Levanto, Italy is a great place to take it easy and enjoy a slower pace. (Enzo Podesta)
Tucked between the Ligurian Hills and the open sea, the town of Levanto is often overlooked by travelers rushing to the Cinque Terre. Yet those who pause here discover something rare: a town with space to breathe, flavors to savor, and a rhythm that feels instantly welcoming.
Levanto’s shoreline is one of the widest along this coast. Families spread out on the sand, swimmers enjoy the calm shallows.
Surfers wait for the autumn and spring swells that have made Levanto an unlikely hub for the sport in Italy.
For others, the highlight is as simple as an aperitivo at a beach bar while the sun dips into the horizon.
Levanto’s shoreline is one of the widest along this coast. (Elena Bascherini)
From Levanto, trails radiate across the region.
The well-known hike to Monterosso takes about two hours from Levanto, and rewards walkers with sweeping views of cliffs, vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea stretching endlessly below.
Other paths wind toward Bonassola and Framura, passing through olive groves and old stone terraces. Each step tells a story of Liguria’s bond with land and sea.
From Levanto, trails radiate across the region and along the coast. (Enzo Podesta)
Levanto is as generous at the table as it is with its landscapes. Markets overflow with fresh produce and chatter, while trattorias serve recipes handed down through families.
Focaccia, trofie pasta with pesto, and the catch of the day flavored with local herbs are staples. Pair them with a glass of Vermentino or Pigato, crisp white wines that taste of sea breezes and sunlit hills.
An evening glass of wine at one of Levanto’s outdoor cafes. (Elena Bascherini)
Levanto is perfectly placed for exploring. A short train ride brings you to the Cinque Terre villages, yet many travelers find they’d rather stay put.
Cyclists and walkers can follow the converted railway path through tunnels and along cliffs toward Bonassola and Framura, a stretch of coastline that feels like a postcard brought to life.
Levanto, Italy is perfectly placed for exploring. (Enzo Podesta)
The town’s historic center is a blend of medieval alleys, colorful façades, and the Romanesque Saint Andrew’s Church.
Summer brings music festivals and food fairs, while in the quieter months, golden light softens the bay and silence becomes part of the charm. Levanto has its own slow tempo that invites visitors to take it easy.
Interior of the Romanesque Saint Andrew’s Church. (Elena Bascherini)
Yes, Levanto is close to the Cinque Terre, but it offers something the busier villages sometimes lose: authenticity.
Here, Liguria reveals itself in everyday moments like visiting the early morning market, smelling bread fresh from the oven, and surfing the incredible waves.
Stay a day, a week, or longer. Levanto has a way of turning a stopover into the heart of the journey.
