Wandering around the historical centre looking for perspectives to photograph might be a nice way to discover Levanto. A leap back into the Middle Ages and here are the old walls that surrounded the town, the communal Loggia, the wonderful parish dedicated to St. Andrew, and then up and down the lanes until finally getting to Via Guani with its hidden entranceways, and Via Garibaldi featuring painted façades. The new passageway to the sea, connected to Bonassola from the old railway line, is now renovated: it’s the privileged place for dedicating yourself to more rewarding motor activities: walking, running, bicycling, always looking to the beach and the horizon.
The pedestrian area is always lively and festively coloured by the stalls where sellers display their wares. The streets are dotted with outdoor bars and restaurants where you can find service and quality.
You must visit the tiny villages perched on the hills, reachable by car, bus or even better, on foot. Each one of them has something special: a gateway, a parish, a nativity scene and why not? a glass of good wine to sip in a cool wine cellar.
Levanto enjoys one of the best geographical positions on the Riviera, its central position makes it an excellent departure point for trips from Tigullio the Gulf of Poets, going past Cinque Terre. The famous path that crosses Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore starts here; boat connections let you get to Porto Venere, Lerici and the solitary island of Palmaria.
We can’t leave Liguria without having visited the Museum of the Old Port in Genoa, perhaps one of the most intriguing cities in Italy. But not just the sea: in Val di Magra we can discover our history by visiting the Roman colony at Luni, and nearby Sarzana, once a bishopric, today renowned for its antique market and its cultural events.
The Valle del Vara – deservedly adorned with the name “Organic Valley”- offers the discreet charm of the towns and the delicious natural products.
Versilia, Lucca and Pisa are no further than an hour by car or train.