs hikes that visit local farms, complete with wine tastings and samples of homemade Ligurian specialties like focaccia and pesto.
Evening hikes up into the hills behind town are a highlight—catching the sunset over the Mediterranean from a quiet bench is just magic.
Trails are usually marked with red and white signs, but bringing a map or going with a local guide is smart. They’ll share stories about the plants, wildlife, and old farming traditions you’d probably miss otherwise.
Exploring Levanto’s Historic Center
Levanto’s historic center gives you a peek into the town’s medieval roots. The area is a mix of beautiful old buildings and important religious sites that tell the story of this coastal community.
Strolling the Narrow Streets
The soul of Levanto is in its winding narrow streets and little piazzas. Via Garibaldi is the main drag, lined with shops, cafés, and those classic Ligurian facades painted in cheerful colors.
Keep an eye out for the medieval Loggia, once a bustling marketplace and gathering spot. It’s still in great shape and hints at Levanto’s old commercial importance.
The Monastero delle Clarisse (Monastery of the Poor Clares) is worth a stop too—simple, elegant architecture that reflects its quiet history.
For the best views, climb up to one of the terraces overlooking town and the bay. Sunset up there? Unreal. Bring your camera.
The Church of San Lorenzo and Sant’Andrea
The Church of Sant’Andrea stands out in the main square with its black and white striped marble. Built back in the 1200s, it’s a classic example of Ligurian Gothic, complete with a rose window and detailed stonework.
Inside, you’ll spot valuable religious artifacts and artwork, including a silver processional cross from the 14th century. The bell tower is one of the tallest things around—it’s hard to miss.
The Church of San Lorenzo is a little more understated outside but hides beautiful frescoes and religious paintings inside, telling stories from the Bible and the saints’ lives.
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Both churches are still active. Dress modestly (cover those shoulders and knees) and try not to wander in during services unless you’re joining in.
Day Trips to Nearby Destinations
Levanto makes a fantastic base for exploring the Italian Riviera. Its location means you’re close to the Cinque Terre villages and other hidden gems along the coast.
Visiting the Cinque Terre Villages
The Cinque Terre villages are just a quick train ride away. The Cinque Terre Express runs often, stopping at all five: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. A day pass is about €18 and lets you hop on and off as much as you want.
Monterosso is closest to Levanto and has the best beaches. Vernazza is all about its natural harbor and colorful hillside houses. Corniglia sits way up on a cliff, so be ready for 382 steps from the station (or grab the shuttle bus).
Manarola is famous for its vineyards and sunset views. Riomaggiore, the southernmost, links to Manarola by the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) when it’s open.
These villages are UNESCO World Heritage sites and get packed in summer. If you can, visit in spring or fall for a more laid-back vibe.
Excursions to Deiva Marina and Genoa
Deiva Marina is just north of Levanto—an 8-minute train ride. It’s a quieter spot with wide sandy beaches and hardly any crowds, a nice change of pace from Cinque Terre.
The coastal path between Levanto and Deiva Marina serves up some epic sea views. It’s mostly flat and takes about 2-3 hours to walk one way.
If you’re craving city life, Genoa is only about an hour and fifteen minutes by train. The city’s packed with grand palaces, the historic Porto Antico, and top-notch seafood restaurants.
La Spezia, just south of Cinque Terre, is another solid day trip. There’s a big Naval Museum, and it’s the jumping-off point for ferries to Portovenere and Lerici down in the Gulf of Poets.
Local Cuisine and Food Experiences
Levanto’s food scene highlights the best of Ligurian cuisine. Being right on the coast, there’s fresh seafood everywhere, plus unique wines and baked treats you won’t find elsewhere.
Sampling Seafood and Ligurian Specialties
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Local restaurants serve anchovies in all sorts of ways—marinated with lemon, fried, or tossed into pasta. If you’re up for it, try the “acciughe al limone” (lemon-marinated anchovies); locals swear by it.
Pasta dishes like “trofie al pesto con gamberi” mix the region’s famous pesto with fresh shrimp. For the real deal, eat near the waterfront where fishermen bring in their catch daily.
Pesto was born in Liguria, and honestly, it tastes different here. Made with local basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil, it’s usually served with trofie pasta—simple, but so good.
Trying Focaccia and Other Local Dishes
Ligurian focaccia is a whole different animal compared to your average bread. In Levanto, bakeries crank out all sorts—plain with olive oil and salt, loaded with onions, or even stuffed with gooey cheese. The best ones? They’ve got that crispy crust and a pillowy, almost cloud-like middle.
You’ve also got to grab some farinata. It’s this thin, golden pancake made from chickpea flour, usually baked in wood-fired ovens until the edges go just a little bit crunchy. Locals eat it on the go, and honestly, it’s addictive.
Don’t skip “torta di verdure” (a rustic veggie pie) or “pansoti con salsa di noci” (herb and veggie-stuffed pasta with a rich walnut sauce). Both really show off how Mediterranean flavors run deep in Ligurian cooking.
Wine Tasting and Sciacchetrà
The terraced vineyards around Levanto turn out some surprisingly unique wines. You’ll find little family-run wineries where you can taste Vermentino—a crisp, lively white that feels made for seafood.
Sciacchetrà, though, is on another level. This amber dessert wine, made from grapes dried right on those steep terraces in Cinque Terre, is rare and a bit pricey, but it’s kind of legendary if you can get your hands on it.
Curious about how it all works? You can hop on wine tours that wind through vineyards clinging to sheer cliffs. Most tours pop into old-school cellars, and you’ll hear firsthand about the backbreaking grape harvest—everything’s picked by hand, no shortcuts here.
Where to Stay in Levanto
Levanto’s got options for every budget—boutique hotels with killer views, cozy family-run guesthouses in the historic center, you name it. The top spots fill up fast in summer, but you’ll find better prices and more choices if you come during the shoulder seasons.
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Castello San GiorgioTravel Guide
Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Travel Guide
Levanto Beach Travel Guide
Levanto Boat Tours
Levanto Cooking Classes
Levanto Coves
Levanto Festivals and Events
Levanto Market
Levanto Piazzas
Levanto Restaurants
Levanto Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Excursions
Levanto to Monterosso Trail
Levanto Wineries
Medieval Loggia Travel Guide
Pista Ciclopedonale Levanto – Framura
History of Levanto, Italy
Where to Stay in Levanto, Italy – Hotels, Vacation Rentals, BnBs
Getting to Levanto, Italy
Things to Do in Levanto, Italy
