The Riviera

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Classic

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The Riviera ~ Classic ~

Sestri Levante

Set on a peninsula between two stunning bays, Sestri Levante is the kind of Italian Riviera town that feels made for lingering.

Come for the easy access to the surrounding coast, but stay for the colourful waterfronts, sandy beaches, and beautiful historic centre that Sestri Levante itself has to offer. With a base as beautiful as this, you’ll want to allow yourself some extra time to soak it in!

At a glance…

Choose Sestri Leveante if you want:

  • Easy access to Cinque Terre by train (less than 1 hr for most towns, as little as 30 mins for Monterosso al Mare)
  • Beautiful beaches right in town
  • A lively coastal atmosphere 
  • A base for exploring Cinque Terre that feels like a destination in itself, not just a place to sleep
 

  • 4-5 nights

    How much time you allow yourself will depend on how many day trips you plan on taking - and don’t forget to dedicate at least one day (but I’d recommend two!) to enjoy Sestri Levante.

  • You will arrive by train from another leg of your trip, or the city that you fly into. The cities with the easiest connections are:

    • Genoa (approx 1 hr)

    • Pisa (approx 1.5-2 hrs)

    • Milan (approx 2-2.5 hrs)

    • La Spezia (approx 45 mins)

    • Florence (approx 2.5-3 hrs)

  • Recommended:

    • Walking ✔

    • Train ✔

    • Bike rental ✔

    • Taxis ✔

    • Car rental ✖

    Note: Trains will be your primary mode of transport for exploring the other towns on The Riviera, but Sestri Levante itself is easily walkable. Occasionally, taxis may be useful to get to and from accommodations from the train station with your luggage.

    • late summer/early fall

    • late spring/early summer

    Ideally: June or September

    Notes: I tend to avoid recommending the hottest months of summer (July & August) when most of the country gets very hot & extremely crowded. But if you prioritize hot weather, swimming, and beach days, it might be worth it to go during these months! Luckily, by staying in Sestri Levante you will be avoiding some of the crowds.

    October can be a beautiful month to go, but the weather does start to get a lot less predictable.

  • Classic.

    Sestri Levante offers the quintessential Italian Riviera experience, without having the same international name recognition as Cinque Terre or Portofino.

Pairs well with

Tuscan Countryside:

Chianti

Arezzo

Seaside Getaways:

The Riviera

Bay of Naples

What to do?

Spend some time at Baia del Silenzio either having a beach day, or simply enjoying the atmosphere

Wander the caruggi of the historic centre (the winding, narrow pedestrian lanes characteristic of Liguria)

Walk the promenade in the Baia delle Favole

Hike Punta Manara to take in some spectacular coastal views

Linger over a long seafood lunch

Get out on the water by renting a kayak or paddleboard, or book a boat trip excursion along the coast

Check out Riva Trigoso, the nearby fishing village

Take a day trip via train to any of the Cinque Terre villages, of course!

What’s on the menu?

Some local specialties:

Piano Piano Tips

  • Choose the beach that best suits your mood: Baia del Silenzio is the smaller, more picturesque choice with its charming, colourful buildings. Baia delle Favole offers a long stretch of beach with more room to spread out.

    It is worth considering arriving at Baia del Silenzio early in the day to snag a good spot!

  • Explore the trails around Punta Manara for beautiful views of the Ligurian coastline. Just make sure to bring water, and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.

  • Don’t rely on boat services as a main mode of transportation, and instead treat them as optional activities. A boat excursion to explore Cinque Terre from the water is a wonderful way to spend a day, but should not be mistaken for a reliable ferry service.

    The train is your friend when it comes to reliably getting to and from the other towns along The Riviera!

  • I know, it’s easy to default to another plate of pesto pasta! But this part of Italy has so much more to offer, especially for seafood lovers. So, eat like you’re in Liguria! And look out for locally produced wines as well.