VIa Pilade Queirolo, 16039 Sestri Levante GE, Italy (May 2022)

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a small coastal town on the Ligurian Riviera that seems to gather everything people imagine when they think of Italy by the sea: pastel-coloured houses, fishing boats rocking gently in the harbour, narrow streets filled with cafés, and a rhythm of life shaped by sun and salt air. Positioned between the larger destinations of Genoa and the Cinque Terre, Sestri Levante has long been a place of passage, but it retains a character that feels intimate and distinctly its own.

What immediately sets Sestri Levante apart is its extraordinary geography. The historic center sits on a narrow peninsula extending into the Ligurian Sea, creating two contrasting bays on either side. To the east lies the Baia del Silenzio, or Bay of Silence, a crescent-shaped beach framed by traditional Ligurian houses painted in soft yellows, pinks, and ochres. The water here is calm and luminous, especially in the early morning when the town is quiet and the name feels entirely deserved. On the opposite side is the Baia delle Favole, the Bay of Fables, larger and more open, named in honour of Hans Christian Andersen, who spent time in Sestri Levante and found inspiration in its scenery.

The town’s history stretches back to ancient times, shaped by maritime trade and centuries of shifting rule. Traces of this past can still be seen in the old town’s architecture: stone archways, small chapels, and the remnants of defensive walls that once protected the peninsula. Despite its historical depth, Sestri Levante never feels weighed down by its past. Instead, history blends naturally into daily life, where locals greet one another in the piazza and fishermen mend nets beside modern sailboats.

Life in Sestri Levante follows the gentle cadence typical of Liguria. Mornings begin with espresso at neighbourhood bars, afternoons slow under the warmth of the sun, and evenings invite long walks along the promenade. Food plays a central role, with Ligurian cuisine at its heart: fresh seafood, delicate focaccia, trofie pasta with fragrant pesto, and simple dishes elevated by high-quality olive oil. Restaurants range from family-run trattorias to seaside terraces where dinner unfolds to the sound of waves.

Beyond the town itself, Sestri Levante serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Coastal trails offer sweeping views of the sea, while nearby villages and hills reveal vineyards, olive groves, and quiet sanctuaries away from the crowds. Trains connect easily to iconic destinations, yet returning to Sestri Levante feels like coming home to something calmer and more personal.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of  Walk 1 – Via S. Michele to Loggia Amblingh
Approximately 1.23 km – 0.76 miles

Description of Walk 1
Sestri Levante is a charming coastal town in the Liguria region of north-west Italy, renowned for its colourful historic centre, sandy beaches, and picturesque bays. Situated between the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales, the town combines maritime heritage with elegant architecture and lively public spaces. Narrow streets, historic churches, and traditional squares reflect centuries of cultural and commercial activity, while the waterfront provides beautiful views across the Ligurian Sea. The walk began at Via S. Michele in Parco Villa Comunale and continued along Viale Rimembranza towards Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, one of the town’s central gathering places. From the square, the route followed Via Tre Segni before returning to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi and proceeding to the Municipal Market Hall of Santa Chiara in Piazza Santa Chiara. This section offered a glimpse into local daily life and the commercial character of the town. The walk then continued through Via Sportello, Via Tripoli, and Via Santa Maria to reach Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore, an important religious landmark known for its historical significance. From there, the route passed through Piazza del Tomolo and along Via Catena to Porta Catena, a reminder of the town’s historic defences. The walk concluded at Loggia Amblingh, where elevated viewpoints provided attractive views over the coastline, historic buildings, and the surrounding urban landscape.

Photo Gallery of  Walk 2 – Piazza del Tomolo to Via Adriatica
Approximately 0.60 km – 0.37 miles

Description of Walk 2
Sestri Levante is a beautiful seaside town on the Ligurian coast, known for its historic streets, colourful buildings, and strong connection to the sea. The town blends cultural heritage with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, attracting visitors who enjoy both history and coastal scenery. Its historic centre contains attractive squares, religious landmarks, and traditional streets that reflect centuries of development. The walk began in Piazza del Tomolo and followed Via Santa Maria before continuing along Via Giosia to Piazza L. V. Pudente. This central square forms an important focal point within the historic area and provides access to several notable buildings. The route included a visit to the Cattedrale di San Giuseppe, an important religious landmark distinguished by its architectural and cultural significance. From the cathedral, the walk returned through Piazza L. V. Pudente and continued along Via Vescovado before re-entering the square. The route then crossed Piazza del Popolo, another key public space, before finishing on Via Adriatica. The walk provided an enjoyable introduction to the town’s historic streets, civic spaces, and cultural heritage.

Photo Gallery of  Walk 3 – Corso Dante Alighieri to Via Vittorio Veneto
Approximately 1.76 km – 1.09 miles

Description of Walk 3
Sestri Levante is a popular coastal destination in Liguria, celebrated for its attractive historic centre, colourful buildings, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. The town’s streets combine historic architecture, religious landmarks, and lively public spaces, creating an environment that reflects both its maritime heritage and long cultural history. Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional urban character and scenic views associated with the Ligurian coastline. The walk began on Corso Dante Alighieri, one of the principal streets in the central area, before turning onto Via Palizzi and Via Aimone. After returning to Corso Dante Alighieri, the route continued along Corso Plebiscito towards the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine, an important religious landmark that contributes to the historic identity of the area. From the church, the walk followed Via Vescovado and Via Valerico Laccetti before continuing along Via Giovanni Pascoli. The route then reached Piazza Caprioli, a pleasant public space that serves as a connection between several historic streets. Continuing through Corso de Parma, the walk passed Piazza Diomede and Piazza Barbacani, both of which highlight the urban and cultural character of the town. The final section led through Piazza G. Rossetti, along Corso Nuova Italia, and concluded on Via Vittorio Veneto. The route provided a varied exploration of historic streets, civic squares, and notable landmarks, offering insight into the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.