Barcarolata Travel Guide

Tucked away on Italy’s northern coast, Sestri Levante comes alive each summer with one of the region’s most enchanting events. Barcarolata turns the beautiful Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) into a floating, illuminated show that draws both locals and travelers. This unique boat parade, held every year on the last Sunday of July, blends old traditions with a lively nighttime party that lights up the water in this charming coastal town.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Liguria, try to catch Barcarolata—it’s a real chance to experience authentic Italian coastal life. The bay turns into an open-air theater under the stars, with decorated boats gliding through the calm water. The event celebrates the town’s deep roots with the sea and leaves visitors with memories they won’t forget.

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Of course, Sestri Levante is much more than just this festival. The town’s laid-back vibe, lovely beaches, and great restaurants nestled between the mountains and the sea make it a perfect weekend escape. Barcarolata just adds an extra dose of magic to a spot that already deserves a place on your Italy itinerary.

What Is the Barcarolata in Sestri Levante?

Barcarolata is a festive maritime parade in Sestri Levante where locals decorate boats and float them through the Bay of Silence. It’s a colorful celebration, mixing carnival fun with the town’s strong connection to the sea.

Origins and History

Barcarolata started with Sestri Levante’s fishermen and sailors, who wanted to honor the sea that sustained them. Over time, what began as a simple blessing of the fleet grew into a lively celebration.

These days, the Municipality of Sestri Levante and the Naval League (Lega Navale) run the event. It’s gone from a small gathering to one of the town’s signature festivals.

Traditional goiters—small fishing boats—kicked off the original parades. Now, boats of all sizes join in, but the festival still keeps its fishing roots front and center. Tourists have discovered it, but it hasn’t lost its genuine, local feel.

Barcarolata Traditions and Symbolism

During Barcarolata, everyone gets competitive about decorating their boats. People transform vessels with lights, flowers, and themes that often nod to local culture or even current events.

The parade happens after sunset, so the illuminated boats look magical as they drift across the water. You’ll usually hear music and see performances on the boats, which just adds to the fun.

Barcarolata stands for:

Community pride
Maritime heritage
Local identity
The town’s bond with the sea

Participants often spend weeks getting their boats ready. Judges hand out prizes for the most creative and impressive displays. If you’re visiting, you’ll get a close-up look at local traditions and the real community spirit of Sestri Levante.

When and Where the Barcarolata Takes Place

Barcarolata happens every year in Sestri Levante, right in the heart of Portobello Bay—locals call it Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence). This much-loved festival turns the calm waters into a floating parade that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Annual Schedule and Calendar

The festival always lands on the last Sunday of July. If you’re eyeing a trip to Sestri Levante in summer, mark that weekend. Festivities kick off in the evening, just as the sun sets and the bay gets that perfect golden glow for the illuminated boats.

Late July usually means warm, pleasant weather—think 75-85°F (24-29°C). You’ll have time for the beach during the day, then head to the bay for the evening’s show.

Main Event Locations

Everything centers on Portobello Bay (Baia del Silenzio), a natural amphitheater for the parade. This horseshoe-shaped bay with its sandy beach gives you plenty of good views. Boats launch from different spots and move in formation across the water.

Spectators line the shoreline of Baia del Silenzio. You can grab a seat at a waterfront restaurant or just lay out a blanket on the sand. Nearby Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables) connects to the area, offering more viewing spots and a different angle on the parade.

Sometimes, the Sestri Levante convention center near the bay hosts extra activities before or after the main event.

Participating in the Barcarolata

Barcarolata gives visitors a front-row seat to one of Liguria’s most beloved maritime traditions. This colorful boat parade turns the Bay of Silence into a floating carnival, with decorated boats and happy crowds.

How to Join the Festivities

You’ve got a few ways to take part. The easiest? Find a good spot along the Bay of Silence promenade—just get there early, as the parade starts in the evening.

Want to get closer? Book a spot on a spectator boat through a local tour operator or your hotel. These boats anchor right in the bay, giving you a front-row view.

If you’re sticking around for a bit, ask about joining a local boat as a guest. Try the tourist info office, the harbor master, or a local sailing club.

Costs range from free (if you’re watching from shore) to €30-50 per person for boat tours with snacks and drinks.

What to Expect During the Celebration

The parade usually starts around sunset, with boats—each decked out in lights, decorations, and often costumes—making their way through the Bay of Silence.

Music is everywhere. Some boats have live bands, while others play traditional Ligurian tunes. It’s lively, friendly, and great for families.

Judges gather the boats in the center of the bay and hand out prizes for:

Most creative decoration
Best traditional theme
Best lighting

After the parade, the sky lights up with fireworks. On shore, food stands serve local favorites like focaccia, pesto pasta, and seafood.

Crowds can get thick, so wear comfy shoes and light clothes. Summer nights here are warm, and you’ll probably be on your feet a while.

