Top Things to do in Levanto
- 1. Pista Ciclopedonale Levanto - Framura
- 2. Spiaggia a Bonassola Liguria
- 3. Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza
- 4. Levanto to Monterosso Trail
- 5. Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
- 6. Madonnina della Punta
- 7. Ex Gallerie
- 8. Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church
- 9. Chiesa di Sant'Andrea
- 10. Borgo Antico
10 Things to Do in Levanto That You Shouldn't Miss
Just north of Cinque Terre, Levanto is often used as a gateway to those less easily reached villages, but has much to offer on its own in the form of sand, sea and sights. Its great waves make Levanto very popular with surfers. Hikers love the surrounding hills, gorgeously covered in pine and olive trees. The town’s medieval castle is perfectly preserved, and several beautiful old churches are here. Many of Levanto’s most important buildings are centered on Piazza della Loggio, the town square.
Restaurants in Levanto
1. Pista Ciclopedonale Levanto - Framura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
2. Spiaggia a Bonassola Liguria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By RP-Netherlands - Leidschendam, The Netherlands
A nice beach at Bonassola, part sandy and part pebbles. Clear water, and nice temperature for swimming (in summer). When we were there in September, the waves were huge the first few days. No problem for strong swimmers, but daunting for others. After a few days, the sea was calm, but when you enter the water, it's shallow at first, and then suddenly it's fairly deep. Please keep this in mind when your children go into the water, or if you are not so confident swimming in the sea.
One more thing: like most of the Beaches in Italy, access to most this beach is not free, you need to rent a parasol and chairs, The part that is free, it's about one third of the total beach.
3. Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By canontnia - Canada
We arrived in Monterosso in October. One of the reasons we came to Cinque Terre was to do some of the hikes between the villages. So a word of warning: not all the trails are open at different times. Presumably since we arrived after the main tourist season all the trails except this one were closed for repair. Check before hand if you are counting on hiking all or certain specific trails. And remember there is a fee to hike each trail.
We did walk this one and found it very doable (I'm in average shape), a bit rough out of Monterosso as you hike up, but it gets easier as you go along. No need to wear hiking shoes since the path is well trodden. I found my Sketches just fine. As others have said the view is pretty. But if the weather is good and the sun shining its hard not to appreciate the view anywhere along the Italian coast.
All in all a pleasant excursion in the Fall, especially given the modest number of people hiking this trail. But another word of warning: I would hate to see this or any of the other trails in high tourist season! Similarly, even in off-season Vernazza was an unpleasant experience. I can only imagine what it would be like in high season! For me Cinque Terre in its entirety should be avoided for those months.
4. Levanto to Monterosso Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By Richard K - Sheffield, United Kingdom
We rented 4 bikes for 5 euros each for 4 hours. The path passes through several tunnels which are a welcome relief from the August heat. Access is given to several little Beaches the first of which out of Levanto was the best. The bay had rocks to jump off and an underwater cave to swim through. The beach itself was formed from small pebbles and kept clean by people being respectful of such a beautiful place.
5. Church of San Francesco - Capuchin Friars Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reconstructed in 1632 after the previous church was destroyed, the Church of San Francesco contains some fine art including a Crucifixion by Van Dyck, two canvases by Flasella, a marble triptych by Domenico Gare (1529) and the Dead Christ from Maragliano. Nera the church there is the Monastery of Capuchin Friars a very ancient structure with great garden where Friars live. It is a place of Peace and spirituality with a gorgeus view on the seaside.
Reviewed By Russ K - Jamestown, North Carolina
A beautiful stop on Monterosso but not for the out of shape. Winding stone path leads first to the statue of San Fransesco Assisi and the temptation to continue the vertical assent. Next stop is the quaint chapel and active convent of Cappuccini. Yes, it is still active and must be home to some of the fittest nuns in the world. God bless. But you're not done. Keep going to the mausoleum and you will find old crypts of local folks which will leave you wondering how in the h*ll were they carried to their final resting place. Oh, the views of Monterroso are great all along the trek. Do it.
6. Madonnina della Punta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By teacherkelsey880 - Mississippi
The view from here is beautiful, lovely spot for a picnic. The actually Madonnina is not amazing but the spot is deinfetly worth the 15-20 minute walk to the point. Would also make a nice bike walk. Highly suggest for families of little ones who may not want to do one of the larger more strenuous hikes in the area.
7. Ex Gallerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By karensSouthernIN - Southern IN
We were based in Levanto and walked to Bonassola via the tunnel. We did it late in the afternoon and wish we had rented bikes instead. Looked like an easy bike ride as it is flat. I would have ridden all the way to Framura. Instead, we walked to Bonassola and back to Levanto. Nice way to spend a few hours. We also walked around Bonassola a bit. I recommend getting a bike and ride the path.
8. Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By asiahand1 - Florida
Unlike other ornate churches in Italy, this small church has simple stone walls. The inside is equally unpretentious , almost stark. Yet the serene, peaceful interior calms you. The church bells ringing every half an hour can be heard from all over this small gem of a town. You can easily imagine how this was the central focal point for the whole community for centuries before tourists descended and overwhelmed the town.
9. Chiesa di Sant'Andrea
Overall Ratings
4 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By NswAustraliaDidi - NSW Australia
An early morning walk through the atmospheric streets of Levanto saw us arrive at Chiesa Di Andrea. One just walks into the cavernous church with huge old works of art adorning the walls. Nice to sit in the cool and appreciate one's surroundings. Full credit to the caretakers who allow free of charge access by the public and keep this church clean.
10. Borgo Antico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Reviewed By JamesD20 - Houston, Texas
This was a beautiful portion of Monterosso Al Mare. The old town offers a quaint glimpse of the lifestyle of the Old Town. We visited in August and the tourists were shoulder to shoulder but the architecture a was beautiful reflection of that old world charm.
Don't be surprised if the few inhabitants don't welcome you with that same old world charm. Tourists overrun Cinque Terre, but it is an area of Italy that can't be missed.
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