Gateway to the Cinque Terre: a long surf beach, striped Sant'Andrea, medieval loggia and walls, a tunnel bike path and trains to Monterosso.
Welcome to Levanto
Levanto is a town of about 5,000 people in the province of La Spezia, at the mouth of a green valley that opens onto a wide, sandy bay. It sits just west of Punta Mesco, the headland where the Cinque Terre begin: Monterosso is a few minutes away by train. It has a medieval old town with walls and a loggia, one of the longest beaches on the eastern Riviera, and winter waves that draw surfers from all over northern Italy.
Most visitors choose it for practical reasons. Levanto is the western terminus of the Cinque Terre regional trains, so you board at the first stop, often find a seat, and reach the villages in minutes. It also has car parks, campsites and a much wider choice of accommodation than the five villages, where space is tight and prices are high.
It is more than a dormitory for hikers, though. In the evening the seafront and old lanes have a life of their own, the beach works well for families, and the old coastal railway has become a walking and cycling path to Bonassola and Framura. Allow two or three days to see the town and tour the Cinque Terre, or a week if you want to mix beach days and trails.
Levanto is in Liguria (Riviera di Levante, province of La Spezia).
What to see
You can walk around the centre in a couple of hours. The medieval core lies on the east side, between the church of Sant’Andrea, the Loggia and the walls climbing the hill; the newer Borgo Nuovo spreads across the plain of the Ghiararo stream towards the station.
Levanto’s landmark is a Ligurian Gothic church built in 1222 and enlarged in the 15th century, with a black-and-white striped façade and a rose window over the door. Inside are five aisles, a 14th-century black crucifix, a 16th-century Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and an Adoration of the Magi by Andrea Semino. Its most precious piece, a chalice linked to Emperor Henry VII, is shown only on special occasions such as the patron saint’s day, 30 November.
In Piazza del Popolo, at the heart of the old town, the 13th-century communal Loggia opens onto the square with stone arches where business and assemblies took place for centuries. In 2007 UNESCO recognised it as a “monument bearing witness to culture and peace”. It is a public space: you will pass it many times, but stop to look at the pillars.
The castle overlooks the old town from the sea side. The Republic of Genoa built it in 1265 on the remains of a Malaspina fortress, with a square plan and a round tower. It is privately owned and closed to visitors, but you get a good view of its walls from the seafront promenade and from the climb to the Clock Tower.
The medieval walls were planned in the early 13th century and much of them survives. From the castle they drop to the Cantarana stream and climb the Costa hill to the Torre dell’Orologio, the round clock tower at the highest point of the circuit and the best preserved of the six original towers. The walk up through the lanes is worth it for the views over the rooftops and the valley; the tower interior is not always open, so treat it as a sight to see from outside.
On the Costa hill, the church of Santa Maria della Costa is probably the oldest religious building in town, possibly 13th century, with a relief of Saint George and the dragon. Next door is the Oratory of San Giacomo, home of the confraternity that organises the Festa del Mare every July.
Heading down towards Piazza del Popolo you pass narrow houses with stone doorways, arches and covered passages. Among them is Casa Restani, a medieval merchant’s house from the days when Levanto lived on the trade in salt, wine, oil and the red marble from its quarries. Further down, the Borgo Nuovo has 17th- and 18th-century palazzi.
The 15th-century church of the Annunziata holds a canvas attributed to Bernardo Strozzi and a Saint George by Pier Francesco Sacchi: a short stop if you like Genoese painting.
The promenade runs the length of the bay, partly on top of the arches that shelter the beach. At its eastern end it reaches La Pietra, the rock that closes the cove below Villa Agnelli (private), with a view over the whole bay. Come here at sunset, when the light comes in low from the west.
Sea
Levanto’s beach covers almost the whole bay: small pebbles and shingle with stretches of sand, private beach clubs alternating with free beaches. In 2026 it holds the Blue Flag. The sea is a 10–15 minute walk from the station. There are four main free beaches: behind the pier towards La Pietra, two in the middle of the bay and Vallesanta, past the small harbour towards Bonassola, with shallow water suited to young children.
In summer the sea is usually calm; in autumn and winter, with south-westerly and north-westerly winds, the bay becomes one of Italy’s best-known surf spots, with schools and board hire on the beach. Free and paid sections, where to swim and where to surf: all in the guide to Levanto’s beaches.
Where to stay
Levanto has more choice than the Cinque Terre and lower average prices: hotels, B&Bs, guest rooms, apartments, agriturismi and campsites. Where to stay depends on your plans.
From June to September book well ahead: Levanto is a favourite base for visiting the Cinque Terre.
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All places to stay on Booking.comGetting there
Take the A12 Genoa–Livorno motorway to the Carrodano–Levanto exit, then drive down to the coast on a winding road with hairpin bends. From La Spezia and Genoa the motorway is always the better option.
Levanto station is on the Genoa–La Spezia line and is the terminus of the Cinque Terre regional trains towards La Spezia, with frequent services in season. From the station it is a 10–15 minute downhill walk to the sea.
