Liguria · 50 min from Rapallo
Levanto: the Riviera's sandy beach, gateway to the Cinque Terre.
A medieval centre with 14th-century loggias, a 300-metre sandy beach — a rarity on the Levante — direct Cinque Terre access in 5 minutes by train, and Italy's most spectacular coastal cycle path.
What makes Levanto different
Levanto has something rare on the Riviera di Levante: a wide, long sandy beach, without the sheer cliffs of the other villages. The medieval centre has 14th-century loggias, Romanesque churches and a castle — all reachable on foot in half an hour. It has the feel of a real town, not an over-touristy destination.
The Levanto–Framura–Bonassola cycle path is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Italy: about 24 km running through disused 1960s railway tunnels carved into the cliff face, with panoramic openings over the sea. Smooth tarmac, no traffic, suitable for all levels. Bikes can be hired in Levanto near the station.
As a base for the Cinque Terre, Levanto has its own station on the same line: Monterosso is the next stop (5 minutes), all other villages a few minutes beyond. Compared to staying inside the Park, Levanto means lower prices, more space and a sandy beach to come back to.
Combine with
- Cycle path Levanto–Bonassola — tunnels and sea views
- Punta Mesco — panoramic trail towards the Cinque Terre
- Cinque Terre — Monterosso 5 min by train
- Levanto restaurants — seafood, reasonable prices
- Framura and Bonassola — small villages along the cycle path
- La Spezia — Naval Museum, 15 min by train
Suggested itinerary: morning cycle path to Bonassola and back, lunch in Levanto, afternoon beach — or hop on the train for Monterosso (Cinque Terre).
Logistics
Getting from Rapallo to Levanto.
By train on the Genoa–La Spezia line. Levanto is about 50 minutes from Rapallo, on the same line as the Cinque Terre.
By train — from Rapallo station, Trenitalia regional service towards La Spezia. Levanto in about 50 minutes (~€4–6). The station is a 5-minute walk from the beach and the historic centre. Check timetables at trenitalia.com.
By car — A12 motorway to Carrodano/Levanto exit, about 55 minutes from Rapallo. Parking is available in the town. Useful if you want to bring your own bikes for the cycle path.
Stay in Rapallo
Cinque Terre and Levanto from the same base.
From Rapallo you can visit the Cinque Terre one day and Levanto the next — or combine them in the same day. The full kitchen lets you come back and cook produce from Levanto's market.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Levanto.
Practical answers for planning your visit.
How do you get to Levanto from Rapallo?
By regional Trenitalia train towards La Spezia: about 50 minutes, ticket ~€4–6. The station is a 5-minute walk from the beach and the medieval centre.
What is the Levanto–Framura cycle path?
A 24 km cycle route through disused 1960s railway tunnels carved into the cliffside, with panoramic openings over the sea. Smooth surface, no traffic, suitable for all fitness levels including families. Bikes can be hired near Levanto station.
Is Levanto a good base for the Cinque Terre?
Very much so: Monterosso al Mare is the next station from Levanto (5 minutes). Compared to staying inside the National Park, Levanto is quieter, cheaper and has better beaches.
What is there to do in Levanto beyond the beach?
Medieval centre with 14th-century loggias, Romanesque churches and a castle. Punta Mesco trail towards the Cinque Terre. Seafood restaurants at more reasonable prices than inside the Park. Levanto Nature Trek Festival in June.
When is the best time to visit Levanto?
June–September for the beach. May and October for the cycle path and hiking: fewer crowds, mild temperatures, great light. July–August are busy but lively. The Cinque Terre trails are best outside peak summer.
Plan Levanto and the Cinque Terre with LigurIA.
LigurIA builds a tailored itinerary — cycle path, beach or Cinque Terre — and integrates it into your Rapallo stay. Free, no registration required.