Discover Sestri Levante Ligure
Sestri Levante Ligure might not be the first place that pops into your mind when planning a vacation to Italy. It’s often overshadowed by the glitz of other places on the Italian Riviera, such as Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, or the historic allure of Cinque Terre.
Our aim is to offer something a bit different from the large travel portals that focus on the most popular locations. We don’t feature sites or accommodations because they’ve paid for placement. Instead, we strive to provide an honest mix of the good and the not-so-good about each location.
We hope you, the visitor to Sestri Levante Ligure Visitor Guide, find our information useful as you plan your trip to this beautiful town. If you do, feel free to share our site with your friends or give us a shout-out on social media. Happy travels!
Our website covers:
- History of Sestri Levante
- Where to Stay in Sestri Levante
- Getting to Sestri Levante
- Things to Do in Sestri Levante
- …and much more!

Sure, Sestri Levante Ligure has its stunning waterfront and the famous Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairytales. You might enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade or a day trip to the nearby Cinque Terre or Levanto. The charming streets lined with boutiques and the vibrant local markets do make it into travel guides occasionally.
But it’s rare to see Sestri Levante Ligure featured prominently in mainstream travel brochures. Travelers flock to the iconic landmarks of Rome and Florence, and the romantic canals of Venice. The Amalfi Coast and the Tuscan countryside draw crowds with their breathtaking landscapes and world-renowned cuisine.
Despite the efforts of local tourism boards, Sestri Levante Ligure often gets overlooked when people plan their Italian Riviera getaway.

It seems that Sestri Levante Ligure’s biggest fans tend to be those who have lived or spent significant time here. Once you experience the serene beaches, the rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality, you start to see just how much this coastal gem has to offer.
That’s where the Sestri Levante Ligure Visitor Guide comes in – a resource dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems and must-see spots in this enchanting town.
This isn’t an official tourist marketing site. That means you get an independent and unbiased view of the places we cover. We don’t claim to cover the entire region, and while we don’t intentionally skip the top attractions, our choice of destinations might seem unique or even quirky.

We love exploring smaller neighborhoods like Riva Trigoso and the historic old town just as much as the bustling heart of Sestri Levante Ligure. We enjoy highlighting spots where the local tourist office hasn’t yet created an English version of their website.
Why Visit Sestri Levante Ligure

Sestri Levante really gives you a coastal experience that feels different, even compared to other beautiful Ligurian towns. Sitting out on the Riviera di Levante, this place stretches along a peninsula, splitting the shoreline into two striking bays.
People know the town for its “two seas”—the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and the Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables). Both bays have their own vibe, so you get two totally different beach scenes in one spot. That’s pretty rare, right?
Getting around is a breeze. The train station connects you to bigger cities, so if you decide to make Sestri Levante your base, day trips are no hassle at all.
Best time to visit: The Andersen Festival lights up the town in early June. It’s all about fairy tales, drawing in all sorts of folks. Honestly, this literary festival brings a creative spark that makes your beach trip feel a bit more special.

The town’s layout mixes things up:
- Historic center with classic architecture
- Headland with awesome panoramic views
- Simple access to both bays
- Close to other Ligurian highlights
Getting to Sestri Levante isn’t complicated. You can drive in on the A12 highway—the exit’s just a kilometer from town—or hop on the Genoa-La Spezia train line.
The landscape is honestly stunning. That rugged coastline and the way the peninsula juts out really set Sestri Levante apart from the rest of Liguria. If you love a good view, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s plenty of available lodging too; here are the hotel options to choose from:
Grand Hotel Dei Castelli | Grand Hotel Villa Balbi |
Hotel Genova | Hotel Helvetia |
Hotel Marina | Hotel Miramare & Spa |
Hotel Villa Agnese | Hotel Vis à Vis |
Miramare Suites | Suite Hotel Nettuno |