Discover Levanto: Coastal Trails, Architectural History and Ligurian Cuisine

If you are considering Levanto as a place to stay, you can base your decision on two distinct focuses: trails through the surrounding area and historic buildings in town. The Levanto area is criss-crossed by around 80 kilometres of hiking trails; there is also a named cycling and walking path along the coast. This lets you weigh up whether you want to spend your days mainly hiking, following a particular coastal route or exploring the town’s architectural history.

Distinguishing Between Hiking Trails and the Coastal Route

Levanto’s hiking trails include coastal routes towards Cinque Terre that pass through the national park. The preserved Porta del Fossato gate, also known as Porta dell’Acqua, still provides access to the path to Monterosso. If you are planning a specific hike, check the trail conditions before setting out.

The Levanto–Bonassola–Framura cycling and walking path follows the route of a disused railway line that was converted into a path by the sea. The section between Levanto and Framura is about five kilometres long. The figure of around 80 kilometres refers to the area’s network of hiking trails, while the figure of about five kilometres applies only to this section. This means you are comparing a figure for the whole network with the length of a specific section, not two figures for the same path.

Medieval Buildings in Levanto

Levanto Castle has been documented since 1165 and is privately owned. Do not plan a visit on the assumption that you will be able to enter; check in advance whether a visit is possible, as ownership and access arrangements can change.

Construction of the parish church of Sant’Andrea began in 1222. Its façade features alternating horizontal bands of white Carrara marble and local green stone. The medieval walls of Levanto were built by the Republic of Genoa in 1265.

The Loggia Comunale is one of the few late-medieval buildings of its kind still standing in Liguria. The Darsena of Levanto consists of a series of double arcades, built along one side by two ancient carruggi and extending for more than 50 metres. Levanto is therefore home to a range of historic architectural forms, from the church and walls to the loggia and arcades.

Events and Ligurian Cuisine

The Festa del Mare honours the Apostle San Giacomo, the patron saint of sailors, and is held in Levanto. The programme includes historical parades, medieval tournaments, religious processions, floating candles and fireworks. If you would like to plan your stay around the event, check the dates and programme before your trip.

De Gustibus is held annually and dates back to 2002. The event combines cultural and food-and-wine activities and aims to raise awareness of the area and its typical products. The programme includes a food-and-wine walk through Levanto’s historic centre, with visits to medieval buildings and ancient carruggi, as well as tastings of local specialities. Check the dates and participating businesses before your trip.

La Mangialunga serves dishes from the Ligurian tradition, including ravioli, stockfish, trofie al pesto and gattafin; the wine is locally produced. Menus may vary from one edition to another.

Discover more destinations: San Pietro Vara, Cembrano, San Bernardino, La Spezia, Corniglia, Sorbolo, Varese Ligure, Ameglia.

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