Getting to Levanto isn’t as tricky as it might seem at first. This coastal town sits just north of the famous Cinque Terre and has solid transport connections. You can hop on a direct Intercity train from Milan and be in Levanto in about 3 hours.
If you’re flying into Italy, Milan Malpensa is usually the easiest airport, about 177 km from Levanto. The trip from the airport includes both bus and train rides, and you’re looking at roughly 4 hours and 38 minutes altogether. Coming from southern Italy? Regional trains from La Spezia stop at all five Cinque Terre villages before rolling into Levanto.
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Levanto’s train station is pretty small but does the job well. You’ll only need about six minutes to switch trains, which is a relief after dealing with the chaos of bigger stations. Less walking, less confusion—honestly, it’s kind of a treat after a long journey.
Where Is Levanto, Italy?
Levanto sits on the northwest coast of Italy, smack in the middle of Liguria. It’s a handy gateway to the Cinque Terre villages, but it’s got its own beaches and a vibe that’s hard not to like.
Overview of Liguria
Liguria curves along the Mediterranean in northwestern Italy. It’s famous for those eye-popping colorful towns, fresh seafood, and those postcard-perfect spots where the mountains tumble right into the sea.
The region stretches from the French border all the way to Tuscany. Levanto’s tucked into the eastern part, in La Spezia province.
Liguria’s climate stays pretty mild, with warm summers and winters that don’t really bite. That means tourists flock here almost all year, but summer’s definitely the busiest.
The coastline is all about dramatic cliffs, little bays, and pebbly beaches. Head inland and you’ll see terraced hillsides packed with olives, grapes, and other Mediterranean crops.
Proximity to Cinque Terre and Major Cities
Levanto is in a sweet spot for exploring northern Italy. It’s just north of the Cinque Terre, and the first village is only a 5-minute train ride away.
From Milan, you can get to Levanto in about 3 hours by direct train. That makes it totally doable for a weekend escape from the city.
Genoa, which is the capital of Liguria, is even closer and has a direct train along the coast.
Other cities you can easily reach include:
- La Spezia: 20 minutes by train
- Pisa: 1.5 hours by train
- Florence: 2.5 hours by train
Levanto’s central location makes it a great base—explore Cinque Terre, or hop on a train for day trips to bigger cities. Not bad, right?
Levanto’s Role as a Gateway to Cinque Terre
Levanto works as a practical entry point to the Cinque Terre, minus the crazy crowds and steep prices you’ll find in the five villages.
The town’s train station has frequent trains to all five Cinque Terre villages. Most rides are just 5-10 minutes to Monterosso al Mare, the first stop.
In summer, you can also catch a boat from Levanto to the villages. These boat trips give you some of the best views of the colorful towns from the water. Highly recommend if you’re into that sort of thing.
Staying in Levanto gives you more accommodation choices than the tiny Cinque Terre villages. There are hotels, apartments, and even camping if you’re feeling adventurous or on a budget.
Plenty of travelers say Levanto feels more authentic than the super-touristy Cinque Terre villages. There’s something to that, honestly.
How to Get to Levanto by Train
Trains are easily the most convenient way to reach Levanto, with regular connections from major Italian cities and the Cinque Terre area. The town has good rail access with its main station (Levanto Station) and a smaller one (Levanto East Station).
Regional Trains from La Spezia and Genoa
Regional trains run between Levanto and nearby cities throughout the day. From La Spezia, you’ll find trains about once an hour, and the ride takes 20-30 minutes. Tickets usually cost around €3-4 one way.
From Genoa, regional trains take about 1-1.5 hours, and a one-way ticket is roughly €8-9. These trains aren’t as frequent as the La Spezia ones—expect 10-12 departures a day.
Trenitalia operates these regional routes. You don’t need to reserve a seat. Buy tickets at the station machines, ticket offices, or just use the Trenitalia app or website.
Good to know: Always validate your paper tickets in those little green or yellow machines before you get on the train—otherwise, you could get fined.
Route Details and Timetables
Trains to Levanto also come from bigger cities like Milan (2-3 hours), Turin (3-4 hours), and even Nice, France. Most of the time, you’ll need to change trains in Genoa or La Spezia.
The first trains usually start running around 5:00-6:00 AM, and the last ones wrap up near midnight. You’ll see more frequent service during the busy season (April-October).
Sample journey times:
- Milan → Levanto: 2.5 hours (from €22)
- Turin → Levanto: 3.5 hours (from €15)
- Nice → Levanto: 4.5 hours (from €18)
When you’re planning, give yourself at least 10-15 minutes between connections. Levanto’s train station is small but has the basics—waiting room, ticket machine, that sort of thing.
Using the Cinque Terre Express Train
The Cinque Terre Express is a special regional train connecting Levanto with all five Cinque Terre villages and La Spezia. It runs all year, but you’ll see more trains during tourist season.
In peak months, these trains show up every 20-30 minutes. It’s only 8 minutes from Levanto to Monterosso, and about 30 minutes if you’re heading all the way to Riomaggiore.