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Historic Boats and Maritime Traditions

The sea shapes daily life in Sestri Levante, and you can see that in the boats and traditions that come alive during Barcarolata.

The Role of Vela and Gozzi Boats

Gozzi boats are at the heart of Ligurian maritime tradition. These wooden boats—usually 5-8 meters long with pointed ends—have helped local fishermen for generations. Their shallow bottoms let them slip easily along the rocky coast.

Locals often paint their gozzi in bright colors and decorate them with family symbols or charms for luck. During Barcarolata, these working boats turn into floating works of art, covered in lights and decorations that celebrate their heritage.

Sails (vela) used to be vital before motors took over. The triangular lateen sails let fishermen catch the wind perfectly. You’ll still spot some of these classic rigs during special events and regattas.

Remo and Rowing Customs

Rowing (remo) traditions run deep in Sestri Levante. The unique standing rowing style here isn’t what you see everywhere else.

Rowing clubs keep these old techniques alive, teaching the next generation how to row standing up—facing forward, not backward—so they can better navigate the coast.

Every year, rowing competitions bring in teams from nearby towns, usually before Barcarolata kicks off. These races show how the community still connects with the sea.

Local craftsmen still make traditional oars (remi) by hand, shaping them from local wood to get just the right balance and strength for these waters.

Highlights of the Parade and Main Events

Barcarolata centers around two main events that always draw a crowd. The nighttime celebration turns Baia del Silenzio into a place where tradition and creativity meet.

The Boat Parade

The boat parade is the heart of Barcarolata. Local fishermen and residents spend weeks decorating their boats with lights and creative themes. These boats sail slowly across the bay, making a floating show of color and light against the night sky.

The parade usually kicks off around 9:30 PM. Boats launch from the marina, then glide across Baia del Silenzio, where thousands gather on the shore to watch.

Themes change every year—some boats celebrate Ligurian history, others go for something modern or just plain fun.

The night ends with a fireworks show around midnight, lighting up the bay and reflecting off the water for a perfect finish.

Costume and Decoration Competitions

There’s more than just boats. Barcarolata also features costume contests in the town square before the parade.

Prize categories include:

Most creative costume
Best group theme
Best local tradition
Children’s winners

People decorate balconies and storefronts, too. Businesses and homeowners compete to see who can create the best festival displays.

Judges pick winners based on originality, craftsmanship, and how well they stick to tradition. Winners get recognized in a ceremony in the main piazza after the fireworks.

These competitions bring the community together and keep local traditions alive, while also inspiring new ideas each year.

Local Landmarks and Scenic Highlights

Sestri Levante isn’t just about the festival. The town is packed with natural beauty and historical sights. With two gorgeous bays, scenic trails, and historic buildings, you’ll find plenty to explore.

Baia del Silenzio’s Unique Setting

Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) is Sestri Levante’s crown jewel. This small, horseshoe bay has clear turquoise water and colorful houses lining the shore—honestly, it’s postcard-perfect.

It’s the main stage for Barcarolata, but during the day, the beach is a favorite spot for swimmers and sunbathers. Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter if you want to soak up the view.

Swimming here feels easy and safe, especially for families. The pebble beach is dotted with a few cafes where you can sip an espresso and watch the fishing boats.

Exploring Baia delle Favole

Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables), named for Hans Christian Andersen who once stayed here, offers a bigger beach on the east side of town.

You get sweeping views of the Ligurian coast and a long promenade that’s perfect for evening strolls. Unlike its smaller neighbor, Baia delle Favole has more beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports rentals.

In summer, the bay gets lively with events and plenty of visitors. The water here gets deep pretty quickly, so it’s better for confident swimmers.

Don’t miss the Hans Christian Andersen statue near the bay—a little nod to the town’s literary history.

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Strolling Along Punta Manara

The Punta Manara trail is one of the best walks in the area. This moderate hike winds through pine forests and takes you to a viewpoint overlooking both bays.

Start near the old town and follow the marked trail—it’s about a 45-minute climb, with some rocky spots, so wear good shoes.

At the top (262m), you’ll find the ruins of an old watchtower and sweeping 360-degree views. When you see both bays from above, you’ll quickly understand why this hike gets top ratings on travel sites.

Bring water and a camera, especially if you time your hike for sunset—the views are honestly incredible.

Visiting Riva Trigoso

Just a short hop from central Sestri Levante, you’ll find Riva Trigoso—a fishing village that feels a bit more down-to-earth and local. The wide beach here rarely gets crowded, and it’s honestly a breath of fresh air compared to the main bays.

Locals keep the shipbuilding tradition alive at the Fincantieri shipyard, which still operates right next to the village. The mix of industry and postcard-worthy scenery gives the place a quirky sort of charm—almost like it can’t decide what it wants to be, but it works.

You can stroll along the beachfront promenade, and if you’re hungry, the local restaurants serve seafood that’s about as fresh as it gets. Don’t skip the “trofie al pesto” at a family-run spot; it’s a classic for a reason.

