Tucked away on Italy’s Ligurian coast, Levanto is a refreshing alternative to the crowded Cinque Terre. It’s just north of Monterosso al Mare, so you can easily explore the famous five villages without battling the usual tourist chaos or paying sky-high prices.
Levanto blends natural beauty and convenience for travelers after an authentic Italian coastal experience. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cycling paths that link up with nearby villages. Getting to Cinque Terre from Levanto is a breeze, whether you’re hopping on a train or hiking, and you’ll probably pay less for your bed at night.
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When you visit Levanto, you get a mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back seaside vibes. It’s a town that really welcomes hikers, bikers, and swimmers, but you can just as easily spend the day relaxing by the water. Compared to its more famous neighbors, Levanto keeps its genuine Italian character and still covers all the basics travelers want.
Levanto Coves Overview
Levanto’s hidden coves are a real treat if you want to escape the main beach crowds. The coves have clear blue water and dramatic cliffs—classic Italian Riviera scenery, but with a little more privacy.
What Makes Levanto Coves Unique
Unlike the main sandy beach, Levanto’s coves are rocky and a bit tucked away. They’re smaller, quieter, and the water’s usually clearer—great for swimming or snorkeling. You’ll find these spots by wandering along the coastal trails that branch off from Levanto’s main beach.
Some coves are easy to reach, while others ask you to hike down a steep path or even arrive by boat. This extra effort keeps them peaceful, even in the height of summer.
The calm water is perfect for floating around or a relaxed swim, and the rocky seabed means there’s plenty of colorful fish and marine life for snorkelers.
Natural Beauty and Surroundings
These coves are tucked right where the Ligurian mountains meet the sea. Pine forests and olive groves almost tumble down to the shoreline, so you get this gorgeous mix of green and deep blue.
Limestone cliffs shape most coves, worn into all sorts of strange forms by centuries of waves. They even throw some shade during the hottest part of the day, which is honestly a relief in July.
Hiking trails wind through the hills and link up many of the coves, so you can wander from one swimming spot to the next. The air smells fantastic, thanks to wild herbs growing along the paths.
If you go early, you’ll catch the water at its clearest and the beaches at their quietest. The way the sunlight dances on the sea as the day goes on is something you won’t forget.
How to Get to Levanto Coves
Getting to Levanto Coves takes a bit of planning, but it’s not complicated. The town itself is a solid base for Cinque Terre and has its own beaches and attractions.
By Train and Cinque Terre Express
The train’s probably your best bet for getting to Levanto. From Milan, hop on a high-speed Intercity—tickets run €20 to €40, and the trip takes about 3 hours.
The Cinque Terre Express links Levanto with all five Cinque Terre villages. These regional trains run every 30 minutes or so during busy months, and you can get to Monterosso in just 5 minutes.
If you’re planning to explore more than one village, look into the Cinque Terre Treno card. The 2-day version costs €59 per person (in peak season) and covers unlimited train rides between Levanto and La Spezia, plus hiking trail access.
Driving and Parking Tips
You can drive to Levanto, but summer makes it tricky. The coastal road (SP38) is beautiful but winding, and parking is tight.
There are a few paid parking lots near the town center. The biggest is by the train station—expect to pay €15-20 per day. If you want a spot in summer, aim to arrive before 9 AM.
Don’t bother driving between the Cinque Terre villages. The roads don’t really connect, and parking’s almost nonexistent. It’s way easier to park in Levanto and take the train or a boat.
Connections from La Spezia
La Spezia is the southern entry to Cinque Terre and connects easily to Levanto. Regional trains run often and take about 20-25 minutes.
If you’re coming from La Spezia airport or train station, just look for the Cinque Terre Express platform—trains leave roughly every 30 minutes in peak season.
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From April to October, boats run from La Spezia’s harbor to Levanto. The ride is scenic (about an hour) and costs €25-35 one way. Boats stop at each Cinque Terre village, so it’s perfect if you want to hop off and explore.
Top Coves and Beaches Near Levanto
Levanto’s shoreline is one of Liguria’s prettiest, with a mix of main beaches and secret coves for all kinds of travelers. You get sandy stretches and rocky hideaways, all with that classic Italian Riviera backdrop.
Spiaggia di Levanto
Spiaggia di Levanto is the town’s main beach, running about a kilometer along the bay. It’s split between free public sections and private beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari) where you can rent umbrellas and loungers.
The sand is golden and mixed with small pebbles—much comfier than some of the rockier Cinque Terre beaches. The water is usually very clean and has earned Blue Flag status recently.
A few beach clubs worth noting:
- Blue Marlin: Lively, with a younger crowd
- Minetti Bathrooms: Good for families
- Casino Levanto: Central, with a restaurant
- Sirena Baths: Quieter, on the eastern end
If you want a good free spot in summer, get there before 10 AM.
Hidden Coves Along the Ligurian Coast
Past the main beach, Levanto has several hidden coves for those willing to wander a bit. La Gritta, a small rocky spot east of the main beach, is perfect for snorkeling in clear water. You’ll need to walk a short trail, but that keeps things peaceful.
Vallesanta Beach is just west of the center. It’s a smaller, pebbly cove with little in the way of services, but it’s private and the water’s a brilliant blue.
If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the coastal trail toward Bonassola. You’ll stumble across unmarked coves only reachable by foot or boat—these are the places to escape when Levanto’s main beach gets packed.
