Cinque Terre's Hidden Gem: Levanto's Unexpected Charm!
Levanto: Cinque Terre's Secret Weapon - Forget the Crowds, Embrace the Charm! (A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, so you’re thinking Cinque Terre, huh? Visions of pastel villages clinging to cliffs, Instagram-worthy sunsets, and… MASSIVE crowds? I get it. I was right there with you. But trust me, there's a trick. A secret weapon. It’s called Levanto, and it’s where the smart travelers go. Forget the ferry queues; Levanto gets you close without the tourist overload. Let's get messy with a review, alright?
First Impressions: The Vibe Check! (And the Accessibility Question…)
So, Levanto feels… real. Like, people live here. It’s not just a theme park for tourists. That automatically elevates the experience. And that's before we even get to the hotel… (I'll keep the hotel name secret for now, but trust me, it's good – and not just because I'm gushing).
Accessibility? Mmmm, it's a mixed bag. I am not fully able-bodied at this time so accessibility is a big deal. The town itself is a bit hilly, classic Liguria. We managed, but if you're fully dependent on a wheelchair, you'll want to check with the hotel specifically about their facilities for Facilities for disabled guests. I know from conversations that the staff at the hotel are extremely helpful and willing to assist (more on that later!). Public areas, a few restaurants, and some shops were accessible, but be prepared for some cobblestones and potential challenges.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: TBC - check with the hotel, as I didn't specifically assess these when I stayed.
Wheelchair accessible: Again, depends on your needs - definitely call ahead and be specific with your requirements.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did the Hotel Actually Care? (Or Was it Just Box-Ticking?)
Look, with everything going on, Cleanliness and safety is paramount. The hotel? They were ON IT. And I'm not just talking about the usual suspects. They went above and beyond.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Absolutely.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A nice touch, especially for the breakfast buffet. Speaking of which…
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They actually tried their best to enforce it, a rare sight.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Visible.
- Sterilizing equipment: Check.
- And the best part? Room sanitization opt-out available: I appreciate the transparency and choice.
And seriously folks, the staff were wearing masks and keeping their distance, but not in a cold way. They still had a warmth about them. This wasn't just about protecting guests; it felt like protecting each other too. You feel safe, which is half the battle these days.
The Hotel Rooms: A Deep Dive (And a Minor Panic)
Let's talk about the rooms. My room had that fresh, clean smell you want after a long journey. Everything listed was spot on!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (Hallelujah!), Alarm clock (yawn), Bathrobes (luxury!), Bathroom phone (fancy!), Bathtub (hello bubbles!), Blackout curtains (sleep is KEY), Carpeting (usually a no for me, but this was impeccably clean), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank god!), Desk, Extra long bed (yes!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (nice view!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (handy for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (WI-FI! YES!), Ironing facilities (thank goodness!), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (maybe don't step on it after that pasta…), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Okay, here's a confession: The first night? I couldn’t quite figure out how to turn on the TV. I'm a moron sometimes, I admit it! But the staff? They were so patient. They had to come up to show me, but it was no issue for them, and they were genuinely helpful rather than annoyed. That kind of service is gold.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure! (And the Carb Loading)
Alright, let's talk about the food. Levanto is in Liguria, so think pesto, fresh seafood, and… well, a LOT of pasta.
- A la carte in restaurant: Fine dining available!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes, they accommodated dietary requests.
- Asian breakfast: No! (I wasn't expecting this, but fun fact… I love it!)
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Also a no.
- Bar: YES! (Aperol Spritz, please!)
- Bottle of water: Always provided, which I always appreciate.
- Breakfast [buffet]: AMAZING. Breakfast [buffet] with a capital A. The Breakfast service was exceptional with options beyond. So many fresh pastries! Fresh fruit! Cured meats! Cheeses! Eggs cooked to order! The Western breakfast was phenomenal, with enough variety to keep you going.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Excellent coffee.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh. My. God. Their desserts were dangerous.
- Happy hour: Not during my stay but a great option to have..
- International cuisine in restaurant: A varied menu.
- Poolside bar: Yes! (for the ultimate indulgence)
- Restaurants: Several, both on-site and within walking distance.
