Levanto between coastal paths, history and Ligurian cuisine

Levanto combines varied paths with a historic townscape and Ligurian food culture. The area is criss-crossed by approximately 80 kilometres of hiking trails. These include coastal routes to the Cinque Terre that lead through the national park. Those who want to combine experiences in nature with history and regional specialities will find several different focal points here for planning their own trip.

Hiking and cycling along the coast

The Levanto–Bonassola–Framura cycle and footpath follows the route of a former disused railway line that was transformed into a path by the sea. The section between Levanto and Framura is approximately 5 kilometres long. The approximate length provides helpful guidance when you want to divide your day between a walk, a cycling tour and further explorations.

For hikers, the paths from Levanto also open up coastal routes to the Cinque Terre. These lead through the national park and complement the distinctive character of the hiking trails around the town with a connection to a well-known landscape on the Ligurian coast.

Historic buildings in the town

History can also be seen in specific buildings in Levanto. The existence of a castle has been documented since 1165; the castle is privately owned. The medieval walls of Levanto were built by the Republic of Genoa in 1265. A surviving gate, the Porta del Fossato or Porta dell’Acqua, still provides access to the path to Monterosso.

The notable buildings include the Loggia Comunale. It is one of the few late-medieval buildings of this type still preserved in Liguria. Construction of the parish church of Sant’Andrea began in 1222. Its alternating horizontal bands of white Carrara marble and local green stone are characteristic.

Another historic ensemble is formed by Levanto’s Darsena. It consists of a series of double arcades built along one side by two ancient Carruggi and extending for more than 50 metres. Together with the castle, walls, gate, loggia and parish church, this creates a tour through different periods and architectural forms.

Festivals and Ligurian specialities

The Festa del Mare takes place in Levanto in honour of the apostle San Giacomo, the patron saint of seafarers. Its programme includes historical processions, medieval tournaments, religious processions, floating candles and fireworks. The festival thus brings together maritime, religious and historical themes in a single event.

The annual De Gustibus event combines an oenogastronomic walk through the historic centre with visits to medieval buildings and ancient Carruggi, as well as tastings of local specialities. Its cultural and oenogastronomic programme items are intended to promote awareness of the area and its high-quality typical products.

La Mangialunga offers dishes from the Ligurian tradition, including ravioli, stockfish, trofie al pesto and Gattafin. The wine is also locally produced. During your stay in Levanto, you can therefore choose between coastal paths, historic buildings, festivals and regional cuisine to create different focal points.

Discover more places

You can find further destinations at L'ago, Piano di Follo, Biassa, Bracelli, Castello, Pegui, Ameglia and Monterosso Al Mare.

To the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.