When I first visited the Riviera di Levante last spring, I was immediately captivated by this stunning stretch of coastline along the Italian Riviera.
Extending from Genoa eastward through Liguria, this coastal gem is home to some of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes and charming seaside towns.
The Riviera di Levante offers travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and authentic Italian experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world.
My journey through this region took me from the bustling port city of Genoa to the colorful fishing villages of Cinque Terre, where five cliffside towns connected by scenic hiking paths create postcard-perfect views at every turn.
I also spent unforgettable days exploring the glamorous harbor of Portofino with its pastel-colored buildings and luxury yachts bobbing in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
What makes the Riviera di Levante truly special is how it balances world-famous destinations with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the popular spots like Cinque Terre and Portofino, I found charming towns like Sestri Levante with its two beautiful bays and La Spezia with its vibrant local culture. The incredible cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties like pesto, makes every meal an event to remember.
Exploring the Charm of Cinque Terre
Nestled along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coastline, Cinque Terre captivates visitors with its colorful villages perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights that have made it one of Italy’s most cherished destinations.
Villages of Color: Manarola, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore
Manarola stole my heart immediately with its rainbow-colored houses stacked like building blocks against the cliffside. I spent hours wandering through narrow alleyways that suddenly open to breathtaking sea views.
The small harbor is perfect for watching sunset while locals chat over glasses of the local white wine.
Vernazza might be the most photogenic of the five villages. Its natural harbor is framed by a small piazza lined with cafes where I enjoyed my morning espresso. The medieval Doria Castle tower provides spectacular panoramic views that are worth the climb up winding stone steps.
Riomaggiore, the easternmost village, features tall, narrow homes in vibrant hues of pink, yellow, and blue. I found its bustling main street, Via Colombo, filled with authentic local shops and restaurants. The village’s small beach is a hidden gem, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploration.
Hiking the Azure Trails
The famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all five villages along stunning cliff edges. I recommend starting early to avoid crowds and summer heat.
The most popular stretch between Monterosso and Vernazza offers incredible coastal views that had me stopping every few minutes for photos.
The trail requires decent fitness levels and proper footwear, but the effort rewards you with breathtaking vistas of terraced vineyards and the azure Mediterranean below. Trail passes can be purchased at entry points and include access to all connecting paths.
For a less crowded experience, I ventured onto the higher trails like Sentiero Rosso (Red Trail). These paths take you through olive groves and vineyards with sweeping views of all five villages from above.
Remember to carry water and check trail conditions, as some paths may close seasonally due to landslides.
Local Cuisine and Seafood Delights
Cinque Terre’s cuisine reflects its seaside location with fresh seafood featuring prominently on menus. I couldn’t resist trying the anchovies from Monterosso, prepared simply with lemon and olive oil. They bear no resemblance to the salty tinned variety you might be familiar with.
The region’s signature dish is trofie al pesto – twisted pasta with authentic Ligurian basil pesto. The basil grown on hillside terraces here has an intensity of flavor I’ve never tasted elsewhere.
Pair it with a glass of local Sciacchetrà, a sweet dessert wine produced from grapes grown on the steep terraces.
Seafood lovers should try the mixed seafood cones (fritto misto) sold at harbor-side stands. These paper cones filled with lightly fried calamari, shrimp, and small fish make for the perfect portable snack while exploring the villages. Most restaurants offer outdoor seating with stunning sea views that enhance every meal.
Portofino and Beyond: Discovering Elite Hideaways
The Riviera di Levante hosts some of Italy’s most exclusive coastal destinations where celebrity sightings are common and luxury yachts dot the harbors. These picturesque villages combine natural beauty with refined elegance.
Portofino’s Luxurious Appeal
Portofino stands as the crown jewel of the Italian Riviera. I’ve found this former fishing village transformed into a playground for the wealthy, with its horseshoe-shaped harbor filled with everything from sailing boats to super-yachts.
The colorful buildings that line the harbor create a perfect backdrop for people watching at one of the chic cafés. During my visits, I’ve noticed how Portofino expertly balances its fishing village charm with high-end boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants.
For the best views, I recommend hiking up to Castello Brown. This 16th-century fortress offers stunning panoramas of the village and the sparkling Ligurian Sea below. Nearby, La Portofinese in the hills provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling harbor scene.
Santa Margherita Ligure and San Fruttuoso
Just a short boat ride from Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a more relaxed luxury experience. This elegant seaside town features belle époque buildings, palm-lined promenades, and a lively atmosphere without Portofino’s premium prices.
I love wandering through Villa Durazzo’s beautiful gardens before enjoying fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants. The local markets here provide a glimpse into authentic Italian coastal life.
San Fruttuoso, accessible only by boat or hiking trail, hides a 10th-century abbey nestled between pine forests and the turquoise sea. My most memorable experience was swimming in the crystal-clear waters while gazing up at this ancient structure. The secluded beach here offers a peaceful escape from the more popular coastal spots.
Camogli: A Hidden Gem
Camogli remains one of my favorite discoveries along this coastline—a place where authentic Ligurian life continues despite increasing tourism. This fishing village charms visitors with tall, narrow houses painted in warm pastels and trompe l’oeil details.
I recommend timing your visit for the second Sunday in May when Camogli hosts the Fish Festival. Locals fry enormous amounts of fish in what might be the world’s largest frying pan!