- Room service [24-hour]: Heaven! Perfect for late-night cravings or early morning coffee.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and delicious, especially after all the pasta!
- Snack bar: Perfect for mid-afternoon treats, especially the ice cream.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yes. And plenty of vegetarian options.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Amazing.
Here's an anecdote: I got back from a hike one day, absolutely ravenous. The kitchen was closed, but the staff managed to whip up some pasta for me anyway. It wasn't on the menu, and they shouldn't have done it, but they did. And it was the best fricking pasta I’ve ever had. They went above and beyond. It spoke volumes about their genuine care.
Spa, Pool, and Relaxation: Time to Unwind (After All That Hiking!)
Okay, if you're like me, you need a little R&R. They really had the works!
- Pool with view: Yes! And it was stunning.
- **Sauna & Spa: Yes!
- Spa/sauna: Yes!
- Steamroom: Yes.
- Swimming pool: Multiple.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The one with the view!
- Massage: Available, I didn't have one this trip, but I've heard from others it's great.
- Foot bath: Yes, but unused this trip.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: Yes to both, pampering galore!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Yes!
The pool deserves its own paragraph, not just because it was beautiful, but because it was peaceful. No screaming kids (which is rare!), just the gentle sound of water and the stunning view of Levanto. I spent an entire afternoon lounging by the pool, reading a book, and feeling my stress melt away. Bliss.
Things to Do & Getting Around: More Than Just Beaches (But the Beaches Are Great Too!)
Levanto is a perfect base for exploring. The train station is super close to the hotel, making the Getting around super easy.
Access: Easy to get around.
Airport transfer: Yes, they can arrange it.
Bicycle parking: Yes.
Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
Car park [on-site]: Yes.
Car power charging station: Not sure, ask!
Taxi service: Readily available.
Valet parking: Yes, you're spoiled.
Things to do: Hiking trails are everywhere! You can hike to Monterosso, or other villages. The beach is great. Surfing, water sports… you name it!
Ways to relax: As above, but the hotel encourages relaxing.
**Couple'
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. We're heading to Cinque Terre…ish, specifically Levanto, Italy, for a hot mess of an adventure. This ain't your pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is real life.
Levanto & Cinque Terre: The "Good, Bad, and Absolutely Pasta-fied" Plan
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Train Debacle & Pizza Dreams
- Morning: Arrive at Genoa Airport. (Ugh, airports. The soul-sucking vortex of humanity.) Grab a train ticket… or try to. Because… Italy. Let’s just say I wrestled with a ticket machine in broken Italian for a good twenty minutes, feeling like a complete idiot. Finally, victory! (Or so I thought.) Train to Levanto. Hope the scenery is as good as everyone says it is.
- Afternoon: Check into the (hopefully) charming Airbnb. Fingers crossed it's not a dungeon. Maybe it’s super charming, with a balcony overlooking the sea. It. Better. Be. Wander around Levanto, which hopefully is not flooded with tourists. Oh, how I hope that little town is charming. I bet I get lost immediately.
- Evening: Find some pizza! I've been daydreaming about it since I booked this trip. Preferably Neapolitan, wood-fired, the works. Maybe stumble on some local restaurant. Because who is going on vacation but not immediately getting a pizza? Probably me, given my track record. Try to resist the urge to eat the entire thing in one sitting. Fail. (Guaranteed.) Maybe I'll try to learn one Italian phrase. " Ancora pizza, per favore”. The phrase is going to be very useful.
Day 2: Hiking, Heartbreak (Kind Of), and That View
- Morning: Okay, the big hike! The iconic Cinque Terre trail. Start with the first leg, Levanto to Monterosso. I am really excited! I hear those views are supposed to be epic. Prepare for sweat, stunning views, and the potential for epic falls (not literally, hopefully). I'm picturing myself as a graceful mountain goat. Reality? More like a clumsy, slightly out-of-breath sheep.
- Afternoon: Monterosso exploration. Pictures, Gelato, maybe the beach. I’ve always wanted to go to a real beach. I have a new goal, to drink a bottle of wine while sitting on the beach.
- Evening: This is where it gets interesting. I accidentally ordered something that looked like a seafood stew. It was….challenging. Let’s just say my tastebuds weren’t entirely thrilled. However, with a glass of wine it was acceptable, and the view was incredible.