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A single ticket is about €4, but if you plan to hop around, the Cinque Terre Card is a better deal. The card covers train rides and access to hiking trails.
Travel tip: The Cinque Terre Express gets absolutely packed in summer, especially late morning and afternoon. If you want a less crowded ride, go early or later in the evening.
Arriving by Car
Driving to Levanto gives you the freedom to explore Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast on your own terms. The town is easy to reach from major highways, and there are several parking options.
Driving Routes from Major Cities
Coming from Milan or Genoa? Take the A7 highway from Milan to Genoa, then hop onto the A12 Genoa-Livorno motorway. Get off at the Carrodano-Levanto toll booth, which serves both towns. The drive from Milan takes about 3 hours.
From the south, just stay on the A12 until you reach the same Carrodano-Levanto exit. You don’t need to pass through La Spezia if you’re driving from the north—the junction is about 20 miles before La Spezia, which surprises some folks.
The last bit from the highway exit to Levanto’s center is around 8 km (5 miles) on local roads. Expect a few curves—hey, it’s the coast.
Parking in Levanto
Levanto definitely has more parking than the Cinque Terre villages, so it’s a good base if you’ve got a car.
The main parking lot is right behind the train station and costs 10.50 EUR per day. You can pay with coins at the machines or inside the station. Super convenient if you’re planning to use the train for Cinque Terre trips.
There are more parking lots near the beach, but in peak summer (June-August), you’ll want to show up early—those spots go fast.
Unlike the Cinque Terre villages, which have strict traffic limits, Levanto is more car-friendly. The historic center does have a few restricted zones, though, so watch for signs.
Reaching Levanto by Bus or Shuttle
Bus and shuttle services are handy for getting to and around Levanto. They connect the town with nearby airports, coastal spots, and local attractions.
Local and Intercity Bus Options
Levanto’s regular bus service is run by Azienda Trasporti Consortile. Local buses run between the train station (Stazione FS) and the town center (Levanto Comune) twice a day, and tickets are just €1-2. The ride’s super short—maybe 1-2 minutes, depending on direction.
If you’re staying near stops like Montale, you can catch a local bus down to the train station. This is a lifesaver for families or anyone hauling luggage who doesn’t want to hoof it.
Arriving at a regional airport? Intercity buses can get you to city centers, and from there, you can catch a train to Levanto.
Shuttle Services Connecting Coastal Towns
Shuttle services make it easy to travel between Levanto and other coastal towns around Cinque Terre, especially when trains are packed in peak season.
You can also reach Levanto by boat, which is basically a scenic shuttle along the coast. These water shuttles link Levanto with La Spezia and all five Cinque Terre villages.
Many hotels and B&Bs in Levanto can arrange private shuttles for guests coming from big cities or airports. This door-to-door option saves you some hassle, especially if you’re juggling bags or just want to skip the stress of figuring out public transport.
Getting to Levanto by Plane
Flying is the quickest way for international travelers to get close to Levanto. Several airports serve the area, each with its own pros and cons depending on where you’re coming from and how you want to transfer.
Nearest Airports
Genoa Airport (GOA) is the closest, about 66 km away in Liguria. It’s a smaller airport with connections to major European cities, but don’t expect tons of intercontinental flights.
Bologna Airport (BLQ) is around 140 km out and has more flight options than Genoa, including some budget airlines.
Milan Linate (LIN) sits about 146 km from Levanto and is a major international hub with global connections.
Pisa International Airport is another good pick, especially for budget travelers flying Ryanair or EasyJet.
Flights to the region often start around $53 one-way and $93 round-trip, at least based on recent price checks. Not the worst deal for a slice of the Italian coast.
Transfers from Pisa, Genoa, and Milan
If you’re landing at Genoa Airport, a taxi to Levanto will set you back around €100-130, but public transport is much cheaper. Take a bus to either Brignole or Principe train station, then hop on a regional train to Levanto.
From Milan Malpensa, grab the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale. Direct trains to Levanto leave from there several times a day—the trip takes about three hours.
Pisa Airport has a handy people mover to Pisa Centrale, where you can catch trains to Levanto (usually with a quick change in La Spezia).
Bologna Airport links to the city center via the Marconi Express. From there, trains head to Levanto with a change in La Spezia or Genoa.
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Using Ferry and Boat Services
Ferries are a great way to see Levanto and the Cinque Terre from the water. The views? Honestly, they’re something else—colorful villages clinging to cliffs, all best seen from the sea.
Seasonal Ferry Connections
Ferry boats usually run from April 1 to October 31, weather depending. From Levanto, you can reach all five Cinque Terre villages, plus Portovenere and La Spezia. One-day roundtrip tickets cost €42 for adults and €15 for kids in 2025.
Boats are more frequent in summer (June through September) and less so in spring or fall. Monterosso departures outnumber those from Levanto, so keep that in mind.
Schedules shift with sea conditions, so double-check timetables before you set out. Most boats are wheelchair accessible, though sometimes you’ll need a hand getting on board.