Tip: Bring water shoes. Most coves have pebbly or rocky entries, and your feet will thank you.
Beach Accessibility and Family Tips
Levanto’s main beach is the most accessible around. There’s a flat promenade the whole way, with several wheelchair-friendly entry points and dedicated beach areas with wooden walkways.
Families should check out the western end of Spiaggia di Levanto—it’s got the gentlest slope into the sea. The Neptune Baths area is great for kids, with shallow water, changing rooms, and snack bars nearby.
Beach rental prices:
- Umbrella + 2 loungers: €18-25 per day (seasonal)
- Single lounger: €8-12
- Weekly packages: Ask about discounts (usually 20-30%)
Public showers cost €0.50. Bathrooms are free if you’re at a beach club. The free beach areas are more basic but save you money for that post-swim gelato.
Outdoor Activities and Adventure
Levanto’s got plenty of ways to get outside and have some fun. The clear sea and rocky coast are perfect for water sports, while the hills offer great hiking and biking.
Snorkeling and Swimming
The coves around Levanto are made for swimming and snorkeling. The Cinque Terre National Marine Park protects these waters, so they’re full of marine life.
You’ll find calm bays and quiet coves for swimmers of all levels. The main beach is good, but the smaller coves (some only accessible by boat or trail) are even better if you want space.
Snorkeling trips show off colorful fish, sea stars, and cool underwater rock formations. Local operators run guided tours, often with stops at caves and hidden beaches. They’ll usually provide equipment, too.
Water’s warmest from June to September, and if you go in early summer, you’ll get the best clarity before the crowds arrive.
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Kayaking or paddleboarding lets you see the coast from a different angle. There are rental shops in town—pay by the hour or the day.
Guided kayak tours paddle along the cliffs between Levanto and the Cinque Terre villages, ducking into sea caves and stopping at tiny beaches. Most tours last 2-3 hours and don’t require experience.
Paddleboarding is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Early birds get glassy water and can spot fish right under their boards.
Some operators offer sunset paddles—watching the sun drop behind the hills from the water is pretty special.
Cycling and Coastal Walks
The old railway line is now a cycling path connecting Levanto to Framura, with big sea views and no scary hills. You can rent bikes in town for a relaxed day out.
E-bikes open up the hillier inland routes, winding through olive groves and vineyards with sweeping views of the coast.
The hiking trails above Levanto link up with the main Cinque Terre network. The Levanto to Monterosso trail is about 2 hours and well worth it for the Mediterranean views.
If you prefer something easier, stroll the promenade along the main beach or wander Levanto’s medieval center with its narrow streets and old buildings. The tourist office hands out walking maps with routes for all levels.
Accommodations in Levanto
Levanto has a wide range of places to stay, from luxury beachfront hotels to family-friendly apartments and even some unique camping spots. Whether you’re after comfort or adventure, you’ll find a good base for exploring this lovely corner of Liguria.
Best Times to Visit Levanto Coves
Levanto changes with the seasons, and the time you choose to visit can make a big difference—crowds, weather, and what’s happening in town all shift throughout the year.
Seasonal Highlights
May, June, September, and October are kind of the sweet spot. The weather’s lovely, but you won’t find the overwhelming crowds of high summer. In May, wildflowers explode along the coastal trails—ideal for anyone who loves hiking or snapping photos.
By June, the sea’s finally warm enough for a proper swim, and local festivals start popping up. September is grape harvest season, and the water’s still inviting. October brings fall colors and olive picking—there’s something special about the light this time of year.
Weekdays are always quieter than weekends, no matter the month. If you’re stuck with July or August, try to get out early (before 9am) or wait till evening to dodge the crowds.
Practical Tips for Visiting Levanto Coves
Exploring Levanto’s hidden coves is a highlight, but it helps to know a few things before you go. These tucked-away spots offer more privacy than the main beach, but they come with their own quirks.
Etiquette and Environmental Considerations
The coves sit within Cinque Terre National Park, so the environment’s pretty fragile. Always pack out your trash—bins are rare, if they exist at all.
Swimming’s usually fine, but keep an eye out for boats. Try not to touch coral or sea life; it’s better for everyone if you leave things as you found them.
Locals appreciate visitors who keep things mellow. The coves echo, so voices carry farther than you’d think.
During peak season (June-August), aim to arrive early. By midday, even the more hidden coves can get crowded, especially if they’re easy to reach from the coastal path.
Some coves are clothing-optional, at least by local custom. If you’re not sure, look for signs or just see what others are doing—nobody wants to be the odd one out.
What to Pack
Essential items:
- Water shoes (rocky entrances to water)
- Portable water bottle (at least 2L)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+ is best)
- Small towel or mat (since sand’s pretty limited)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for your stuff
Bring a basic lunch or some snacks—there’s pretty much nowhere to grab food at most coves, and the closest café could be a 30-minute walk, give or take.
A small first aid kit makes sense, honestly. Toss in a few bandages and some antiseptic, just in case you scrape yourself on the rocks (it happens).
If you’re into snorkeling, don’t forget your mask. The water’s crazy clear around the Levanto coves, and in the mornings, you can spot all sorts of fish.
Light hiking shoes are a must if you’re using the coastal trails. Some of those paths get rough and uneven, so flip-flops won’t cut it.
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