Getting to Riva Trigoso is easy. You can walk along the coastal path from Sestri Levante in about half an hour or just hop on a short bus ride. If you’re up for it, head over early in the morning to watch fishermen haul in their catch—there’s something special about that daily ritual.

Related Festivals and Events in Liguria

Liguria loves a good festival, and you’ll notice the maritime heritage and cultural traditions come alive throughout the year. The region’s deep connection to the sea and its artistic legacy really shows during these events.

Palio Marinaro del Tigullio

Every year, the Palio Marinaro del Tigullio brings a historic rowing competition to the Gulf of Tigullio. Teams from towns like Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and San Michele di Pagana all show up, ready to compete.

Since 1955, rowers have raced in traditional wooden boats called gozzi. Each boat has four rowers and a coxswain, and the teams represent their neighborhoods—so, yeah, the rivalry gets pretty intense.

Races happen between May and August, and each town takes a turn hosting. The winners get a palio (banner) designed by a local artist. The whole thing feels like a big party, with food stalls, music, and plenty of celebrating. If you want to see Ligurian maritime culture without the tourist crowds, this is your chance.

Premio Andersen

Sestri Levante goes all out for the Premio Andersen Festival, which honors Hans Christian Andersen and the art of storytelling. Every June, the town transforms into a bit of a fairytale.

The festival takes its name from the famous Danish writer who once visited Sestri Levante and wrote about its Bay of Fables. You’ll find storytelling performances, theater, and concerts in the streets and squares. Since 1967, the event has given prizes for unpublished fairy tales, with both pros and kids taking part.

Events pop up everywhere—on the beaches, in old buildings, and all over the town. Expect puppet shows, street artists, and workshops for families and book lovers.

International storytellers and artists come to bring stories to life in their own unique ways. If you’re thinking of going, book your place early—this festival draws crowds from all over Italy and beyond.

Nearby Destinations and Day Trips

While you’re in Sestri Levante for the Barcarolata festival, you might as well check out some other gems in Liguria. Each place has its own twist, from historic sights to beautiful coastlines.

Exploring Camogli

Camogli sits just 30 minutes away by train and somehow manages to stay charming without feeling overrun. The tall, narrow buildings painted in bright colors along the waterfront give the town a lively vibe.

The main beach is pebbly and the water’s super clear. It’s usually quieter than the big-name Ligurian beaches, which is honestly a relief sometimes.

You’ve got to see the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta with its lavish baroque interior. The Dragon Castle (Castello della Dragonara) also offers awesome views over the harbor.

Camogli’s food scene is all about focaccia and seafood. Try the tonno di Camogli—that’s tuna, Camogli-style—at one of the restaurants by the water.

Visiting Pavia

If you’re into history, Pavia makes a great day trip. It’s about two hours away by car or train, and the town’s roots go all the way back to Roman times.

You can’t miss the Certosa di Pavia—it’s a huge monastery just outside town, full of Gothic and Renaissance touches. The marble facade and art inside are worth the trip alone.

In the old center, wander over to the Duomo (Cathedral) and cross the covered bridge (Ponte Coperto) over the Ticino River. The University of Pavia, founded in 1361, has some beautiful courtyards you can visit.

For lunch, order risotto alla pavese—they serve it with an egg on top, a nod to the area’s rice fields. It’s simple but delicious.

Travel Tips for Sestri Levante Visitors

A little planning goes a long way in Sestri Levante. Timing your visit and knowing how to get around can make your trip way smoother.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are honestly the best times to be here. The weather’s pleasant and you won’t have to elbow through crowds like in summer.

If you want to catch the Barcarolata festival, check the schedule (usually May) and get there early if you want a good spot to watch the boat parade.

Summer (June-August) means hot days, packed beaches, and higher prices. Weekends get especially busy.

In winter (November-March), the town quiets down and prices drop. Some restaurants and attractions might be on reduced hours, but the mild Mediterranean weather still makes it nice for wandering the old town.

Transportation and Accessibility

You’ll find Sestri Levante pretty easy to reach by train from most major cities. The railway station sits roughly a 10-minute walk from the center of town and the beaches—nothing too far, even if you’ve got luggage.

Coming from Genoa Airport? You’ve got a few choices, and each has its quirks:

Train: Hop on the Volabus to Genoa’s Piazza Principe station, then grab a regional train to Sestri Levante.
Taxi or private transfer: It’s direct and comfortable but expect to pay around €100-120.
Rental car: Handy if you want to wander off and check out nearby villages, but maybe not worth it just to get into town.

Once you’re in Sestri Levante, just walk. Seriously, the town’s small, and you can reach pretty much everything within 15-20 minutes on foot. It feels kind of nice to not worry about cars for a bit.

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Thinking about visiting Portofino or Cinque Terre? Regional trains or the seasonal ferries work best. Parking, especially in summer, is both tough and pricey, so public transport usually saves you a headache.