Levanto

Levanto has a deep history, closely linked to the sea, inland routes and its long relationship with Genoa. The old centre still preserves important traces of its medieval past: the Loggia comunale, the church of Sant'Andrea, ancient gates, remains of the walls and the castle tell the story of a town that was not merely a holiday place, but a lively centre of trade, defence and community life.

The earliest settlement is traditionally connected with the area known as Ceula, a name that recalls an ancient phase of Levanto's history. Over the centuries the town grew thanks to its natural position: a valley open to the sea, protected by hills and connected with the inland routes of eastern Liguria.

During the Middle Ages Levanto became firmly linked to the Genoese sphere. The castle and the walls bear witness to the need to defend the coast and the inhabited centre. The castle, in the upper part of the town, still preserves the memory of this defensive system and of Levanto's role within the maritime world of the Republic of Genoa.

One of the most interesting symbols is the medieval Loggia in the heart of the historic centre. It was not just a decorative building: it was a civic, commercial and social space, connected with public life, trade and the daily rhythm of the town.

The church of Sant'Andrea, with its black-and-white striped façade typical of Ligurian Gothic architecture, is another essential stop. Its profile, rose window and position within the old town reveal a community that combined faith, art and a strong maritime identity.

Today Levanto keeps this double soul: a historic Ligurian town and a seaside destination. The railway station makes it one of the most convenient bases for reaching the Cinque Terre, but Levanto is not only a departure point. It is a destination to be experienced slowly, between beach, narrow lanes, hills, hamlets, trails and local food.

Levanto's culture comes from the meeting between sea and hills. The town lives around the historic centre, the promenade, the beach and the hamlets that rise towards the inland slopes. This structure makes the area very varied: in just a few minutes you can move from the seafront to hiking trails, from cafés and shops to mule tracks, from historic buildings to small rural settlements.

The centre keeps an authentic Ligurian dimension: narrow streets, small squares, shops, historical buildings and meeting places. Levanto is not only a tourist resort; it is still a lived-in town, with services, traditions, sports and a strong local identity.

A distinctive feature is its outdoor culture. Levanto is known for surfing, for the coastal cycle path towards Bonassola and Framura, for hiking routes and for access to Punta Mesco. Visitors can combine sea, cycling, trekking, hamlets and culture without changing base.

The hamlets are an essential part of the local identity. Places such as Montale, Legnaro, Lavaggiorosso, Chiesanuova and Fontona reveal a rural and terraced Liguria, with olive trees, dry-stone walls, small churches, sea views and slow paths.

For visitors, Levanto's culture is best discovered on foot: entering the Loggia, walking up towards Sant'Andrea, exploring Via Guani and Via Garibaldi, crossing the town hall square, stopping in local shops and then leaving the centre for the panoramic hills.

The symbolic speciality of Levanto is the Gattafin: large fried ravioli filled with herbs. They are one of the town's most distinctive dishes: apparently simple, but made of thin dough, a green filling, Ligurian aromas and a dry, fragrant frying.

The traditional filling recalls the intelligent “poor cuisine” of Liguria: wild herbs or chard, eggs, cheese, onion, marjoram and other local aromas. The result is a savoury, crisp dish, perfect as an appetizer, street food or typical tasting during a visit to the town.

It is important to be precise about certifications: Gattafin are not a PDO product. They are, however, a deeply local speciality, protected through a registered name/mark intended to preserve their identity and traditional recipe. This makes them a true gastronomic symbol of Levanto, without confusing them with Protected Designations of Origin.

Levanto also belongs to an area where quality certifications matter. The wines of the Colline di Levanto DOC are linked to local vineyards and terraced landscapes. In the European wine system, DOC wines fall within the PDO framework, so it is correct to refer to the area's wines as DOC/PDO products.

The local food identity is completed by two major Ligurian references: Riviera Ligure PDO olive oil and Genovese Basil PDO. They are not exclusive to the municipality of Levanto, but they are part of Ligurian agri-food culture and naturally enrich the cuisine of the town: pesto, focaccia, stuffed vegetables, seafood dishes and simple recipes where the quality of oil and herbs makes the difference.

Other flavours to try include seafood, anchovies, savoury pies, Ligurian focaccia, pesto, dishes with wild herbs and white wines from the local hills. Levanto is a good place to taste Liguria in an informal but genuine way, through trattorias, bakeries, wine bars and small local shops.

Levanto deserves more than a quick stop. A first itinerary should begin in the historic centre: the medieval Loggia, the old lanes, the church of Sant'Andrea, the castle area and the ancient gates help visitors understand the town's history.

The beach of Levanto is wide and convenient, with beach clubs, free areas and a promenade that makes the town pleasant even outside the summer season. It is one of the best places in the area for those looking for an accessible and well-served seaside town.

Hiking lovers can walk towards Punta Mesco, one of the most beautiful routes between Levanto and Monterosso. The trail offers sea views and introduces the landscape of the Cinque Terre, with rocky profiles, Mediterranean vegetation and open panoramas.

Another simple but highly recommended experience is the Levanto-Bonassola-Framura cycle path, created on the former coastal railway line. It is suitable for bikes, walks and families, with sea views and tunnels that make the route memorable.

Do not overlook the hamlets: Lavaggiorosso, Montale, Chiesanuova, Legnaro and the other hillside settlements reveal a slower, rural Levanto. They are ideal for those looking for silence, views, minor architecture and less crowded paths.

Local tip: do not treat Levanto only as a base for the Cinque Terre. It works perfectly as a base, but it is at its best when explored slowly on foot.

• For a first visit, start from the historic centre and walk up towards Sant'Andrea and the castle.
• For an easy scenic route, choose the cycle path towards Bonassola and Framura.
• For a more intense experience, hike to Punta Mesco during the cooler hours.
• Taste Gattafin when you find them handmade: they are the dish that best tells Levanto's story.
• Pair local cuisine with a Colline di Levanto DOC wine and look for Riviera Ligure PDO olive oil or pesto made with Genovese Basil PDO.
• In high season, book restaurants and activities in advance; outside high season, enjoy the town at a slower pace.