Clustered with colourful buildings overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Sestri Levante is a charming fishing village that has been transformed into a popular beach resort. It’s home to a charismatic Old Town and stunning stretch of sand and is a short drive from the buzzing port city of Genoa.
Things to do in Sestri Levante
Explore the natural headland of Punta Manara, which juts into the Gulf of Tigullio between Sestri Levante and Riva Trigoso. Discover ancient fortress ruins and World War II military buildings while hiking through the pine woodlands and learn about the native flora along the signed nature trail.
Wander through the historic streets of Sestri Levante to admire the medieval-style facade of Palazzo Fascie and the 17th-century Convento dei Cappuccini. Visit the Renaissance Church of St Mary of Nazareth, which features a marble altar and frescoes by Italian painter Lazzaro De Maestri.
Relax on the picture-perfect sands of the Bay of Silence and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Ligure di Levante. Alternatively, head to the other side of the peninsula to the Bay of Fairy Tales, which is clustered with traditional gozzi fishing boats.
Make a day trip to the lively port city of Genoa to see its black-and-white-striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo and wander along the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi. Visit the Casa di Cristoforo Colombo, where the great explorer was born, and get up close to marine species from around the world at Italy’s largest aquarium.
Getting around Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is a 45-minute drive from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and connected to towns and cities across the region by train. The central area of Sestri Levante is compact enough to explore on foot, but buses are also available for getting around.