Levanto in Italy | Province of La Spezia, Liguria
The town of Levanto in Liguria, Italy is perfect for those who want to spend peace and quiet holiday on calm beaches.
Levanto
This is a Roman coastal resort with wonderful natural environment and beach
Come and visit the old castle or the beautiful gothic church of the Riviere
Travel tips
The Levanto town is surrounded by a wonderful natural diversity. The area around Levanto offers many hiking opportunities – be it through pine forests, vineyards or along chestnut trees.
Located to the west of Levanto, the scenic Bay of Bonassola is very attractive, and one can reach the town of Monterosso al Mare in the south-east in just a few minutes by railway. In Levanto itself one can admire the most beautiful gothic church facade in the whole of the Riviera.
You should absolutely visit the castle of Levanto, the Castello San Georgio, which was already built in the 9th century. The impressive ruins can still be toured today. Worth seeing is also the Santissima Annunziata Church dating back to the 15th century. And the House of Justice from the 13th century is still well maintained up to today and is very interesting.
The Sant’Andrea church, with its green and white striped facade together with a rose window made of marble, is a popular destination for excursions. The well developed hiking trails in the Cinque Terre National Park leading towards Monterosso, as well as the tracks to Bonassola and Monterosso, are very ideal for hiking friends. Besides, there is a Pista Ciclabile in Levanto, which runs from Levanto to Framura.
The disused railway road was reconstructed and asphalted for use by only cyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters. Cars are not allowed here. Cycling while looking at the sea, what else does one want? Should you still lack the right bike, then the guys from Associazione Sportiva Mister Fun will gladly help you. Tips on the stretches as well as mountain bike tours through the hinterland can be found on the program here. Look for the shop on Corso Italia.
The long sand beaches, the interesting old town with its painted villas, the many restaurants and the busy market on Wednesdays attract many people who love Italy to Levanto. The lively small coastal town lies north of Cinque Terre at the Riviera di Levante and is a secret tip for a quiet beach holiday.
The wide sand beach found here is not so well known and is therefore not as overcrowded as other sand beaches on the coast of Liguria. It is also very suitable for diving or surfing. They say, that the best waves for surfing must be found here! Between the beach and the old part of town runs the old railway, which today serves as a parking place and a strolling boulevard.
The Pasta Fresca shops in Levanto should be singled out for mention. The production and the sale of freshly prepared Pasta make the small shops so special. The fresh pastas can be purchased on order. Are you still looking for the perfect Pesto for the Pasta?
Then visit the “Il Laboratorio del Pesto” in Via Dante. There you will learn the recipe for the real Ligurian Pesto. The owner and cookery teacher are very friendly and ready to help. A delicious wine on the sides makes the cookery lesson an unforgettable experience.
A further tip is the Bar da Brigida, which is found on the Piazza Staglieno. The good music in combination with wonderful drinks is enticing for relaxing.
Because of the central location of Levanto and the well developed railway line, as well as boat connections it is possible to reach the neighbouring towns on the Riviera within only a few minutes. When next you have your holiday house vacation in Levanto, you should visit some attractive towns like Portovenere, Lerici, Santa Margherita, Camogli or Sestri Levante.
Every year in July marvelous fireworks take place in Levanto. For 3 days in a row visitors come to admire the Festa del Mare. All wine fans will have their money’s worth on the 3rd Sunday in May. That is when the “Mangialonga”, a culinary stroll coupled with wine tasting takes place through the mountain villages of Levanto.
History
Levanto was built during the Roman era and became an important hub owing to its strategically favourable location at the Via Ligurum. In the 9th century the bell tower of the Ceula Parish Church was built, which at the same time also served as a watch tower and defense tower against attacks from the sea.
During the 12th century the village was a possession of the Malaspina family. In the 13th century the locality started trading in salt, which they transported by road through the Vara valley.
In the 13th century Levanto became part of the Republic of Genoa and was made an important trading centre in Eastern Liguria by the rulers of Genoa. Through important land routes, like the Via Francigena, they traded in local products like wine, oil and red marble mined in the valley.
Under the French rule Levanto became part of the Ligurian Republic and was integrated into the First French Empire in 1805. In 1815 they were absorbed into the Sardinian kingdom, which was later transferred to the Italian kingdom.
In the 20th century the town was partly reconstructed and adapted to the times. From 1973 to 2008 Levanto was the administrative headquarters of the coastal mountain community of La Spezia. In 2011 there were heavy floods which caused serious damage and deaths.
How to reach
Levanto is a village in the La Spezia province which lies in the Liguria Region. In the vicinity of Levanto are several other villages like: Montaretto (12.1 km), Dosso (5.9 km) and Fontana (5.4 km). From Genoa take the Carrodano Levanto highway exit and then follow the SS566 towards Passegiata a Mare a Levanto.