Boat Excursions Along the Ligurian Coast
Private boat tours let you explore the Ligurian coast at your own pace. With these trips, you can:
- Reach hidden beaches you can’t get to on foot
- Check out sea caves tucked into the coastline
- Swim or snorkel in quiet spots
- Take a sunset cruise, glass of local wine in hand
Tours usually leave from Levanto’s harbor. Options range from quick 2-hour jaunts to full-day adventures. Expect to pay about €60 per person for group tours; private charters run €250-400 depending on boat and duration.
Operators like Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti and Consorzio Marittimo Turistico are solid choices. If you’re coming in July or August, it’s wise to book ahead.
Levanto Train Station: What to Expect
Levanto’s train station is the jumping-off point for Cinque Terre. It’s not huge or fancy, but it gets the job done and connects you to the coast’s highlights.
Station Facilities and Accessibility
At Levanto station, you’ll find basic traveler essentials—public restrooms, a ticket office, and a simple waiting room for those inevitable delays.
There’s no luggage storage or café, so plan ahead if you need to stash your bags or grab a snack.
The station’s small size actually makes transfers easy. Six minutes is plenty to change trains, since the platforms are close together. You’ll use underground passages to cross between them, classic Italian setup.
Buying Tickets and Using Google Maps
Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding—look for the little yellow machines near the platforms. Skipping this step could earn you a fine, and nobody wants that.
Trenitalia runs the trains here. You can buy tickets at:
- The ticket counter (when staffed)
- Self-service machines
- Online via Trenitalia’s site or app
Google Maps is surprisingly reliable for train planning here. It shows schedules, platforms, and even how to walk around the station.
Local buses connect the station to Levanto’s center in just a minute or two, usually for €1-2. The stop labeled “Levanto Stazione FS” sits right outside.
Nearby Towns and Alternative Routes
Levanto makes it easy to reach other cool spots along the Ligurian coast. The local train line brings you to both the famous Cinque Terre and some quieter, under-the-radar towns.
Getting to Bonassola and Framura
Bonassola and Framura are just up the coast. Bonassola’s only 5 minutes by train, Framura about 10. Trains run all day.
Want a better view? Try the Ciclopedonale Maremonti, a flat, paved path through old railway tunnels. Walk or rent bikes in Levanto to cover the 5 km connecting all three towns.
Both towns offer peaceful beaches and authentic local vibes—a nice break from Cinque Terre crowds. Bonassola’s got a wide sandy beach and a lively center, while Framura is a cluster of tiny hamlets with stunning views and not many tourists.
Traveling Between Monterosso, Vernazza, and Corniglia
Monterosso is the closest Cinque Terre village, just 4 minutes south by train. From there, Vernazza is another 3 minutes down the line, then Corniglia 4 minutes after that. Trains run about every half hour in peak season.
Tickets are roughly €4 between any stations nearby. If you’re hiking or making lots of trips, the Cinque Terre Card is worth a look.
Seasonal boats also connect Levanto to Monterosso and other villages, usually April to October, if the weather cooperates.
The hiking trails between towns are a highlight. The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) links all the villages, though sometimes parts are closed for repairs or maintenance.
Exploring Levanto Upon Arrival
When you get to Levanto, a few spots should be on your radar right away. The beach, the old town, and some comfy places to stay are a great way to get your bearings and soak up the atmosphere.
Walking to Levanto Beach and Promenade
Levanto Beach runs along the town, offering a wide sandy shore that’s not nearly as crowded as the Cinque Terre beaches. After traveling, a stroll here is a perfect way to unwind and take in the laid-back vibe.
The promenade, lined with palms and benches, sits right by the beach. It’s almost a kilometer long—plenty of room to stretch out, unlike the tiny beaches further south.
In summer, beach clubs rent out chairs and umbrellas. Off-season, the beach is still open and peaceful—ideal for a sunset walk.
If you’re into water sports, Levanto is known for decent surfing when the waves show up.
Discovering Piazza Cavour and the Historical Center
Piazza Cavour is the heart of the old town. Grab a coffee at one of the cafés and watch the world go by—classic Italian experience.
The medieval center is a maze of narrow streets and colorful houses. Sant’Andrea Church stands out with its black and white stripes, the main religious site in town.
Don’t miss the 13th-century Loggia Comunale near the piazza, once the town hall. You’ll also find shops selling pesto, olive oil, and local wine.
The historic center feels genuinely Italian—way less touristy than the Cinque Terre villages.
Where to Stay
Villa Valentina is a peaceful spot with garden views, close to both the beach and town. The family who runs it shares tips and makes you feel at home.
On a budget? Levanto has plenty of affordable places, like small hotels and B&Bs near the station—super handy for day trips.
Renting an apartment works well for families or longer stays. Many are in old buildings but have modern comforts.
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Book early for high season (May-September) since places fill up fast. In winter, you’ll find lower prices and a more laid-back scene.
History of Levanto, Italy
Where to Stay in Levanto, Italy – Hotels, Vacation Rentals, BnBs
Getting to Levanto, Italy
Things to Do in Levanto, Italy
