Sestri Levante (Segesta Tigullorum) is a town (commune) situated in the region Liguria, in the Eastern part of the Italian Riviera (Riviera di Levante), and washed by the waters of Ligurian sea.
Like many other Ligurian villages, the city, originally known as Segesta or Segeste, was founded by the ancient peoples called Liguri, more precisely, Ligurian Tigulli, from which the name of the current geographical area called Tigullio came.
In Roman times the village was known as Segesta Tigulliorum and experienced a surge in development, which collapsed in the Middle ages from barbarian invasions.
Sestri Levante, rich in history and culture - a magical place, with amazing nature, has always been a source of inspiration for poets and writers.
In the nineteenth century, the city hosted Hans Christian Andersen, who was fascinated by the beauty of this place and in honor of whose work one of the bays of Sestri Levante is named.
Currently, Sestri Levante is one of the most charming and popular resorts of the Italian Riviera, visited annually by hundreds of tourists from all over Europe, predominantly Italians, also, the French and Swiss come.
The Beaches Of Sestri Levante. Seaside Of Sestri Levante
Exquisite decoration the coast of Sestri Levante is a large rocky promontory, commonly called "the Island of Sestri Levante", in the outgoing water of the Ligurian sea and linked with the mainland by a narrow isthmus, which appeared only in the modern era. Now the island with the isthmus is called the Peninsula of Sestri Levante.
The coast of Sestri Levante, stretching between the Ligurian Sea of the Italian Riviera and the mountain range, is characterized by the presence of two bays: the Bay of Silence and the Bay of fairy Tales, located on both sides of the isthmus.
The beaches of the resort are concentrated within the bays of Sestri. On the very isthmus and near such flows the main tourist life.
The Bay Of Silence
The Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) is a small and most picturesque of the two bays.
In the middle of the Bay is the beach, which is a narrow sandy, sometimes sandy-pebbly band, with one side separated from the main part of the city in a tight row of colorful buildings, a typical Ligurian style, and the waters of the Ligurian sea.
The beach of the Bay of Silence - the most charming beach of Sestri Levante, but also the entire coast of the Riviera di Levante.
In high season the beach is crowded. The sea water is shallow, which contributes to its rapid set temperature.
On the beach there is all the necessary infrastructure: sun loungers and umbrellas, decking for ease of movement, showers and urns, there are several cafes, rescue points and first aid. You can find a place and get on your own towel.
The beach is equipped for people with reduced mobility. Read more about the Bay of Silence and the beach...
Directly on the Bay of Silence is a 4-star hotel Miramare, a restaurant and a terrace with sea views.
It offers free access to a private beach area and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The room price includes: Breakfast or Breakfast and dinner. Link to the hotel
Cape Manara and Sestri
Massive Manara promontory (Punta Manara), the foot of which is characterized by wild rocky coast, where you can also swim and sunbathe, originates on the North side of the beach of the Bay of Silence extends beyond Sestri, to the neighboring village of Riva Trigoso.
Near the beach of the Bay of Silence, on the slopes of Cape Manara is a 4-star hotel Helvetia has a private beach, a Spa pool, heated swimming pool and a rooftop terrace, a garden, a restaurant, bar and private Parking. Room rates include Breakfast. Link to the hotel
Also on the southern side of the beach of the Bay of Silence is the promontory of Sestri Levante, with steep rocky shores.
On the West side of the promontory of Sestri Levante, near the harbour, among the rocky coast and stones, is a small private beach, equipped with slopes into the sea and all necessary infrastructure.
The beach has a so-called natural swimming pool which was carved out of the space in the rocks where the sea water flows.
The beach belongs to the 4 star hotel Grand Hotel Dei Castelli is located in a historic building of the Villa Gualino on the hill among extensive gardens. From the hotel to the beach you can descend (and climb from the beach to the hotel, respectively) on the Elevator. Link to the hotel
The Bay Of Fairy Tales
Bay of Fairytales and the Bay of Fables (Baia delle Favole) - the larger of the two bays located in the Western part of the coast of Sestri Levante.
Within the Bay of fairy Tales is a small port, as well as sandy and pebble beaches, along which lies a long, picturesque embankment.
The beaches of the bay of fairy tales originate from the street Pilade Caroló (VIa Pilade Queirolo) and a continuous strip stretch to the western border of Sestri Levante.
On the beaches of the dense sand of gray color, closer to the Western outskirts of the sand is replaced by pebbles, at first small, then larger.