The pebbly beach here offers stunning views, especially at sunset. For an unforgettable experience, hike from Camogli to San Rocco along ancient mule tracks. The panoramic views of the Gulf of Paradise make every step worthwhile. Don’t miss trying the local specialty—focaccia di Recco—at one of the traditional bakeries.
The Coastal Majesty of Sestri Levante and the Gulf of Tigullio
The Gulf of Tigullio showcases some of Liguria’s most enchanting coastal towns, where colorful buildings meet crystal-clear waters and hidden coves await discovery.
Between Two Bays: The Beauty of Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante is a true gem on the Italian Riviera, uniquely positioned between two beautiful bays. I fell in love with the famous Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio), voted by Italians as one of the country’s top ten beaches. Its calm, turquoise waters are framed by pastel-colored buildings that create a picture-perfect setting.
On the other side lies the Bay of Fables, named after Hans Christian Andersen who once stayed here. The town’s charming Old Town features narrow, winding streets filled with boutiques and seafood restaurants.
During my visit, I discovered locals enjoy aperitivo at sunset along the waterfront. The relaxed atmosphere makes Sestri Levante ideal for both families and couples seeking a less crowded alternative to the Cinque Terre.
A Stroll through Rapallo and Its Historic Charms
Walking through Rapallo feels like stepping into a postcard of classic Italian coastal life. The seafront promenade lined with palm trees offers stunning views of the small castle that sits in the bay, once built to defend against pirate attacks.
I spent a delightful morning exploring Rapallo’s historic center with its vibrant shopping streets. The boutiques here offer everything from local handicrafts to high-end Italian fashion pieces.
Don’t miss the 16th-century Basilica and the small fishing harbor where colorful boats bob in the water. For the best views, I took the cable car up to Montallegro Sanctuary. From this vantage point, the entire Gulf of Tigullio spread before me in breathtaking panorama.
Levante’s Best Beaches and Seaside Activities
The Riviera di Levante boasts some of Italy’s most stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm and crystal-clear waters that invite both relaxation and adventure.
Sunbathing in Fiascherino, Lerici, and Levanto
When I visited Fiascherino, I was amazed by its intimate twin beaches tucked between rocky cliffs. These small but perfect stretches of sand offer tranquil swimming in turquoise waters away from larger crowds.
Lerici’s beaches blend historical charm with seaside relaxation. The main beach sits below the impressive medieval castle, creating a postcard-perfect setting. I found the water remarkably clean here, perfect for long afternoon dips.
Levanto surprised me with its wide, sandy beach that stretches nearly a kilometer. Unlike the tiny coves in Cinque Terre, this spacious beach offers room to spread out. It’s especially family-friendly with gentle waves and good facilities.
Best Time for Sunbathing:
- Early morning: Peaceful atmosphere, best light for photos
- Late afternoon: Less crowded, softer sun
- Avoid: 12pm-3pm during July/August (extreme heat)
Swimming and Water Sports
The Levante coast offers exceptional swimming conditions. I love the water temperature here – it remains comfortable from June through September. For the bravest swimmers, May and October can also be pleasant.
Water sports thrive along this coastline. In Levanto, I tried surfing for the first time – it’s one of the few spots on the Mediterranean with reliable waves. The local surf schools cater to all levels, and equipment rentals are reasonably priced.
Kayaking provides my favorite way to explore this dramatic coastline. Paddling from Lerici around the Bay of Poets reveals hidden caves and secluded beaches inaccessible by land. Several operators offer guided tours and hourly rentals.
For underwater enthusiasts, snorkeling around the rocky points of Fiascherino reveals colorful marine life. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, and I’ve spotted numerous fish species without needing to venture far from shore.
Culinary Explorations: Savoring Levante’s Gastronomy
The Riviera di Levante offers a symphony of flavors that captivate the palate through traditional Ligurian cuisine and local wines. My gastronomic journey through this coastal paradise revealed delicacies that tell the story of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Sestri’s Gastronomical Flourish
Wandering through Sestri Levante, I discovered a haven for seafood lovers. The restaurants here pride themselves on fresh catch prepared with simple yet profound Mediterranean techniques.
Local trattorias serve up the most divine trofie al pesto, made with the region’s famous Genoese pesto – a vibrant blend of basil, pine nuts, and local cheese. The fragrance alone is worth the trip!
For a true taste of Liguria, I recommend trying pansoti with walnut sauce, a stuffed pasta unique to the region. The torta pasqualina, a savory pie filled with greens, cheese, and eggs, showcases the area’s agricultural bounty.
Street markets offer fresh focaccia – Liguria’s signature flatbread – perfect for a quick snack between sightseeing adventures.
Wine Tasting: Discovering Rossese and Cinque Terre Wines
The terraced vineyards in Cinque Terre produce extraordinary wines that perfectly complement the local cuisine.
I spent an afternoon sampling Cinque Terre DOC whites. These wines are crisp and mineral-rich with notes of citrus and herbs. They pair beautifully with the region’s seafood dishes.
Rossese di Dolceacqua, a ruby-red gem from western Liguria, surprised me with its light body and complex character. Local wine bars often offer tastings with knowledgeable hosts. They share fascinating stories about traditional winemaking techniques.
Many vineyards welcome visitors for tours. Here, you can witness the heroic viticulture practiced on these dramatic slopes.
The evening tradition of Aperitivo provides the perfect opportunity to sip these local treasures while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
