Levanto is a hidden gem, with its sandy beaches, historic architecture, and delicious Ligurian cuisine. As part of our two week excursion to Italy with our two little people, this was stop #2 on our itinerary. We chose Levanto as an easy access point to Cinque Terre, but didn’t realize just how much we would enjoy it (*It’s one train stop north of Monterroso al Mare which is less than 5 minutes away).

This charming village on the Ligurian coast may serve as a gateway to the famous Cinque Terre, but it is actually a destination worth exploring in its own right. Nestled between the hills and azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, Levanto is a quaint coastal town that offers a more tranquil alternative to the bustling, tourist filled villages of Cinque Terre. While overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Levanto is full of history, natural beauty and culture, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the region.

A Gateway to Cinque Terre

Given we were commuting across the countryside by rental vehicle and wanted a home base close to Cinque Terre National Park, Levanto proved to be the ideal home base. With easy access to Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, you can connect to each unique town by train, ferry, car and for the more adventurous, hiking trails.

Train- Levanto is well connected by train, with frequent services running to the Cinque Terre villages. The journey is quick, with the first village, Monterosso, just a few minutes south. Moreover, the trains are incredibly clean, modern and inexpensive (they also run frequently and consistently).

Ferry- This is an option we chose during one of our days of exploration and I am glad we did. You can take the ferry all the way to Riomaggiore (the most southern town) and work your way back to each city. The ferry ride offers gorgeous views of each town from the ocean, providing a stunning perspective to soak in the beauty.

Car- While the trip by car is short, this is one way I wouldn’t recommend. Parking in Cinque Terre is not easy to come by so you may spend more time searching for parking then it is worth. And, the train and ferry are incredibly convenient options.

Hiking Trails - For the adventure seekers, Levanto offeres a hilking trail to Monterosso. This trek takes you along the rugged coastline and offers views of the sea and cliffs. From there, you can continue to explore via trails that connect to each of the other four towns.

Exploring Levanto

Beaches

Levanto has wide sandy beaches - rare for this part of Italy - making it a great spot for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. The beach is well equipped with facilities, including areas where you can rent sun-beds and umbrellas. It’s a perfect, relaxing atmosphere that is great for unwinding (and, for those who start the day on the earlier side, it’s incredibly accessible and relatively empty before 10 AM).

For another unique experience, you can head one town north to Bonassola (a small and lovely beach town). With the suggestion from our slightly ambitious and youthful hotel clerk, we decided to make this a day trip. Since we had the two kids, we assumed the “22 minute walk” would be highly manageable with our double-stroller. Our calculations proved a bit off, as 22 became 45 and we may have underestimated the challenges that come with a newborn and a toddler on an extended trail in the summer heat (for those without super tiny people there are also bikes available that dramatically reduce the travel time). Nonetheless, it’s an awesome walk because it takes you through extended tunnels as the entire path was created by paving over an old railway line. And, as you come out of the each tunnel, you’re greeted by stunning coves of small, instagram worthy beaches surrounded by steep cliff walls.

The beach in Bonassola is rockier then Levanto, but can make for a really fun day trip while staying close by. And, the town is very small with a couple of charming restaurants and two awesome, competing foccacia joints that are the Italian equivalent of Geno’s and Pat’s in Philadelphia as they square off for flatbread pizza dominance.

Historic Charm

Levanto’s medieval roots are evident in its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings that reflect traditional Ligurian styles. The town is home to several historical landmarks to discover:

The Church of Sant’Andrea: A beautiful Gothic-style church with distinctive black and white marble.
Medieval Loggia: A 13th-century loggia that once served as a meeting place for local merchants.
Castle of Levanto: Perched on a hill overlooking the town, this ancient fortress offers panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

As visitors stroll through the town, they can explore quaint shops all while being enveloped by the rich history and vibrant culture that define this charming Italian gem.

Local Cuisine

Levanto is a haven for food lovers seeking authentic flavors and regional specialties of Liguria. The culinary scene is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and locally sourced ingredients. Must-try dishes include:

Pesto alla Genovese: Levanto is part of the Ligurian region, the birthplace of the famous basil pesto (Samuel, our near 3-year-old at the time, basically lived on pesto with the only change being the variety of pasta).
Focaccia: The local focaccia, often topped with Rosemary or olives, is a delicious snack or accompaniment to a meal.
Seafood: Fresh seafood is a staple here, with dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and acciughe ripiene (stuffed anchovies) being very popular.

The nearby vineyards also produce exquisite wines, perfect for pairing with a meal. Strolling through Levanto’s charming streets, you’ll encounter quaint trattorias and bustling markets where locals proudly share their culinary heritage. With each bite, you are invited to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of this picturesque Italian coastal town.

Accommodations and Tips

Levanto offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy B&B’s to more upscale hotels. It’s advisable to book ahead, especially during the summer months when the town sees an influx of visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting, as the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to peak summer season. We were there in late August and while it was still hot, it was a great time to go. We stayed at the Parc Hotel Argento. The hotel and staff were amazing. The pool is a great area for kids and adults that has a bar, snacks and of course, gelato! There is a spa offering massages, facials and body treatments, conveniently located next to the outdoor pool area. There is also a restaurant on site that offers a wonderful breakfast that is included in the stay and optional dinner menu for an additional cost. (I would highly recommend anyone stay here if you like beautiful hotels, a fantastic morning spread, a perfect pool with stunning views, and high quality customer service).
- Parc Hotel Argento
Getting There: Levanto is easily accessible by train and car from major cities like Genoa, Pisa, Florence and Milan. The closest airport is in Genoa, about 90 kilometers away.
Awesome for Kids! Just like many Italian towns, the piazza comes alive in the evenings with people of all ages exploring the city. The park in the middle of town has perfect play structures for young children, and while we were there, they also had a large bounce trampoline park. While not a typical American experience, we were there around 9pm and the playground area and trampoline park remained bustling with energy. Add some additional, late night gelato to the mix, and everyone is bouncing!
Events: Levanto has a large music festival (Amfiteatrof) that typically runs from July through September as well as traditional food festivals, which are a fun experience for all ages.

Offering a unique blend of beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure, Levanto makes an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration (and families with tiny people like ours). Its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant local culture provide an enriching experience, while the welcoming atmosphere invites visitors to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Whether you choose to stroll along its charming streets, indulge in the local cuisine, or engage in outdoor activities, Levanto stands out as a tranquil retreat that leaves a lasting impression. Embracing both the simplicity of coastal life and the allure of adventure, this coastal treat truly embodies the spirit of Italian seaside towns.