Sestri Levante Holidays

Sestri Levante is a gorgeous Riviera town that bears more than a little resemblance to Portofino, which sits just along the coast. The town's colourful buildings and historic palaces nestle around a beautiful crescent of sand and sea, with a backdrop of pine forests. Sestri Levante is a little quieter than its fashionable neighbour, and is popular with holidaying Italians, making it ideal for those looking for a relaxed and authentic Italian Riviera destination.

There’s still plenty to see and do, though. For many, the Punta Manara hiking trail is a must-do, offering miles of flora-rich hiking up the headland and into the hills beyond. A more relaxed alternative would be to take a boat and cruise the glass-smooth Bay of Silence, or just to lounge on the sandy beachfront. One of Sestri Levante’s other perks is its proximity to the dreamy pastel-shaded towns of the Cinque Terre – you can reach them in just over half an hour.

Handpicked Hotels in Sestri Levante

Discover the real Sestri Levante while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Grand Hotel Villa Balbi

Sestri Levante, Liguria

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Hotel Vis a Vis

Sestri Levante, Liguria

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Things to do in Sestri Levante

Things to doCinque TerreCinque Terre (Five Lands) is the collective name for five of Italy’s most picturesque coastal villages.Find out more about Cinque Terre Liguria

Things to doLiguria's BeachesLiguria has more Blue Flag beaches than any other region in Italy, so prepare to be dazzled by the many spectacular sandy spots dotting this famously pretty coastline.Find out more about Liguria's beaches

Things to doPortfinoPortofino is often compared to the villages of the Cinque Terre, but this seaside stunner was earmarked for fame decades before the Cinque Terre gained renown.Find out more about Portofino Liguria

Flight Information

Most flights to Liguria arrive into Genoa airport (GOA) although visitors to the west of the riviera can also fly into Nice (please call our Italy Experts to book flights to Nice). Direct flights to Genoa are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Stansted and take approximately 2 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Introduction to languages

Listen to our Learn Italian podcast, where we cover everything from basic to intermediate phrases.

Santa Margherita Specialities In many ways discovering new culinary delights on holiday is as much about history and tradition as it is about food. Torta pasqualina, a savoury pie, with roots in the 16th Century, falls into that category. Originally made at Easter with 33 layers of pasty to symbolise the years of Christ’s life, the recipe is much simpler today. Among the ingredients are eggs, artichokes and local prenscinseua cheese. It’s perfect for vegetarians and other discerning foodies.

Santa Margherita Specialities Vine growing on steep Ligurian slopes is definitely one of life’s challenges although the topography and soil conditions help the process. Despite the difficulty, local vineyards, mainly artisanal, produce over 100 varieties of some of the best wines in the country. Some are red but most are white, many made with the Vermentino grape which some experts argue originally came to Italy from the Middle East. Many of the varieties are not available outside the country, so make sure to take your favourites from your holiday in Santa Margherita.

Santa Margherita Specialities Sometimes described as a cuisine of humble origin, Ligurian food would often be made from local produce. Filling, crusty and delicious focaccia made with potato, flour, olive oil, coarse salt, rosemary and other ingredients is a must during your visit. While it might be unassuming, it’s perfect on its own or for scooping up any remaining sauce on your plate. Add a glass of chilled white wine, some Italian sunshine, a table with a view and you have the ideal recipe.

Sestri Levante Holidays

Grand Hotel Villa Balbi

Hotel Vis a Vis

Things to do in Sestri Levante

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