Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante

This quite town located in Liguria between Genova and Riamaggiore deserves more credits for its beauty. This small fishing town has a quite big history lying at it’s hills and serenity at the sea side.

1) Bay of Silence: As you walk through the town first it’s T-shape structure surprises you but this shape helps to a hide the Bay of Silence. This small bay has a tiny sandy beach opposed to other beaches in Sestri Levante. Although it’s quite known by tourists as well the crystal clear waters and the surrounding colourful buildings gives a comfort and peace. You may find some local places of the classical Italian cuisine. 

2) Gelato and more Gelato: Although the town is quite small it has more gelateria shops and most of towns in Italy. I would recommend Tema Gelati e Molto di Piu. There are many different flavours to be tried!

3) Capuccini Monastery: This monastery dates back to 1688 and it is located in a fantastic location, a bit uphill on Baia del Silenzio, with stunning views on the bay. The convent is still active and there are a few monks "Cappuccini" living there, celebrating a public Mass every day.

View from the church

4) The Castle and San Nicolo Church: There is a small castle, whose foundations date to about 1089 AD overlooking Sestri Levante. During the ensuing decades, like other towns and villages along this coast, it was subjected to brutal raids by Saracens and pirates.  The Castel was extended and fortified in 1145.  The town itself was also encircled with walls containing four gates, cirtually none of which remain today.  Inside the walls, between 1151 AD and 1190 AD, the first major church, Chiesa San Nicola, was built.  It remains in sacred operation to this day.  Further fortifications, in the shape of two other castles were built, one in 1310 AD, and the other, the Castle of the Eagle, in 1440. 

San Nicolo Church

5) City Center: The city center is constituted by one main street which is “XXVI Aprile” which is full of shops, small cafes and ice cream shops. There are may tiny streets crossing the main street. As you walk in the city center remember to look up to colourful buildings surrounding you. 

View of Old Town

Cinque Terre: Scenes from Fairytales

These little villages offer a nostalgic flashback. They are connected to each other with a very romantic pathway and railway. I suggest you to take the train to La Spezia and take the regional to train to go to Riamoggiare. In this case the last will be Monterosso which has a rather big station so you can take the train back to Florence, Milan, Venezia, Rome etc. It is a 10 min train ride. Another option would be to take the train to Monteresso visit each village then head to La Spezia to take the train back to your city.

1) Riomaggiore was my first stop. It’s a nice village with colorful houses. When you get out of the train take the elevator to go up where there is a monastery and a castle there and of course an amazing view of the sea and the down. Then walk to the down town. There is a small path which takes you to the seaside where there are small boats embarked in the sand and a little beach.

View of Riomaggiore

2) Second stop will be Manarola, the second smallest town in Cinque Terre. This village is popular for its colorful houses, local wine called Sciacchetra. The begging of the famous road which is called “Love’s Trail” (Via dell’Amore) begins here and ends in Riamoggiore.

The small statue in Via dell'Amore

View from Manarola

3) The steepest village is Corniglia. In order to reach the village you need to climb approximately 1000steps. The view of this village is breathtaking but there isn’t much to see. Try gelato made of local honey it’s amazing. It’s the least touristic village. I have divided my 2days in Cinque Terre and stayed in this village. I think it was one of the best decisions because it’s the middle village and a nice spot to get rid of your fatigue and start fresh to the next day.

Corniglia

4) The fourth village is Vernezza this was my second favourite village. As you get off the train and start walking on the main road, few minutes later on your left you see a passage under the rocks which leads you it’s hidden sand beach. As you continue walking in downtown there is the oldest church again at the seaside and an old castle which you reach after many many stairs. The castle is not amazing but it’s worth seeing. After making this rather tiring tour you can chill at the cafes in the seaside or you can buy a cone of fried fish and enjoy it at the beach.

View from the castle, Vernezza

Oldest church at the seaside, Vernezza

5) The biggest village is Monterosso which was also the last stop.  It’s divided in to two parts: old part and the new part.

"Old" part of the town

View from the "new" part of the town

It has a rather big beach compared to other villages. Although this village is very popular and touristic it was my favourite. Lemons are top hit there. So try lemon flavored gelato which is amazing and wonder around the tiny streets. Generally restaurants have few tables so if you are staying there I recommend reservation and of course I suggest sea food dishes which are very fresh. 

Beach of Monterosso

In my opinion the best time to visit these villages is during spring when it's not very hot. During summer they become very crowded and to be honest their beaches are not very good so you won't enjoy a quality beach time there. But definitely go and see these villages and enjoy some Italian tastes.

Street art; welcome written in different languages