Sestri Levante is a charming town and comune located in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria, Italy. Situated on a promontory along the Mediterranean Sea, it lies approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Genoa. Once a quiet fishing village, it has evolved into a popular tourist destination, particularly among Italians, featuring both a historic old town and a modern new town. While nearby Portofino and the Cinque Terre are world-famous, Sestri Levante offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere ideal for frequent-flyer hotel travelers seeking a strategic base on the Italian Riviera.
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Travelers should choose between the historic Old Town and the newer district based on their preferences. The Old Town offers a rich historical atmosphere perfect for leisurely walks, while the New Town provides more modern amenities and better access to transportation hubs. Both areas offer stunning Mediterranean views, making them excellent bases for exploring the region.
Set on a promontory, the town has a unique layout. While specific airport codes are not provided, it is well-connected to Genoa, located just 40 km away, via road or rail. The compact nature of the Old and New towns makes walking the primary mode of exploration within the city center, offering easy access to the surrounding Ligurian coast.
As a growing hotspot, summer is the ideal time to experience the coastal lifestyle with pleasant weather. However, this period sees higher tourist volumes, so early hotel bookings are recommended. Spring and autumn offer a quieter atmosphere, suitable for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local history and enjoy the town without the peak-season crowds.
church building in Sestri Levante, Italy
church building in Sestri Levante, Italy
hill in Liguria, Italy
Special Area of Conservation in Italy
The historic family restaurant on the Ligurian Levant sees young Matteo in the kitchen, marking the fifth generation of Rezzano involved in this field. This year they've also recruited Jorg Giubbani, who boasts stellar experiences in the area, further elevating the quality of the offering with three tasting menus primarily dedicated to seafood and gardens (three in total) to deliver dishes consistently delicate but flavourful, balanced in pairings, never contrived and visually striking. We were particularly conquered by the caponata of mackerel and desserts, all served in the lovely veranda ov
WebsiteBetween the sea and the railway, an open-space restaurant with a minimalist, contemporary design welcomes guests with its open kitchen, where chef and owner Ivan Maniago and his team transform ingredients from Liguria into sensory experiences. The philosophy is clear: 90% of the products come from small local producers. Three tasting menus offer an original interpretation of Liguria: Altitudine, a jouney from the coast towards inland Liguria; Profondità, an immersion in the wonders of the sea; and Vege-table, dedicated to green freshness.
WebsiteAfter over 60 years in business, this trattoria, which started out in a warehouse that was once used to store fishing nets, is still a reliable choice in terms of quality and price. Located in the centre of the little village, simple and old-fashioned, with outdoor seating overlooking the characteristic narrow street, it still serves the same deliciously tasty and generous Ligurian seafood cuisine it did when it first opened. The fish soup is a great classic, but is rivalled by some delicious versions of fish tartare.
A few management changes, but they are still in charge: Enrico in the kitchen and Nadia in the dining room. Already in a bucolic setting, but just a few steps from the centre and the sea, preceded by its own vegetable gardens, you dine within the restored 1590 walls of a former oil cellar, in a pleasantly rustic and romantic atmosphere overflowing with decorations. But the best comes with the cuisine, with no fish menu at all, with a strong focus on self-produced vegetables and succulent meat dishes, mostly barbecued with olive wood, along with a good selection of wines, mostly regional and hi
WebsiteIn a beautiful position inside the bay, the restaurant serves dishes with a contemporary twist that enhance the local products and the good ingredients. The offer is divided between the bistrot for lunch, the gourmet dinner and the wine bar. In summer you can dine alfresco on the outdoor terrace or directly on the beach.
WebsiteAn intimate restaurant on the seafront with a tiny dining room and small veranda, and a young, contemporary ambience. The Mediterranean-style cuisine is modern and creative with a focus on Ligurian ingredients to which the chef adds the occasional Asian twist, often in the sauces. Booking ahead is recommended given the limited number of tables here!
The Villa Riviera resort home to this restaurant is situated slightly inland and uphill from the sea in a tranquil oasis of greenery. The modern, minimalist veranda-style dining room is welcoming and elegant, while the summer terrace has a romantic ambience with superb views of the coast, especially at sunset. The menu features modern, occasionally creative cuisine with Ligurian influences evident in dishes such as the “La mia Liguria” dessert which combines ingredients such as basil and olives with white chocolate, pine nuts and fiordilatte ice cream.
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