Levanto is often described as the quieter gateway to Cinque Terre, but hikers quickly realize it is much more than that. Surrounded by terraced hills, Mediterranean forests, hidden sanctuaries, and dramatic coastal cliffs, this colorful Ligurian town is one of the best bases in Italy for combining seaside relaxation with spectacular hiking.
Unlike the crowded trails inside Cinque Terre, the hiking routes around Levanto are definitely more authentic and peaceful. You can walk through olive groves, medieval villages, vineyards overlooking the sea, and panoramic coastal paths where the scent of pine and rosemary follows you for hours.
I picked for you the best hiking trails near Levanto, including detailed route descriptions, hiking times and distances. Ready to go?
1. Levanto to Monterosso al Mare –
The Classic Cinque Terre Coastal Hike
The trail from Levanto to Monterosso is easily one of the most rewarding coastal hikes in Liguria. It combines sea views with quieter sections of Mediterranean woodland and is an excellent alternative to the busier Cinque Terre paths. YEs, it’s the same landscape but less people on the trail!
The hike begins directly in Levanto near the seafront promenade. Follow signs for “Monterosso” and the red-and-white trail markers marked SVA. The path immediately starts climbing through olive groves and stone terraces above town before entering shaded forest sections.
After around an hour, you reach Punta Mesco, one of the most panoramic viewpoints on the Ligurian coast. Here, the ruins of the old hermitage overlook the entire Cinque Terre coastline. Continue descending toward Monterosso through steeper stone stairways until you arrive at the old town and beach.
Many hikers return to Levanto by train, which makes the route easy even for less experienced walkers.
Distance: approximately 7 km one way
Time needed: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Best for: first-time visitors
2. Levanto, Montale and Bonassola Loop
A Beautiful Circular Trail for Families
This circular route is one of the best family-friendly hikes near Levanto because it combines panoramic views with relatively gentle terrain and charming villages.
Start from Levanto’s historic center and follow signs toward Montale along trail 570. The path climbs gradually through vineyards and terraced hillsides with lovely views back over the sea. Once in Montale, continue following signs toward Bonassola.
The route then descends into Bonassola, a quiet seaside village with colorful houses and small beaches perfect for a break or lunch stop. To return to Levanto, follow the beautiful former railway cycling path that runs through old tunnels directly along the coast.
This combination of hiking trail and flat seaside promenade makes the route ideal for families wanting a relaxed walking day.
Distance: around 10 km
Time needed: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Best for: families, relaxed hiking days, scenic picnics
3. Levanto to Framura Coastal Loop
The Most Underrated Hike in the Area
While most of visitors come here to hike in Cinque Terre, the coastline west of Levanto is just as beautiful and far less crowded. The Levanto–Framura loop is perfect if you are looking for hidden coves, tiny villages, and quiet panoramic trails. It’s not crowded and fresh in every season.
Begin in Levanto and follow the cycling and walking path toward Bonassola. Continue to Framura, where the route leaves the coast and climbs into the hills via marked local trails.
The inland section passes through tiny hamlets, chestnut forests, and old stone houses before looping back toward the coast. Follow signs returning to Bonassola and eventually back to Levanto.
This route feels much wilder than the Cinque Terre trails and offers a more local side of Liguria. Use All trails app because sometimes the signs disappear.
Distance: approximately 14 km
Time needed: 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Best for: experienced walkers and quieter coastal landscapes
4. Sant’Antonio and Punta Mesco Loop
A Panoramic Circular Route
Another circular trail starting directly from Levanto, is Sant’Antonio and Punta Mesco loop. The route begins near Levanto train station. Follow trail signs toward Sant’Antonio, a tiny hilltop village surrounded by olive groves. The climb is steady but never too difficult, and several panoramic terraces open over the sea along the way.
From Sant’Antonio, continue toward Punta Mesco following trail AV5T. This section is especially beautiful during spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom along the coastal ridges. After reaching Punta Mesco, descend back toward Levanto via the Monterosso path before reconnecting with local trails leading back into town.
Because this hike combines inland villages, forest paths, and coastal viewpoints, it is one of the most complete hiking experiences around Levanto.
Distance: around 12 km
Time needed: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Best for: panoramic photography and circular hiking routes
5. Bonassola to Framura Seaside Walk
The Best Easy Walk for Families
This is technically more of a scenic coastal walk than a mountain hike, but it deserves a place on the list because it is one of the most beautiful easy routes in Liguria. The route follows the old railway line connecting Bonassola and Framura. Today, the abandoned tunnels have been transformed into a pedestrian and cycling path directly above the sea. Yes, you can cycle here and it’s easy!
Start in Bonassola and simply follow the paved route westward. Along the way, you pass hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and quiet swimming spots where you can stop for a swim during summer.
Families with children will love this route because it is completely traffic-free and mostly flat – perfect if you want your kids to learn how to rid a bike. You can easily combine it with lunch by the sea before walking back or taking the train to Levanto.
Distance: around 6 km round trip
Time needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty: super easy
Best for: families, sunset walks, relaxed seaside days
Where to Stay in Levanto?
Levanto has a more relaxed atmosphere than the villages inside Cinque Terre, which makes it a better option in terms of accommodation. There are few options for all sorts of travelers: from cheap guest houses, self catered apartment for families to boutique and stylish hotels.
Hotel Palazzo Vannoni for instance is one of the most elegant stays in town. Housed inside a historic palace with beautifully restored interiors, it combines classic Ligurian architecture with contemporary comfort and is located just a short walk from the beach and train station.
If you prefer a rural countryside experience book a room in Agriturismo Costa di Faraggiana. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards above Levanto, it offers a more authentic Ligurian stay with beautiful sea views and peaceful gardens.
How to Get to Levanto by Train?
One of the best things about Levanto is how easy it is to reach without a car. The town sits directly on the Genoa–La Spezia railway line and has excellent regional and high-speed train connections.
From Milan, the journey usually takes around three hours with a change in Genoa. From Florence, expect approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with a connection in Pisa or La Spezia.
Once you arrive, you can walk almost everywhere. Many hiking trails start directly from the historic center, and regional trains connect Levanto to all five Cinque Terre villages within minutes.
Because parking in Liguria can be difficult and expensive (especially during summer season), traveling by train is the easiest and most enjoyable option.
Levanto is one of the most underrated hiking destinations in Italy. It offers the beauty of Cinque Terre but with less tourists, wider beaches, and far more space to enjoy nature. What makes hiking here special is the variety. One day you can walk wild coastal cliffs above turquoise water, and the next wander through silent olive groves and hilltop villages where life still feels deeply local.
Whether you are traveling as a family, planning a romantic Ligurian escape, or searching for the best hiking trails on the Italian Riviera, Levanto is the kind of place that quickly becomes difficult to leave.
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