Caruggio (Via XXV Aprile) Travel Guide

Walking along Caruggio, the main street in Sestri Levante’s Old Town, you really do feel like you’ve wandered into a postcard of Italian coastal life. Locals call it Via XXV Aprile, and this narrow pedestrian lane cuts straight through the heart of town, serving up a true slice of Ligurian culture. The street stays lively, with both residents and visitors popping in and out of boutique shops or pausing at cozy cafés.

Caruggio shows off the authentic charm that sets Sestri Levante apart from other Italian coastal towns. Around every bend, there’s something fresh to discover—colorful old buildings, little shops selling local treats, and unexpected details that just feel so “Italy.” The street links the Bay of Silence to the Bay of Fables, so it’s a great place to start exploring.

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Here, you’ll catch the real rhythm of Italian daily life. Mornings are for coffee, afternoons for shopping, and evenings for the classic passeggiata (that leisurely stroll everyone seems to love). Even in the summer heat, the street stays surprisingly comfortable thanks to the shade from the buildings.

Overview of Caruggio in Sestri Levante

Caruggio—officially Via XXV Aprile—serves as the lively core of Sestri Levante’s Old Town. It’s a pedestrian-friendly stretch that fuses old-school Ligurian character with modern shops and restaurants, guiding you through some of the prettiest parts of town.

History and Significance

Caruggios, those narrow Ligurian alleyways, have shaped local life for centuries. Sestri Levante’s main caruggio grew out of the need to build in tricky, hilly terrain, while giving people a break from the blazing summer sun and chilly winter winds.

The name “Via XXV Aprile” honors Italy’s Liberation Day (April 25, 1945), a nod to the country’s history. Over time, this street changed from a simple path to a lively hub for shopping and socializing.

Many of the shops and restaurants here have stayed in the same families for generations. Locals have kept their traditions alive, even as tourism has picked up. The caruggio really shows how Sestri Levante grew from a quiet fishing village into a popular destination—without losing its soul.

Location and Layout

The caruggio slices right through Sestri Levante’s Old Town, connecting the town center with the postcard-perfect Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence). You just can’t miss it if you’re exploring town.

The street runs pretty much straight, but it narrows here and there, with buildings that almost touch overhead. On both sides, you’ll see:

Shops and places to eat on the ground floor
Apartments above, with those classic shuttered windows
Flowering balconies and plants spilling out here and there

Little side alleys branch off the main caruggio, and they’re just begging to be explored. Most of them wind toward either the Bay of Silence or Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables), so you can wander like a local.

Unique Atmosphere

Walking the caruggio is a sensory treat. In the mornings, the smell of fresh bread floats out of bakeries as locals pick up their daily essentials. By afternoon, the street fills with a mix of residents and tourists.

The vibe shifts as the day goes on. Mornings have shopkeepers arranging displays of local products. By afternoon, cafés fill up with people watching the world go by. At night, restaurants open and warm lights spill out into the narrow street.

Shops here sell everything from handmade foods to locally crafted souvenirs. You’ll find gelaterias with real-deal Italian flavors, boutiques with Ligurian fashion, and specialty stores stocked with olive oils and pesto.

Some parts of the street are covered, which means you get a cool, shaded spot even when the sun is blazing.

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Planning Your Visit

If you want to make the most of your stroll down Caruggio, a little planning helps. Picking the right time and figuring out how you’ll get there can make your visit that much better.

Best Time to Visit

May through September brings the best weather for wandering Caruggio. Summer (June-August) gets hot—think 75-85°F—and pretty crowded, especially in July and August when Italians are on holiday.

If you’d rather skip the crowds, try May or September. The weather hovers around 65-75°F, and there are way fewer tourists. Shops and restaurants mostly stay open, but things feel more relaxed.

Winter (November-March) offers a peek at everyday local life, though some places might keep shorter hours. Just keep in mind that not everything will be open.

Caruggio really comes alive during local festivals, like the “Barcarolata” in July and the Andersen Festival in June, which celebrates the Danish author who nicknamed Sestri Levante “The Bay of Fables.”

How to Get There

Getting to Caruggio is pretty straightforward whether you’re coming by train, car, or bus. Genoa (40 miles) and Pisa (70 miles) have the closest major airports.

By Train:

Regional trains link Sestri Levante to Genoa (about an hour) and La Spezia (40 minutes)
The train station sits just a 10-minute walk from Caruggio
Trains run hourly and usually arrive on time

By Car:

Take the A12 highway between Genoa and La Spezia
Exit at Sestri Levante and follow signs for “Centro”
Paid parking is available at Piazza Stazione, near the train station

If you’re staying elsewhere in Sestri Levante, you can easily walk to Caruggio. The old town is compact, so you won’t need a car once you arrive.

Buses from nearby towns run regularly, though they cut back on Sundays and holidays. You can always check the latest schedules at the tourist office in Piazza Matteotti.

Accommodation Options Near Caruggio

Staying in Sestri Levante lets you soak up the town’s charm day and night. There’s a solid mix of places to stay, from upscale hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, all within walking distance of the historic center.

What to See and Do in Caruggio

Caruggio, the main pedestrian street, gives you a real taste of Ligurian culture. It’s the town’s social and commercial heartbeat, and there’s plenty to see and do.

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Architectural Highlights

As you wander down Caruggio (officially Via XXV Aprile), keep an eye out for the colorful old buildings in classic Ligurian style. Many have trompe l’oeil paintings and fancy details that go back centuries.

Look up—you’ll spot ornate balconies and unique touches that hint at the town’s maritime history. Some buildings still have their original stone archways at street level.

The street’s paved with smooth stones, making it easy to walk. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon little piazzas branching off the main path.

Local Shops and Boutiques

Shopping here is a mix of old and new. Family-run boutiques sell locally made clothes, while artisanal shops offer handcrafted souvenirs.

Foodies should check out the specialty shops for:

Local olive oils and pesto
Ligurian wines and liqueurs
Handmade chocolates and sweets

Don’t miss the gelaterias serving real Italian ice cream in seasonal flavors. Grabbing a gelato and people-watching is practically a must here.

When you need a break, grab a seat at one of the cafés and just watch daily Italian life roll by.

Dining in Sestri Levante’s Caruggio

Caruggio packs in some of the best places to eat in Sestri Levante. This narrow street is lined with restaurants dishing up fresh local food in inviting settings.

Traditional Ligurian Cuisine

Ligurian food is all about simple, fresh ingredients from the sea and hills. Seafood is everywhere, with daily catches cooked up in classic styles.

Pesto started here, and you’ll find the real thing—made with local basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil—served with trofie or trenette pasta.

You can’t skip the focaccia. In Liguria, it’s thin, crisp, and soaked in olive oil. Sometimes you’ll find onions or olives baked in.

Other local favorites:

Farinata (chickpea flatbread)
Pansoti (ravioli with walnut sauce)
Muscoli ripieni (stuffed mussels)
Ciuppin (fish soup)

Recommended Restaurants

Pesce Balla stands out with a 4.8 rating and some of the best seafood around. The menu changes with the day’s catch, so you always get something fresh.

Aragosta D’oro (4.7 rating) offers elegant dining and both traditional and creative seafood. Their outdoor tables are great for soaking up the atmosphere.

Il Bargonello does pizza and Mediterranean dishes, including vegetarian and Ligurian options. It’s a solid choice for lunch, dinner, or even a late bite.

For a truly regional meal, you might want to head out to La Brinca in a nearby village. They’re known for grilled meats and a strong lineup of traditional foods.

If you’re visiting in peak season (June-September), it’s smart to book a table ahead, especially for dinner.

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