How To Spend A Weekend In Sestri Levante
Between Portofino and Cinque Terre lies a serene coastal town on the Italian Riviera. Our editor, Vicky Stetekluh, reveals where to stay, dine, and unwind in this quietly charming coastal escape.
Sestri Levante sits quietly on the Ligurian coast, perfectly placed between the glamour of Portofino and the rugged cliffs of Cinque Terre. Once a humble fishing village, its two bays—the Baia del Silenzio and Baia delle Favole—have long offered shelter to sailors and moments of calm to visitors. Here, the pastel-hued buildings and narrow cobbled streets whisper stories of a slower pace, of traditions woven through generations. It’s a town that invites you to breathe deeply, and take your time. A rare slice of the Italian coast where history and daily life still feel intimately connected.
Where To Stay
Tucked into the curve of the Baia del Silenzio, Hotel Helvetia is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you've left. Originally built in 1926 by engineer Umberto Pernigotti as a private seaside residence, the villa has remained in the family for nearly a century. Over the decades, the villa has quietly transformed into a tranquil retreat—one that feels more like a beloved home than a hotel.
Today, the hotel is overseen by Alessandro Pernigotti and his wife, Marcella, whose approach to hospitality is rooted less in formality and more in a genuine sense of belonging. From the rooftop, as we gazed out over the bay, Marcella pointed to one of the pastel colored buildings along the beach—her old elementary school. She shared that Alessandro’s grandfather was among the post World War I engineers who helped shape the town’s modern identity. Hospitality is a family inheritance.
Mornings at Hotel Helvetia begin with a slow breakfast on the shady terrace. Every detail feels personal, every face familiar. Within a day, the staff knows your name, your coffee order, and you'll find chocolates waiting on your pillow each night. Ask for Umberto in the dining room, he’ll look after you.
Days unfold between refreshing dips in the pool, perched just above the bay, and lazy hours stretched out on sunbeds in the secluded corner of the hotel’s private beach, one of the most idyllic spots on the Italian Riviera. There’s a timeless richness to a place like this, built on memory, heritage, and a quiet elegance that stays with you long after you've returned home.
Designed by renowned architect Luigi Carlo Daneri, a protégé of Le Corbusier, Villa Domus 1938 stands as a masterpiece of Italian Rationalist architecture. Completed in 1938, the villa has been celebrated as a National Monument of Modern Architecture since 1988.
Set within 2.3 hectares of lush parkland, the villa offers a serene and private retreat, featuring a swimming pool overlooking the Ligurian Sea, sea view bedrooms, and beautifully maintained gardens—all while preserving its original architectural integrity. With two full-floor suites available or the option to rent the entire villa, it provides a unique and intimate way to experience the Ligurian coast.
Perched atop the Sestri Levante Peninsula, the Grand Hotel dei Castelli is housed within a historic castle complex dating back to 1145, originally built by the Republic of Genoa for coastal defense. Converted into a hotel in the 1950s, the property retains its medieval charm and timeless character. Guests can wander the expansive private park, swim in the natural seawater pool, and take in sweeping views of the Gulf of Tigullio.
Where To Eat
Caffè
Bar Tritone, Since the mid-20th century, fishermen, shopkeepers, and families have gathered here for morning espresso or early evening spritz. If you are there in the morning I suggest the pistachio croissant.
Lunch
Vistamare, led by Chef Andrea Mancini, offers a considered take on Ligurian dishes, featuring fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and seasonal produce from nearby hills. Plates like squid ink tagliolini with local clams and sea bream carpaccio honor local tradition with a modern touch. The terrace overlooking Baia del Silenzio has striking views, best paired with vermentino and the day’s crudo.
Ristorante Baia del Silenzio, located in Hotel Miramare & Spa, serves traditional Ligurian seafood and Mediterranean flavors with seasonal, local ingredients. Tables steps from the water make the restaurant ideal for those looking to dine seaside.
