Sestri Levante - the ‘city of two seas’
Sestri Levante - the name alone sounds like an invitation to dream. Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Riviera di Levante, this charming coastal town is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to enjoy the Ligurian lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle. Situated slightly elevated between the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, a place full of amore, Mediterranean serenity and the lightness of being unfolds right by the sea.
You can expect wide, fine sandy beaches, a lively cultural life and wonderful hiking and cycling trails, embedded in the midst of enchanting nature along the sea. The extraordinary panorama and one of the widest beaches in Liguria are sure to delight you!
Comfortably by train to the Mediterranean
Travelling by train from Switzerland is not only sustainable, but also particularly relaxed and comfortable. During the summer season between April and October, you can even travel directly from Zurich main station to Sestri Levante without changing trains. During the rest of the year, a change at Milano Centrale will take you to your destination in around six hours. During the journey, you can enjoy views of picturesque landscapes - the Mediterranean welcomes you with open arms.
Old town flair & the magic of the sea
Sestri Levante is often called the ‘city of two seas’ - no wonder, as the historic old town is enthroned between two beautiful bays. Stroll through the colourful alleyways (caruggi) with small trattorias, boutiques, bars and old workshops. A must: Via XXV Aprile, the lively main street with typical Ligurian flair. A panoramic walk on the ‘Isola’, a peninsula with a marvellous park, leads to the oldest church in the city - San Nicolò. Other churches worth seeing are the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazaret, the Convent of the Annunziata and the Church of the Immaculate Conception with its striking black and white striped façade.
Culinary delights
Ligurian cuisine is down-to-earth, aromatic and characterised by the sea. Try pesto alla genovese, fresh fish and mussels, stuffed pasta (pansoti) and sweet pastries such as canestrelli. A glass of white wine - Vermentino or Pigato - rounds off the culinary experience perfectly.
Here are three restaurant tips for your stay in Sestri Levante:
- Osteria Mattana - for authentic home cooking
- Restaurant Olimpo - known for fine fish dishes
- Ristorante Baia del Silenzio - the best address by the sea
Cultural & coastal moments
In April, Sestri Levante is transformed into a fairytale town: at the Festival della Favola, everything revolves around Hans Christian Andersen, who fell madly in love with the town in 1833. Chamber music concerts take place in summer - a highlight for culture lovers. Also recommended: the weekly market every Saturday morning on Piazza Aldo Moro. Everything from regional specialities to fashion can be found here.
There is plenty to experience around Sestri - whether hiking, climbing, diving or leisurely boat trips along the coast. Popular excursion destinations include Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, while Genoa can also be reached by train in just under an hour. Alternatively, a boat trip is a great way to experience the Ligurian coast from a very special perspective.
Sestri Levante at its best
The months of May, June and September are particularly suitable for a trip to Liguria. The weather is pleasantly warm then, the sea is inviting - and the beaches are not overcrowded. Things get lively at the height of summer, when the Italians are also on holiday. The locals are known for being reserved, tradition-conscious, hospitable and community-orientated. You will feel very welcome!
If you want to spend the night in style, the Hotel Vis-à-vis**** with its panoramic location is just the place for you. The elegant Grande Albergo**** is located directly by the sea, while the Hotel Miramare & Spa**** even has its own beach.
Quiet happiness by the Ligurian Sea
Sestri Levante doesn't need any big sensations - its charm lies in its quiet beauty. Between two dreamlike bays, surrounded by the gentle sound of the sea, a place reveals itself that immediately slows you down. Sun on your skin, Italian lightness in your heart and an atmosphere that simply does you good. If you're looking for the real thing, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here - charming, relaxed and wonderfully authentic. For us, it's a place that's a pleasure to discover - and a pleasure to think back on.