- Evening Finish drinking the bottle of wine? Yep.
Day 3: The Colors of Vernazza & That Damn Ferry & More Pasta
- Morning: Train to Vernazza. Just the name makes you smile! The most photogenic village ever. More pictures, more gelato (it's a food group, right?). This is where the perfection of every instagram photo becomes real.. I hope.
- Afternoon: The Ferry. A ferry ride to a different village. (That would be Riomaggiore.) I hate boats. I'm not saying I get seasick, but I'm not saying I don't. I'm probably going to spend the entire ride clutching the railing and praying to Poseidon.
- Evening: Ok, so the Ferry wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Pasta for dinner. I'm thinking pesto, the classic. I'm already getting used to the relaxed pace of the locals. They take their time and it's a big part of the charm.
Day 4: Manarola & A Lost Wallet & Emotional Distress
- Morning: Train to Manarola. Hopefully the train is on time and not over packed. This is the day I lose my wallet. It's inevitable. I just know it. It contains: all my money, my credit cards, my driver's license, and a photo of my dog. Panic mode engaged. Commence frantic searching and uttering curses in several languages.
- Afternoon: The search. I'm crying, I'm sweating, I'm convinced the entire trip is ruined. Visit the carabinieri and attempting to explain my situation in broken Italian. Feel like a complete clown.
- Evening: The miracle! Someone found my wallet and turned it in! The relief is overwhelming. Celebrate with the biggest, most glorious plate of pasta I can find. Then, buy a bottle of wine and drink it while watching the sunset, feeling all the emotions.
Day 5: Levanto's Charm and the Goodbye Hugs
- Morning: Wander Levanto, which I guess is my hometown. Explore the town that charmed my pants off.
- Afternoon: Shopping! I want to buy souvenirs for all my relatives. And a trinket for me!
- Evening: The dreaded packing. Farewell dinner in Levanto. Soak it all in. That feeling of bittersweetness you get when something wonderful is ending, but all the memories are now a part of you. Say goodbye. Drink more wine. Try to remember every little detail, every smell, taste, sensation…Because this is a place you want to relive.
Notes, Ramblings & Imperfections:
- Impromptu Dance Parties: There will be at least one. Maybe on a piazza, fueled by wine and pure joy.
- The Language Barrier: I will butcher Italian. Constantly. Humor is the only defense.
- The Weather: Expect the unexpected. Sunshine, rain, and possibly a rogue wave or two.
- Lost & Found: I will get lost. It's part of the adventure. Embrace it.
- Eating All the Things: Prepare for a carb coma. Worth it.
- The Real Truth: Italy is messy, beautiful, frustrating, and completely, utterly, unbelievably worth it. Don't expect perfection. Expect to be changed.
This itinerary is a suggestion. Do what you want! Get lost. Make mistakes. Laugh until your sides hurt. Get emotional. Let Italy surprise you. And most importantly, have fun, you madcap traveler!
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Levanto: Seriously, the Cinque Terre's SECRET Weapon? (Let's Dive In!)
Okay, Levanto. I hear it's near the Cinque Terre, but… *why* Levanto? Isn't it just… *Levanto*?
Ugh, I GET it. You're thinking: "Another Italian coastal town? Been there, done that, got the gelato stain on the t-shirt." But seriously, Levanto isn't just *another* town. It's… well, it's the antithesis of the Cinque Terre's super-hyped, Instagram-bombed frenzy (bless those colourful villages, they really are gorgeous, but...). Think of it as the chilled-out, slightly-less-perfect-but-somehow-more-lovable cousin. It's got the same stunning coastline, but with fewer crowds, a sandy beach (a HUGE win, trust me), and a vibe that's just… *breezier*.
My first time? Disaster. I arrived on a rainy afternoon after lugging a ridiculous suitcase (always pack too much, I'm a chronic overpacker). The train station felt... dusty. But then, the sun peeked out, and BAM! The pastel buildings, the delicious smells of foccacia, and the gentle chatter of locals. Suddenly, I was hooked. Don't expect perfect, expect REAL.
Is Levanto actually *close* to the Cinque Terre? How easy is it to visit those iconic villages?
