Welcome to Levanto, Italy! If you’re here for the day or longer, you can read about five things to do in Levanto, PLUS other things to do and see in the area.
If you’re short on time or prefer to watch a video, then check out our YouTube channel below:
So, let’s make a start.
1. Lungomare
The Lungomare is a seaside promenade that wraps around the entire bay of Levanto and the eastern side of Levanto Beach.
It's a great place to take a stroll, enjoy the views, go for a ride, or just simply sit back and grab a coffee or aperitivo.
Casinò café
A nice place to sit and relax is at the Casinò café. The café is part of Il Casinò Municipale which includes a large building (used as a restaurant and entertainment venue), a swimming pool, and a private beach area.
This is an important historical building from the 1920s that continues to be a central part of Levanto’s day and night life, including being home to one of the best restaurants in Levanto (Il Ristorante Casinò di Levanto).
2. Levanto Beach
One of the reasons Levanto is so popular is because of its beach. Levanto Beach is large and sandy with free public areas and paid bagnos.
Bagnos
For those of you who don't know, a bagno in Italy is a private part of the beach that you pay to enter.
You’ll be able to rent sunbeds and umbrellas and there’s often a bar or restaurant, so you can relax and enjoy the whole day in comfort.
Bagnos vary considerably in price, but at Levanto Beach, it’s around 15 euros per person (per day) for a sunbed and umbrella.
The beach at Levanto is easy to access, and the shallow entry to the water makes it a popular place for families and swimmers.
During certain times of the year, and in certain parts of the sea, it’s also popular with paddle boarders, snorkelers, surfers, and boat tours.
3. Coves
If the large open beach isn't for you, then head along the Lungomare a little bit further to the northern end of Levanto.
This is where you will find some old railway tunnels that have now been made into a walking and cycling path (la pista ciclopedonale).
Hidden Coves
If you head through those tunnels, you'll discover a series of little coves and secluded beaches.
The beaches are all public and free. Along the cycle path, there is access to water, but otherwise, there are no facilities or services.
These coves are a good place to snorkel and one of the beaches is also dog-friendly!
Need more help with planning a day trip to Levanto?
Our ready-to-use, carefully planned, and affordable ‘One Day in Levanto’ itinerary might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This little coastal town is just over the hill from Cinque Terre.
It’s not as well-known as its famous neighbor, but take the time to visit and discover the village and its history. And if that isn’t enough, Levanto is great for sunbathers, divers, surfers, cyclists, and hikers!
4. Cycling
Cycling is a very popular way to get around Levanto and it seems like everyone in town has a bike!
But if you want to go further afield, then the cycle path extends to Bonassola and Framura.
The Cycle Path
The cycle track between Levanto, Bonassola, and Framura is almost 6 km of asphalted path.
The path is partly through tunnels and partly open air, following the route of the historic 19th-century railway line.
During summer the tunnels provide much-needed shade, and the ride is flat and easy.
Both Framura and Bonassola have great little cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat and beaches for relaxing and swimming. These little towns are off the beaten path and are well worth visiting.
Savvy Travel Tips: There are at least 3 places in Levanto for bike rental. The easiest one is The Rip Curl Store, which is close to the car park at the Lungomare.
Unless you’re planning on cycling in the hills, you will be fine hiring a simple cruiser or city bike. Otherwise, there is an excellent cycle tour that includes a guide, local information, and stops for food and drinks.
5. Levanto Hiking Trails
At the southern end of the Lungomare, there's access to the Levanto – Monterosso hike. This is a section of the Cinque Terre SVA (Sentiero Verde Azzurro – Blue Trail).
Hike From Levanto to Monterosso
The trail heads from Levanto all the way to Monterosso al Mare and takes around two hours.
We did that section of the SVA back in 2019 when Lu and I were here on our honeymoon! But we tackled the hike from Monterosso to Levanto.
After a lazy pasta lunch in Levanto, we caught the Cinque Terre Express train back to our accommodation in Riomaggiore. A perfect day!
Other Content Relating to Cinque Terre
The SVA trail also continues in the direction of Bonassola and Framura. The path goes into the hills but is close enough to the sea so that you can experience expansive coastal views. This section of the SVA isn’t as famous as the Cinque Terre hiking trails but is just as beautiful.
Other Levanto Hiking Trails: For an all-day local hike (away from the mainstream tourists) I recommend taking the SVA from Levanto to Framura and then connecting with the 651V to Foce del Prato, which is an agriturismo in the hills. There are sweeping views, but the real reason to go here is for the moreish local food and genuine hospitality. Booking ahead is advisable!
Other Things To Do in Levanto
So, I've given you 5 fun things to do in Levanto. But there are also other noteworthy activities and attractions including:
- Shopping for local produce and handmade crafts.
- Sightseeing to appreciate the local architecture and explore the history of the town.
- Enjoy local Ligurian food and drink in the cafes, restaurants, and wineries in the area.
- Boating or Kayaking to explore the stunning coastline and coves to take in the beauty and reconnect with nature.
- Catching a ferry to Cinque Terre or continuing on to the Gulf of Poets town of Portovenere.
- Catching a train to Cinque Terre or continuing on to spend the day in La Spezia.
Wrap Up
Levanto is a thriving beachside town located close to Cinque Terre and La Spezia, but with many tourist attractions of its own.
Levanto is a great place to visit for the day, but it is also a suitable place for a longer beach holiday to enjoy the Ligurian Riviera.
There is a wide array of things to do in Levanto and around the beach and hilly terrain. And there are a few other towns close by to explore and enjoy.
FAQ
Is Levanto a good base for visiting Cinque Terre?
Levanto is cheaper and more accessible than Cinque Terre. It’s also a lot quieter and has a more relaxed beachy town feel. It’s a good option if you really want some downtime and would like to spend time at the beach.
Another suitable alternative is to stay in La Spezia. During the warmer months, La Spezia has a lot more going on with numerous food & wine festivals, markets, and music events. There is also a wider choice of restaurants and things to do. One of the other huge benefits of La Spezia is that it is very easy to access towns like Lerici and Porto Venere. And of course, La Spezia is also on the Cinque Terre Express train line.
How far is Levanto from Cinque Terre?
The train to Cinque Terre takes under 10 minutes to reach Monterosso al Mare. The train station is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the beach.
Is Levanto suitable for families?
Yes! Levanto is a great option for families. The large sandy beach is safer for children than some of the rocky beaches around the coast. There are lots of family-friendly restaurants in town and a park. The cycle path is also suitable for a family day out.
