Last Updated on: 22nd July 2024, 05:42 am
Sestri Levante is a beautiful small town on Italy’s Ligurian coast.
The resort of Sestri Levante, located roughly halfway between the more famous towns of Portofino and Cinque Terre on the Gulf of Tigullio, is one of those places that the Italians have managed to keep to themselves and it is not so well known by overseas visitors.
However, this delightful town makes an excellent base for exploring the Ligurian coast and is far less crowded than those more well-known resorts.
Here are some of the very best things to do in Sestri Levante:
Visit Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence)
Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence)
The most popular place to visit in Sestri Levante is the gorgeous crescent-shaped beach of Baia del Silenzio. With houses and cafes lining the beach, a few small fishing boats and crystal-clear waters, it really is very picturesque.
Unlike many beaches in Liguria, it is free to use, which does mean it can get jam-packed, especially during the summer months. But it is gorgeous. Even on a sunny but cool day in March, it was pretty busy with sunbathers.
And Baia delle Favole (The Bay of Fairy Tales)
Baia delle Favole (The Bay of Fairy Tales)
The Baia delle Favole is named after Hans Christian Andersen, who lived in Sestri Levante briefly in the early 19th century.
This second beach, located on the other side of the peninsula, is much bigger and longer and has a promenade as well as sections of the beach where you can hire deckchairs, sun loungers and parasols. It’s not as pretty as the Baia del Silenzio, well certainly not in March, as many of the lidos were still closed. But you will find more facilities at this beach, such as beachside cafes and bars.
The town’s harbour is on this side. During the summer, you can take a boat tour along the coastline or small ferries to the main tourist towns along the Riviera di Levante, including Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. Check here for ferry schedules.
Every year the Fairytale Festival, dedicated to the writer Hans Christian Andersen takes place here.
This year’s festival takes place from 8-18 June.
Explore The Charming Old Town Of Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante Old Town
Sestri Levante’s historic centre is a beautiful maze of narrow streets with colourful houses, churches, quaint piazzas, and cute cafes perfect for coffee and people-watching.
Walking through Sestri Levante, be sure to visit some of the traditional workshops and artisan shops. And don’t leave without sampling some of the region’s gastronomic specialities – hopelessly addicted now to the Genovese pesto.
Also, admire the pretty painted houses that look very grand from a distance with their fancy facades and marble pillars but are all just clever paintings. This type of decoration became popular during the 15th century – inspired by Renaissance palaces, this region opted for the more low-budget version, but it works.
Churches Of Sestri Levante
The Oldest Church in Sestri Levante
Walking through the streets of Sestri Levante, you’ll pass several churches- well, this is Italy. Many look quite plain from the outside, but the artwork inside is always impressive.
The oldest church in the city is the Church of San Nicola dell’Isola, built in 1151 but renovated several times over the centuries. It’s famous for its beautiful frescoes and artwork but was closed once again for renovation when I visited.
Just a short walk away from the Church of San Nicola dell’Isola are the ruins of the Oratory of Santa Caterina, which also has lovely views of the bays.
Other churches worth visiting are the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazaret which dates back to 1600, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which has a stunning view over the Baia del Silenzio.
Palazzo Fasci
In the Largo Colombo in the historic centre, you’ll find the Palazzo Fascie, which was built in 900.
Today, the Palazzo is a museum of the city and its surroundings, a library, a tourist information centre, and a multipurpose space for events and exhibitions.
Hike Up To Punta Manara
As lush green hills and mountains surround Sestri Levante, there are several hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the sea.
One lovely hike is the one up to Punta Manara. It takes around an hour to get up there and is suitable for anyone with an average fitness level. Stunning views, but guess who left their phone behind that day? So you’ll just have to believe me.
Best Places To Eat In Sestri Levante
Try the local cuisine. Ligurian cuisine is famous for its seafood dishes, pesto, and focaccia.
Sestri Levante has several excellent restaurants and trattorias that serve local specialities.
