This calm Italian coastal village has 11th-century roots, medieval churches, and a stone watchtower. Its Mediterranean waterfront and local cafes line narrow cobbled streets.
Levanto sits on the Ligurian coast, a few minutes by train from the Cinque Terre. You can surf at the wide sandy beach, walk through streets lined with 13th-century buildings, or cycle through old railway tunnels along the coast. Stop at the medieval Loggia in Piazza del Popolo to watch locals gather for their daily coffee, or try Ligurian pesto in one of the restaurants near the Sant'Andrea church.
Getting Around Levanto and Beyond
You can reach the Cinque Terre villages, Genoa, and La Spezia by train from Levanto station. In summer, ferries run from the port to the Cinque Terre towns. The town center is small enough to walk across in 15 minutes, and bikes work well for exploring nearby areas.
Medieval Town Center
Walk through narrow streets lined with buildings from the 1200s and 1300s. The Church of Sant'Andrea, built in the 13th century, has a distinctive black and white striped marble facade and Gothic architecture. The medieval Loggia in Piazza del Popolo (built 1405) serves as a meeting point for locals. A castle sits on the hill above town - while it's privately owned, you can walk the surrounding streets for views of both the building and the Mediterranean.
Beach Life and Water Activities
The beach runs the length of the bay and has more space than those in the Cinque Terre. Surfers come here from December to May when strong Mistral winds create good waves. You can choose between public beach areas or private beach clubs (bagni) where you can rent chairs and umbrellas.
Local Food Scene
Try Ligurian pesto, made fresh in many local restaurants. The covered market sells produce from nearby farms, and shops on Via Dante Alighieri stock regional wines and focaccia. A street market runs every Wednesday with local vendors selling clothes and household items. Many restaurants focus on seafood caught that morning and traditional Ligurian recipes.
Cycling and Hiking
Cycle through the converted railway tunnel to reach Bonassola and Framura on a flat path next to the sea. For hiking, take the trail to Monterosso, which connects to the main Cinque Terre path network. You can also explore 22 small villages in the surrounding valley, each with its own church or chapel.
Local Festivals
Several celebrations take place throughout the year. During the Festa di San Giacomo (Festa del Mare) in July, you'll see historical processions, flag ceremonies, and fireworks. Classical musicians perform at the Amfiteatrof Music Festival throughout summer. In June, the Sagra del Gattafin celebrates local food traditions.
