Why Levanto Deserves a Spot on Your Cinque Terre Itinerary
Levanto is one of those rare places you can return to again and again, and it will always greet you with a new face. I’ve visited in every season, and each time felt completely different: sometimes the sea is calm, the sun warm, and love seems to hang in the air; other times the waves crash wildly, and the surfers come out to dance with the storm. This contrast is what makes Levanto truly special.
While it sits just beyond the main five villages of Cinque Terre, its charm and beauty are just as compelling—without the overwhelming crowds. Levanto is the perfect base for exploring the area, especially if you crave a bit of space and serenity.
The town’s long, sandy beach is ideal for swimming, paddling, or kayaking. Thanks to its consistent, gentle waves, Levanto is also one of Italy’s top surfing spots. So if you love riding the waves—or watching others do it—this place is for you.
Strolling along Via Garibaldi, the town’s colorful main street, you’ll find local shops (including a little optical store that hides true treasures), cafés, and restaurants serving up the best Ligurian focaccia I’ve ever tasted. Maybe it was the company. Maybe it was love. But it felt like magic.
Levanto’s shoreline is a living mood board. Some days, the sea gently brushes the pier. Others, it crashes with such force you can’t help but stop and stare. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the water or hiking one of the many scenic paths that wind through the hills and lead to nearby villages, Levanto has a rhythm that pulls you in.
The most famous trail connects Levanto to Monterosso and continues into the heart of Cinque Terre. It’s not just a walk—it’s a journey through landscapes that change with every step and season.
Levanto is always different, yet always the same. A place where nature, calm, and that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe come together in perfect balance.