I highly recommend Millelire, located in the town centre and Aragosta D’Oro. But there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the town, and as most of the visitors to Sestri Lavante are Italian, the food will be good wherever you go.
Easy Day Trips From Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is well-connected to other popular destinations along the Ligurian coast, such as Cinque Terre, Genoa and Portofino.
But consider visiting these lesser well-known towns for a more authentic Italian experience. All these towns are within close proximity of Sestri Levante and are very easy to reach by train.
Chiavari
Colourful Historic Street in Chiavari
Chiavari is a picturesque town, and only one train stop away from Sestri Levante. The lovely historic centre is filled with narrow streets and alleys lined with colourful buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. If you’re there on a Friday, you can take a wander around the weekly market.
The town has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. The town’s architecture reflects this, with several beautiful churches, palaces, and villas, such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Villa Rocca.
Pick up a map at the tourist information office, which features four walking trails around the town, so you don’t miss any highlights.
Rapallo
Castle on the Sea, Rapallo
Another beautiful coastal town is Rapallo, just a twenty-minute train ride from Sestri Levante. The town is located on the picturesque Gulf of Tigullio, with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and the surrounding hills.
Don’t miss the 16th century Castle on the sea and be sure to have a wander around its lovely old town.
Santa Margherita Ligure
The Waterfront in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Twenty-five minutes by train from Sestri Lavante is the lovely coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure. From here, it’s just a half-hour walk to its more famous neighbour Portofino, but Santa Margherita Ligure has a far more laidback authentic feel.
It has a lovely old town with several beautiful churches, palaces, and villas like the Villa Durazzo.
There is also a lovely waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, just perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Where To Stay In Sestri Levante
There is accommodation to suit all budgets in Sestri Levante.
Here are a few popular places to stay in Sestri Levante that come highly recommended.
Hotel Helvetia – a lovely looking 4star hotel that overlooks the Silent Bay (Baia del Silenzio) with a pool.
Miramare Suites that overlooks the Bay of Fairy Tales.
Grand Hotel Villa Balbi is a more traditional-looking hotel with elegant rooms—a perfect choice for romantic couples.
Me, well, I stayed in Castiglione Chiavarese, a small town in the hills just outside Sestri Levante, housesitting for three gorgeous cats. If you love animals and living like a local, housesitting is a great way to experience a place (and save money on expensive hotels.)
Castiglione Chiavarese
How To Get To Sestri Levante
By Plane
Genoa Airport is the closest airport to Sestri Levante. But other nearby airports include Pisa, Milan or Bologna.
By Train
Sestri Levante train station is on the Pisa-La Spezia-Genoa line and is served by many trains and also has good connections to Milan. To save time, you can book your train tickets and check timings through OMIO.
By Bus
Regional buses connect Sestri Levante with all the main towns of Liguria. Bus tickets can not be bought on board the buses but are available to purchase at the nearest Tabac or look for the ‘buy your bus ticket here’ sign in the shop window.
You can buy several individual tickets at once, or if you plan to make several bus journeys in a week, consider buying a weekly pass.
Alternatively, download the AMT Genoa bus app to your phone.
By Car
If you plan to hire a car in Italy, simply take the A12 motorway and exit at Sestri Levante; the motorway exit is just one kilometre from the town. But parking in high season will be a bit of a nightmare.
By Boat
During the summer, it is possible to take a ferry from Sestri Levante to the main tourist towns along the Riviera di Levante, including Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. Check here for ferry schedules.
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This looks exactly like a place I would love to explore in Italy. I forget my phone at times and my family just rolls their eyes at me.
We are heading to Italy in a few weeks. Unfortunately we won’t be visiting any of these spots. Italy is just filled with so many unique and beautiful towns. I wish our trip was longer so we may have been able to visit Sestri Levante. We will add it to our places to visit in the future!
Wonderful and helpful guide on what to see in this picturesque location. Love the idea of visiting the. traditional workshops and artisan shops.
I agree with you: Sestri is so beautifull!