The beaches of the Bay of fairy Tales are public, which are also attended by private beach clubs and many other beaches of the Riviera, offering a full range of beach services: sun loungers and parasols, showers and toilets, changing cabins and chambers for storage of small items, beach cafes, bars, and decks for ease of movement and urns, water sports and children's play areas, rescue centers and first aid.
The cost of renting chairs and umbrellas from the sun varies depending on Bangui and the line on which the sunbeds (the closer to the sea, the more expensive). Sun lounger or chair € 4 umbrella 5 Euro. The daily pass is valid from 20 - 25 Euros. Read more about the beaches of the Bay of fairy Tales...
The harbour of Sestri Levante
In Sestri Levante there is a small tourist port located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Tales, near the rocky coast of the Sestri Levante peninsula.
Small yachts and boats are moored in the port, there is a yacht club, boat rental, foraneo pier (Molo Foraneo) and a Shrine.
Near the port there are several restaurants and cafés, there is a Parking space.
From the port you can take boat trips to the resort towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, the national Park Cinque Terre or visit Portofino. Read more about the harbour of Sestri Levante...
Embankments Sestri Levante
Embankments in Sestri Levante runs along the beaches and are very popular places for walks and rest.
The promenade along the beach in the Bay of Silence is almost there, except that small area in its southern part, adjacent to the former convent. Along the seafront places to stay, cafes and restaurants.
Along the Bay of fairy Tales (port and beach) runs the longest promenade (boardwalk) along which: places to stay, kiosks with food and drinks, restaurant, children's rides, small Park, sculptures and monuments.
Directly on the promenade of the Bay of fairy Tales, in its Central part, a remarkable historical building - a Villa in the art Nouveau style.
Currently, within the walls of the Villa is a 4 star Suite Hotel Nettuno is the only with direct access to the beach in this part of Sestri Levante. The hotel has a private part of the beach, pool, restaurant, lounge bar and elegant rooms and suites. Room rates include Breakfast. Link to the hotel
Behind the promenade, there is a cycle path and a driveway, from the opposite side of which buildings lined up in a row, on the first floors of which cafes, restaurants and shops are located. There are parking spaces.
Among the buildings along the promenade of the Bay of fairy Tales, notably the building of the Villa Brignole-Balbi - a historic aristocratic residence built in the 17th century.
Currently, the walls of the Villa is a 4-star Grand Hotel Villa Balbi with the inner Italian garden, private beach area, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar. Room rates include Breakfast. Link to the hotel
Sights of Sestri Levante. The historic center of Sestri Levante
The historic center of Sestri Levante is located between the two bays and on the island of Sestri, and the more modern part occupies a plain that stretches between the sea and the hills of the hinterland.
The most popular, picturesque and charming part of Sestri is its historical center, characterized by two embankments, interlacing of few narrow streets, along which historical buildings are located close to each other, on the ground floors of which there are shops and souvenir shops, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants with tables open air.
Within the historic centre is concentrated the bulk of the attractions of Sestri, among which are:
- the Palace of the Durazzo-Pallavicini (Palazzo Durazzo-Pallavicini) - the Sestri Town Hall, erected in the second half of the 17th century, which houses a painting by Francesco Bassano, depicting the Adoration of the Magi;
- the Basilica of Saint Mary of Nazareth (Basilica di Santa Maria di Nazareth), built in the seventeenth century and has a neoclassical pronaos.
Inside the Church contains paintings of the Baroque era;
- Palace Fascie Rossi (Palazzo Fascie Rossi), erected in the early twentieth century.
Now in the walls of the Palace is the headquarters of the municipal library, historical archives, archaeological and city Museum and tourist information centre.
- Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli), built by the fathers Capuchins in 1640 with the addition of a monastery. Subsequently the whole complex has undergone several changes and extensions;
- the Palace - Museum and gallery Rizzi (Museo Galleria Rizzi).
The gallery was born under the will of Marcello Rizzi, who after his death wanted his residence to become a real city museum, where artwork and objects would be exhibited to the public, which Rizzi had collected for years;
- Church of the Immaculate Conception (Chiesa Dell'immacolata Concezione) with the adjoining convent of the Capuchin friars (Cappuccini Convento Frati) of the 17th century, situated on the slopes of Cape Manara.