A longtime locals’ favorite, Trattoria Angiolina is tucked off the water on the corner of Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, where the day’s catch arrives straight from the sea. The menu leans into Ligurian classics—trofie al pesto, grilled fish, garden vegetables— the best for a long leisurely lunch.
Aperitivo
Citto Beach Bar curves around the corner of Baia del Silenzio, offering lovely views of the pastel houses as you enjoy an aperitivo at sunset. The beach bar's broad cocktail menu and easygoing atmosphere make it a popular spot to wind down after a day in the sun.
Dinner
Balin, led by chef Sara Capellini and her partner Federico Casaretto, opened its doors in Sestri Levante with a bold vision: to blend contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with subtle Asian influences, all while celebrating the region’s seasonal ingredients. The intimate space, with its charming veranda overlooking the town, has quickly become a destination for those seeking modern dining deeply rooted in Ligurian tradition. Balin's reputation continues to grow for fresh, seasonal menus that reflect coastal flavors with a thoughtful, international twist. Reservations are recommended, book your table here.
Rezzano Cucina e Vino, The kitchen draws daily from the surrounding sea and hills, featuring local seafood, aromatic herbs, and seasonal produce in every dish. Their two tasting menus, Palamito (5 courses) and Lampara (6 courses), take you one a curated journey through the region’s flavors, from delicate crudo to handmade pasta and grilled catch of the day. Ideal for those seeking a deeper taste of Liguria’s culinary heritage.
L'Articiocca is a mindful experience. L'Articiocca collaborates closely with local farmers and artisans to create modern takes on traditional Ligurian dishes, supporting the community and the slow food movement in a relaxed yet thoughtful setting.
What To Do
Sestri Levante is defined by its two contrasting bays, each with its own charm. Baia del Silenzio, a tranquil, horseshoe shaped cove, invites peaceful sunbathing and swims in calm, crystalline waters. Just around the bend, Baia delle Favole is a broader, more energetic setting, ideal for families, beach clubs, and seaside strolls. This is also the hub for ferries to Rapallo and where you can rent a boat for a day on the Ligurian Sea.
Piscina dei Castelli, part of the Grand Hotel dei Castelli, is a natural seawater pool carved into the cliffs, blending sandy and rocky areas for a peaceful day by the coast. The best spot is the cliff’s corner, with sweeping views of boats passing along the shore.
Bagni Segesta, brings together comfort and ease on Baia delle Favole’s sandy shores. With a pool overlooking the sea and attentive service, it’s also Italy’s first dog-friendly beach club, welcoming your companion.
The Punta Manara Trail, starting from Sestri Levante, is a roughly 5 km round trip hike offering stunning views of the sea and cliffs. It’s a rewarding way to explore the area, especially in the cooler morning hours.
Where To Shop
AMR is a thoughtfully curated collection that showcases the best of Italian fashion — from legendary fashion houses to emerging, under-the-radar labels that represent the next generation of Italian style. Blending tradition with innovation, the collection offers a diverse mix of timeless elegance and contemporary edge.
Boutique Zia Luisa, offering artisan crafted clothing and emerging designers that reflect the region’s enduring charm. Each item in the shop is thoughtfully selected or handmade, blending traditional craftsmanship with a distinct sense of place and style.
Frantoio Bo di Carlo Bo&C., A family-run olive oil mill since 1867, known for producing some of the region’s finest cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils.
Daneri Giuseppe, A beloved salumeria offering local cured meats, cheeses, and pantry staples—ideal for picking up your beach picnic or snacks for a day on the water.
Sestri Levante’s weekly Saturday market, Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Piazza Aldo Moro hosts a sprawling market with local produce, vintage clothes, leather goods, and cashmere. Arrive early to avoid crowds. For antiques, the nearby town of Chiavari hosts a monthly market every second weekend, offering unique finds year-round.
84 Rooms recommends: The Ultimate Italian Road Trip, and Three New Stylish Hotel Openings In Italy.