Visit Sestri Levante Italy: The Perfect Getaway

Looking for the perfect seaside escape on the Italian Riviera? Visit Sestri Levante and discover a colorful blend of fishing-village charm, turquoise bays, golden beaches, and mouthwatering Ligurian cuisine. Often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors Portofino and Cinque Terre, this hidden treasure sits gracefully between the Gulf of Tigullio and the dramatic cliffs of northwestern Liguria. From romantic strolls along the famous Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) to day trips exploring nearby gems like Genoa, Monterosso, or Pisa, Sestri Levante is a dream base for travelers who love culture, sea views, and exceptional wines. Join Liguria wine tours to taste the region’s best vintages, wander through winding medieval streets, feast on fresh seafood, or set off on scenic coastal hikes, this is a place that has it all, and then some.

Visit Sestri Levante: Top things to do

Wander the stunning Bay of Silence

If Sestri Levante had a postcard cover, the Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) would be it. This dreamy crescent of golden sand is hugged by pastel houses, bobbing fishing boats, and the storybook streets of the old Nazareth quarter. Mornings are made for a refreshing dip before the crowds appear, while evenings call for a chilled glass of wine with the sun melting into the sea. And yes, your camera roll is about to get a serious workout, most iconic shots of Sestri Levante are taken right here.

Explore the fabled Bay of Fables

On the flip side of the peninsula, right by the railway station, you’ll find the Bay of Fables (Baia delle Favole), named after none other than Hans Christian Andersen, who once called Sestri Levante home. This is the livelier sibling of the Bay of Silence, think long sandy stretches, buzzing beachfront bars, seafood restaurants, and gelato stops that could tempt even the most disciplined traveler.

Visit the Old Town

Charming, colorful, and completely pedestrian-friendly, Via XXV Aprile is the beating heart of Sestri Levante’s old town. This lively street is lined with seafood restaurants dishing up the catch of the day, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and gelato spots you’ll have trouble walking past. It’s perfect for a late-afternoon wander with a Spritz in hand. Keep an eye out for street performers and stalls selling unique local crafts, because who doesn’t love going home with something you can actually say came from “that little shop in Sestri”?

Marvel at the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth

Right by the harbor, this 17th-century beauty adds a burst of baroque flair to the square. Tourists often breeze past it on their way to the beach, which is a shame, it’s a peaceful little escape from the Riviera buzz. Step inside for a moment of calm, admire the ornate details, and then step back out to the smell of the sea and the clink of glasses from nearby cafés. It’s Sestri Levante at its most authentic.

Walk to Punta Manara viewpoint

Lace up your sneakers and hit the trail to Punta Manara, a scenic promontory that serves up some of the best views in all of Sestri Levante. The hike (or leisurely stroll, if that’s more your pace) winds through fragrant pine forests and Mediterranean scrub before opening up to jaw-dropping panoramas of both bays, the hills, and the endless blue of the Ligurian Sea. Go early for the cool breeze, or late in the afternoon to bask in that magical golden light that makes everything look like a postcard.

Visit Sestri Levante: Top things to do around

Wander through the picturesque vineyards of Liguria

Only a half-hour inland from Sestri Levante, the green hills of Liguria open up into a patchwork of vineyards just begging to be explored. Join a Liguria wine tours adventure and taste your way through crisp whites, floral rosés, and the kind of local pours that make you wonder why you don’t live here full-time. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of century-old winemaking traditions and discover how perfectly these wines match with fresh seafood or a bowl of basil-rich pesto pasta. It’s the perfect little escape from the beach, without ever leaving the Italian Riviera magic behind.

Explore the colorful charm of Portofino

A vibrant fishing village turned chic coastal retreat, Portofino is just under an hour from Sestri Levante by car or train. Its postcard-perfect harbor, framed by pastel facades, is lined with designer boutiques, gourmet seafood spots, and cafés made for sunset spritz sessions. Hike the promontory trails for panoramic views, or explore hidden coves only locals seem to know about.

For insider tips, secret viewpoints, and the ultimate day-trip game plan, check out our guide to visit Portofino Italy, it’s your shortcut to making the most of this Ligurian jewel.

Head to a gem in the Tuscan Apennines

About 55 miles from Sestri Levante, Podere Fedespina is your ticket to a peaceful wine escape in the Tuscan hills. This small, family-run estate specializes in elegant reds and crisp whites made with local grapes like Ciliegiolo and Vermentino Nero. Stroll through the vineyards, peek into the cellar, and enjoy a guided tasting of four wines paired with local cheese and salami. It’s the perfect countryside detour when you’re ready for a break from the beach but still want those Italian Riviera flavors, just with a Tuscan twist.

Visit the legendary villages of the Cinque Terre

No trip to Sestri Levante is complete without a day trip to the world-famous Cinque Terre, and if you’re looking for things to do in Cinque Terre, this is where the magic happens. Just a 40-minute train ride from the station on Via XXV Aprile, these five colorful cliffside villages are a dream for hikers, boat lovers, and anyone with a camera. Stroll Monterosso’s wide sandy beach, feast on seafood in vibrant Vernazza, or wander the pastel lanes of Manarola. A UNESCO World Heritage site that blends raw coastal beauty with rich Ligurian charm, the Cinque Terre is pure Italian Riviera perfection.

Take a day trip to Genoa

Less than an hour by train from Sestri Levante, Genoa is a lively port city bursting with history, art, and delicious street food. Wander the UNESCO-listed old town, lose yourself in its maze of narrow caruggi alleyways, and admire the grand palaces of Via Garibaldi. Stop at the vibrant Porto Antico for gelato with a sea view, visit the famous Aquarium one of Europe’s largest or head to a Genoa winery.

In need of more inspiration? Our guide to the best day trips from Genoa will help you uncover even more gems along the Ligurian coast.

Delight in the coastal charm of Santa Margherita Ligure

Just 23 minutes by train from Sestri Levante, Santa Margherita Ligure blends laid-back Riviera charm with a dash of Italian elegance. Beloved by locals, it’s a place where 17th-century villas peek out from lush gardens, palm-lined promenades invite gentle strolls, and the harbor hums with colorful fishing boats and sleek yachts. Along the waterfront, pastel façades frame chic cafés and seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day with a side of local wine. If you’re looking for a day trip from Sestri Levante that delivers both history and seaside sophistication, Santa Margherita Ligure is a sure bet.

Good to know before visiting Sestri Levante