Sestri Levante is one of the most practical bases on the Riviera di Levante: it has a station on the Genoa–La Spezia line, direct trains to the Cinque Terre and boats to Portofino. The loveliest place to stay is the old town on the peninsula, between the Bay of Fables and the Bay of Silence: step outside and you’re at the sea, on one side or the other. For a beach holiday with kids, look at the Baia delle Favole seafront; if you’re travelling by train and want to save time, the streets towards the station. Riva Trigoso is the quiet alternative.
- Most beautiful: the old town between the two bays, everything within walking distance
- Beach and families: the Baia delle Favole seafront, sand and a gently sloping seabed
- Trains and Cinque Terre: the station area, with the 5 Terre Express until 1 November 2026
- Quieter: Riva Trigoso, to the east beyond Punta Manara
- Car: A12, Sestri Levante exit; the old town is a limited traffic zone and parking is almost all paid
- Heads-up: the tunnel road from Riva Trigoso to Moneglia has been closed since 2025
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The old town between the two bays
The centre of Sestri Levante sits on a narrow isthmus between two seas: the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables) to the west, the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) to the east, and at the end the headland locals call the “island”. The main lane is Via XXV Aprile, with painted façades and slate doorways. Staying here means breakfast, then choosing your bay, dinner in the lanes and an evening stroll without touching the car.
The downsides: the old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so ask your host how to get there and where to park, and in summer it’s busy. In summer 2026 the Bay of Silence also had capped access from 1 July to 31 August, with a maximum of 450 people at a time: staying nearby gives you no priority, but it lets you get there early. Read our guide to the Bay of Silence.
Baia delle Favole: the beach choice
The Bay of Fables is the town’s long beach, about 1.5 km of sand and fine gravel with a gently shelving seabed, partly free and partly run by beach clubs. It’s the natural choice for a seaside holiday with children, and the old town is a few steps away. There’s also a free beach equipped for people with disabilities.
If you want a hotel with direct beach access, filter for “beachfront”; for a week’s stay an apartment is often more practical.
Near the station: handy for day trips
The newer streets towards the station are less scenic but practical if you’re getting around by train. From Sestri you reach Genoa Brignole in 45–80 minutes and La Spezia in 30–40. From 14 March to 1 November 2026, nine 5 Terre Express trains are extended to Sestri Levante, giving you direct trains to Levanto, the Cinque Terre and La Spezia with no changes.
The Stazione car park is nearby, useful if you arrive by car and want to leave it for a few days.
Recommended places to stay in Sestri Levante
Apartments ★★★★
Suite Hotel Nettuno
Sestri Levante
Fabulous
Located in Sestri Levante, next to its private beach, Suite Hotel Nettuno is an Art Nouveau villa that offers a swimming pool, a restaurant, elegant rooms and suites, and a…
Check availabilityHotel ★★★★
Grand Hotel Dei Castelli
Sestri Levante
Fabulous
Located on the Sestri Levante peninsula and overlooking a beautiful park, Grand Hotel Dei Castelli offers panoramic views and a quiet, privileged location.
Check availabilityHotel ★★★★
Hotel Miramare & Spa
Sestri Levante
Fabulous
Located right on the Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Hotel Miramare & Spa offers a private beach and air-conditioned accommodations with free WiFi and satellite TV.
Check availabilityHotel ★★★★
Grand Hotel Villa Balbi
Sestri Levante
Optimal
Surrounded by a lush garden with Mediterranean vegetation, this historic villa with outdoor pool stands on the Sestri Levante waterfront and overlooks the Tigullio Gulf.
Check availabilityHotel ★★★
Villa Agnese
Sestri Levante
Excellent
Set in a quiet location surrounded by vineyards, 3 km from the center of Sestri Levante and the beach, Villa Agnese offers a sun terrace with sunbeds and free parking…
Check availabilityAll places to stay in Sestri Levante
Riva Trigoso: the quiet alternative
Riva Trigoso is part of Sestri, to the east, separated from the centre by the Punta Manara headland. It has a wide beach of coarse sand with free and paid sections, colourful houses and a village feel. The large Fincantieri shipyard takes up part of the shore. In July the Sagra del Bagnun celebrates the local fishermen’s anchovy soup.
It’s a good choice if you want calm and a roomy beach, but you’ll need a short ride to Sestri’s station and the two bays. Between the two lies Punta Manara, reachable only on foot: the loop from Sestri takes about two and a half hours.
Important: the coastal tunnel road between Riva Trigoso and Moneglia has been closed since spring 2025, and reopening is not expected before 2027. To reach Moneglia today you take the narrow, winding inland road (about 25 minutes) or the train.
A base for the Cinque Terre and Portofino
- Cinque Terre by train: on the 5 Terre Express (until 1 November 2026) or regional trains towards La Spezia. See our Cinque Terre guide.
- Cinque Terre by boat: from May to September the Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio links Sestri with Riomaggiore and Monterosso, weather permitting.
- Portofino: by boat, with more departures at weekends and in high season, or by train to Santa Margherita and then bus 782. Read where to stay in Portofino.
- Car: A12, Sestri Levante exit, about 1 km from the centre. Car parks: Piazza Aldo Moro on the edge of the ZTL, Sant’Anna (underground, by the Bay of Fables), Stazione, and the free Baden Powell car park near the railway.
- Airport: Genoa is about 60 km away.
When to book
July and August are the busiest months, along with weekends in June and September. Events that fill the town: the Andersen Festival in early June and the Barcarolata boat parade in the Bay of Silence, traditionally on the last Sunday of July. In spring and autumn you’ll find more choice and quieter trains to the Cinque Terre.
If Sestri is full, look at Chiavari and Lavagna, a few train stops towards Genoa, or Levanto, the gateway to the Cinque Terre.
Places to stay in Chiavari Places to stay in Levanto
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Sestri Levante?
The old town between the Bay of Fables and the Bay of Silence: everything is walkable. For a beach holiday with children, the Baia delle Favole seafront; for train day trips, the station area.
Is Sestri Levante a good base for the Cinque Terre?
Yes. Until 1 November 2026 the 5 Terre Express starts from Sestri Levante and runs straight to the five villages; from May to September there are boats too.
Do I need a car in Sestri Levante?
No, if you move between town, beaches and day trips by train or boat. The old town is a limited traffic zone and parking is almost all paid.
Can I drive from Riva Trigoso to Moneglia along the coast?
Not at the moment: the tunnel road has been closed since spring 2025 and isn’t expected to reopen before 2027. Use the inland road or the train.
Do I need to book the Bay of Silence?
No. In summer 2026 entry was free with no booking, but capped from 1 July to 31 August: once the limit is reached you get in only when someone leaves. Check the current rules before you go.