Oh, yeah. Levanto is practically the gateway. The train is your knight in shining armor. It's just a few *minutes* to Monterosso, the first village. Seriously, you can be eating world-class pesto in Vernazza in under an hour. It's ridiculously convenient. I've done the train trip to Vernazza a million times. Sometimes, after a few too many glasses of Prosecco, it's more like a blur of tunnels and stunning views. But it gets you there! You can also hike. The trails are epic, but, look, I’m a beach bum.
Pro-Tip: Buy your Cinque Terre train passes *before* you get to Levanto. Trust me. I learned the hard way. Imagine, stressed-out me, battling a language barrier and a swarm of tourists at Monterosso station… it was a comedy show, for everyone else.
So, what's ACTUALLY *in* Levanto? Aside from… the train? (And the beach, I guess…?)
Okay, the beach is a huge selling point. It's long, sandy, and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and general lounging. The water is *gorgeous*. And the surfing! Seriously, Levanto is a surfer's paradise. Watching those fearless souls ride the waves is pure entertainment.
Beyond the beach, there's a charming old town. Think narrow, cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of shops selling local treats. There are churches to wander in (I’m not religious, but the architecture is stunning), and plenty of places to gorge yourself on Ligurian specialities. Honestly, some of the best meals I've had in Italy were in Levanto.
And the evenings? Glorious. Sunset strolls, Aperol Spritzes by the sea, the sound of guitars from open-air restaurants… it's pure bliss. It really is.
Let's talk Food! What local delicacies MUST I try in Levanto? I'm a foodie, and I'm ready to eat!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving into deliciousness. First off: Focaccia! Levanto's focaccia is legendary. Get it plain, with rosemary, with onions… just GET IT. The bakeries are everywhere, and the aroma alone will pull you in. Especially the bakeries that are open until the early morning hours, you’ll need them. Next: Trofie al Pesto. Forget the tourist traps, find a small trattoria and savor the authentic flavors. The pesto is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Seriously, I could eat a vat of it.
Don't forget the seafood! Freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection. And the local wine… oh, that wine! It's light, crisp, and the perfect accompaniment to every meal. One time, I went to a small trattoria tucked away in a side street. It took me forever to find it, I was sweating, and hangry. But when I finally got there? I just wanted to eat all the food and stay there forever!
What about accommodation? Any tips for finding a place to stay in Levanto?
Book in advance, especially during peak season! I learned this the HARD, HARD, HARD way, (again - notes to self!). Levanto isn't as overrun as the Cinque Terre, but it still gets busy. There's a good mix of hotels, apartments, and charming B&Bs. The ones closer to the beach are obviously more desirable (and pricier).
My biggest tip? Avoid the big hotel chains. They exist, but the real magic is in the family-run places. You'll get a more authentic experience, warmer service, and probably better food. I stayed in a tiny apartment with a view of the sea once, and it was pure bliss. And the owner? She spoke no English, I spoke no Italian, but we managed to communicate perfectly through smiles, gestures, and a shared love for espresso. It was a mess, but it was perfect.
Okay, let's be honest. What's the downside? What are the *bad* things about Levanto?
Alright, alright, let’s get real. It's not all sunshine and focaccia. (Though, let’s be honest, a lot of it IS sunshine and focaccia.) The train station, as I mentioned, can feel a bit…uninspiring. It's functional, but not exactly picturesque. Some of the shops cater to tourists, so you have to sift through the souvenirs to find the genuine stuff. And parking? A NIGHTMARE during the summer months. I nearly lost my mind trying to find a spot. I literally considered abandoning the car to the elements and walking back with a bag of groceries. The struggle is real.
And… let’s be brutally honest… sometimes the internet is spotty. But honestly, who cares? You're in Italy! Put down your phone and soak it all in! It's a small price to pay for the overall awesomeness. Oh, and the mosquitoes. Bring bug spray. You've been warned.
Would you actually recommend Levanto over staying *in* the Cinque Terre?
Oh, it depends, and this is where it gets complicated... See, I *love* the Cinque Terre. I really, really do. But I hate crowds. And I value a good night's sleep. If you want to experience the Cinque Terre, but you value sanity, Levanto is your best bet. You get the convenience, you get the charm, you don't get the constant crush of bodies.
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