The Shrine was erected in 1688 in a medieval style with a characteristic façade with black and white stripes;
- the building of the former monastery of the Annunciation, built in 15th century, which currently is the venue of cultural conferences and events, which features an observation deck with views of the sea and the beach of the Bay of Silence;
- the ruins of the ancient Church of St. Catherine (Ruderi Dell'oratorio di Santa Caterina), built in 1578 and destroyed during the air bombings of world war II, 1944;
- Church of San nicolò Dell'isola (Chiesa di San Nicolò Dell'isola), originating from 1151 built, most likely, to earlier and more primitive Shrine, built by the Colombian monks of Bobbio.
It is the oldest Church in Sestri, which until the 17th century was the main parish Church of Sestri Levante, after which the main Shrine of the city was the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth;
In the so-called new part of Sestri Levante, going deep into the "mainland" of the city's attractions not much, but they are spiritual, architectural, or historical value. Of the most interesting:
- Villa Durazzo-Cattaneo Della Volta Palace (Palazzo Durazzo-Cattaneo Della Volta), formerly known as the Palazzo Doria (Già palazzo dei Doria), built in the mid 15th century.
The Villa is a building of the 18th century, where you can also see attached the chapel of Giacomo Gagini (Giacomo Gaggini), erected by order of Giuseppe Maria Durazzo in 1725.
- the temple, the sanctuary of Christ the King (Santuario di Cristo Re) built between 1929 and 1933;
- Church of Santo Stefano del Ponte (Chiesa di Santo Stefano del Ponte), the construction of which dates back to the early Christian period, probably by the monks of San Colombano di Bobbio, but from the original Church nothing remains, at least on the surface.
The first official records relating to the Church, witnessed in the period 1012, and again in 1034 years. The current building, which was later expanded and enriched, dates back to the 18th century. Learn more about the sights of Sestri Levante...
Park Mariele Ventre
In Sestri Levante, the park Mariele Ventre (Giardini Mariele Ventre), located in the city center, is also notable.
The Park is the public gardens with the statue, named after the Italian singer and musician Marielle Ventre (1939 - 1995).
In the gardens: walking paths, places for recreation, children's Playground, stage, flower beds, fountain and sculpture. Read more about the Park Mariele Ventre...
Where to go from Sestri Levante
Sestri Levante has a great location.
From the city you can visit the nearby resort towns and villages on the coast. For example, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, the national Park Cinque Terre or Portofino famous, which can be reached both on tourist ships by sea and in fact by public transport: trains, buses.
From Sestri Levante, you can go hiking along the trails around the resort.
How to get to Sestri Levante
There is no airport in Sestri Levante itself. Nearby airports are located in major cities, such as Genoa, Milan (including Bergamo), Turin, Pisa, Parma, Bologna, etc.
The closest airport is in Genoa, next in Milan, Bergamo and Pisa. Cheap flights to Italy...
From large cities to Sestri Levante can be reached:
Taxi
From any city in Italy, including to and from airports, you can reach Sestri Levante by taxi.
Book a taxi/Shuttle service is possible in advance, even from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, you will meet your driver with a sign, which will be written your name and surname. To order a taxi is enough to inform your flight details! View the price and book a taxi here...
Car
One of the most convenient ways independent movement in Italy is a car. You can rent a car in advance, even from home, the car will be waiting for you upon arrival. Cars can pick up and rent here...
Public transport
On the train to Sestri Levante can be reached either from Genoa or from La Spezia transfers in Genoa or La Spezia, respectively. Direct trains runs a bit.
Trains are the most convenient way to get from the center of Genoa. Direct train. The fare is from 4.90 euros, the journey time is from 45 minutes.
Tickets for trains can be viewed and purchased on the website Trenitalia or here.
Bus tickets to Genoa can be bought here (FlixBus) (for example, a direct bus from Bergamo airport, the fare is about 10 euros).
An alternative to rail can be a bus.
Direct bus services between Sestri Levante and major cities missing. To get on the buses to Sestri Levante can with transfers in Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure (bus No. 98, the line Santa Margherita Ligure - Bargonasco), also in Chiavari (the # 4 bus line Chiavari - Riva Trigoso; the number 5 bus line Chiavari - Bargonasco).
Before the trip the actual bus schedule and the fare we recommend you to check the website of the bus company.
Visit of Sestri Levante you can also follow the sea with one of the boat trips from Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Portofino and the National Park Cinque Terre.
Information on ferries and boat trips can be found on the website of the company.
Where to stay in Sestri Levante (hotels Sestri Levante)
The choice of accommodation in Sestri Levante are very diverse, ranging from budget guesthouses, campsites and apartments to 4-star hotels and houses located both near the beach and historical center, and more remotely from those.
All accommodation in Sestri Levante it is possible to look and book here