In season, boats run by the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico Cinque Terre Golfo dei Poeti link Levanto with the Cinque Terre villages, Portovenere and La Spezia. The pier is at the eastern end of the seafront. Sailings are cancelled in rough seas: check times and dates on the Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti website.
The nearest airports are Genoa, about 90 km away, and Pisa, about 110 km. From either, carry on by train: from Genoa the coastal line runs straight to Levanto; from Pisa change at La Spezia.
The old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) with camera-controlled entrances: do not drive in without a permit. All car parks are paid or time-limited. The main ones are the seafront car park, the station forecourt, the Moltedi car park near the new station, Piazzale Galli and, for short stops, Orti Bardellini and Piazza Pertini. In summer the spaces near the sea fill up early in the morning. If you are visiting the Cinque Terre, leave the car in Levanto and take the train: parking in the villages is scarce and expensive.
By car
A12, Carrodano-Levanto exit, then a winding road; old town is a ZTL
By train
Levanto station (Genoa–La Spezia line), terminus of the Cinque Terre regional trains
By sea
Boats from La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and the Cinque Terre (summer)
By plane
Genoa (about 90 km) or Pisa (about 110 km), then train
The guide
The original railway ran along the sea; when it was moved inland in 1970, the old line became a flat, paved walking and cycling path of about 5–6 km. It starts from Levanto’s seafront, passes Bonassola and ends in Framura, mostly inside lit tunnels with openings onto the sea. It suits children and works on foot, by bike or by scooter. Bring a light jumper: the tunnels are cool even in August. Between Bonassola and Framura the route is almost entirely underground, so the first stretch is the most scenic.
Levanto has a long surfing tradition: the bay has several peaks, some over sand, others over rock. Good waves come mainly in autumn and winter with south-westerly and north-westerly swells. Surf schools on the beach rent boards and teach beginners: ask them which peak suits your level on the day.
From Levanto, regional trains on the Cinque Terre fare stop at all five villages and run on to La Spezia. Monterosso is a few minutes away, with Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola just beyond. In 2026, from 14 March to 1 November, a single ticket costs €5 to €10 depending on the period and is valid for 75 minutes; the alternative is the Cinque Terre Card Treno, valid all day. Check fares and dates on Trenitalia Cinque Terre and on the official Cinque Terre Card site.
The local dish is gattafin, a large fried ravioli filled with wild greens and cheese, celebrated with a food festival in June. Otherwise expect eastern Riviera cooking: trofie with pesto, fresh anchovies (stuffed or marinated), focaccia and a glass of Vermentino.
This is Levanto’s classic hike. It starts on the east side of town, climbs through holm oak woods and rocks to the ruined hermitage of Sant’Antonio del Mesco, then drops to Monterosso with a view over the whole Cinque Terre. Allow about 6–7 km and 3 hours, with a steep first climb; wear hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. It is normally free: the Cinque Terre Card is needed on the Blue Trail sections further south. Come back by train.
Before setting off, check trail status on the Cinque Terre National Park website: in September 2026 the Monterosso–Vernazza–Corniglia section was closed for geological checks.
A shorter walk climbs through olive groves to the Guardia sanctuary on the hill above town, with a good view over the bay. Its feast day is 29 August.
Weather
May–June and September for beach and trails; autumn and winter for surfing
Forecast: MET Norway (Yr), CC BY 4.0 licence. Updated hourly.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea | Off season | Off season | Off season | Off season | Possible | Good | Ideal | Ideal | Good | Possible | Off season | Off season |
| Sightseeing and hiking | Possible | Possible | Good | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal | Good | Good | Ideal | Ideal | Possible | Possible |
| Crowds | Quiet | Quiet | Few people | Few people | Busy | Busy | Very busy | Very busy | Busy | Few people | Quiet | Quiet |
| Don't miss | Mangialonga | Festa del Mare | Sant'Andrea | |||||||||
IdealGoodPossibleOff season
Crowds:QuietFew peopleBusyVery busy
FAQ
No. The Cinque Terre are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Levanto lies just to the west, beyond Punta Mesco, and is the terminus of the trains that connect them.
Yes, one of the best: more accommodation, generally lower prices, car parks and campsites, and Monterosso is just a few minutes away by train.
A few minutes by train, or about 3 hours on foot over Punta Mesco.
Normally no: the card is required on the paid Blue Trail sections between Monterosso and Corniglia. Check the trail status on the Park website before you go.
It is mainly small pebbles and shingle, with sandy patches, especially under the promenade arches. There are four free beaches and several beach clubs.
Mainly autumn and winter, with south-westerly or north-westerly swells. Summer waves are rare.
About 5–6 km, flat and mostly in tunnels, from Levanto to Bonassola and Framura.
In the paid car parks on the seafront, at the station and on Via Nuova Stazione (Moltedi), or at Piazzale Galli. The old town is a ZTL.
In late July, for Saint James: historical parade, procession and fireworks over the sea. In 2026 it ran from 22 to 25 July.
May, June and September for beach and trails without the crowds; July and August for beach life; autumn and winter for surfing.
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