Levanto (Cinque Terre)
After the quiet of the Alps, arriving on the Italian coast felt like stepping into sunlight, color, and warmth.
Before this trip, we imagined Cinque Terre as postcard-perfect coastal towns, and it absolutely lived up to that image. What we didn’t expect was how quickly it would pull us in— the heat, the steep hills, the water, and the sense that we were suddenly right in the middle of it all.
Levanto gave us a comfortable home base to experience it all. After the spaciousness of Switzerland, this stop felt lively and full. With an entire day free to make our own plans, we were able to forget about schedules and transitions and just enjoy being there.
Getting There
The long bus ride south from Wengen to Levanto took an unexpected detour due to an avalanche, but the reward was some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire trip. The incredible beauty on all sides turned a ten-hour bus ride into a highlight of the whole tour for me.
Here’s an example of the kind of hairpin turns our bus was navigating as we climbed up and down the cliffsides! Luckily our driver, Yost, was a pro. Hours later, we saw the landscape soften, and soon we caught our first glimpse of the Mediterranean in the distance.
Standout Moments
We walked to our hotel marveling at the lush greenery and colorful buildings of Levanto.
We had a free day to explore Cinque Terre, and our party chose to experience it by boat. It quickly became clear that this was the right call. From our breezy vantage point on the water, we had a perfect view of the colorful villages stacked along the cliffs, while their streets and piers filled with people in the heat of the day.
In Their Words
FROM EVELYN
“Swimming was so fun. I didn’t want to leave.”​
This was true. After hours and hours at the beach, we finally lured her away with pizza.
FROM JULIET
"We took a boat ride to tour the towns, since we only had time to visit one. And that boat ride was one of my top three best experiences for the trip. It was so magical, you could feel the cold breeze on your face as the sun blinded your eyes. The ocean was reflecting the sunlight, the deepest blue I’ve ever seen. When you look up at the towns we were passing, you don’t know where to look first. The vibrant reds and yellows of the houses, rose gold buildings atop a lush green hill. The ocean had light blues and light greens, as well as golden ripples and teal shores, all mixed. At one point, we stopped by a waterfall to swim, and the water was so refreshing, with perfect temperatures to cool off before circling the islands of Italy once more. ​​
After the boat ride was finished, we walked back to where we were staying and thought, ‘Why don’t we stay at the beach until we get hungry for dinner?’ Consequently, we stayed at the beach for over four hours. My sister and I alternated between playing in the sea and lying down on the towels to relax in the sun. Though I wasn’t able to relax very much, I got red as a tomato during the boat ride, and my skin was so sunburnt I thought it was going to peel off!
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I remember my best friend texted during that time, and since she was back in the U.S., we didn’t get much time to catch up. We chatted, and I shared pictures, but soon I was getting sleepy after just lying in the sun. The sand felt so soft I just wanted to close my eyes, but I knew if I did that, I would never get back up. After a while, my parents and I were able to convince Evie to get out and go get some food.
That day was the best on the trip, and the most memorable. I was just so happy during everything, and it was all enjoyable. But I loved every minute of it, and would not hesitate to go and do it again."
History and Culture
Our boat tour guide was a gem. He shared stories about growing up in the area, pointed out the unique features of the coastline, and gave us a vivid sense of the culture of these towns. His running commentary, only occasionally political, was informative and very funny.
Tasting the Region
Food became a highlight almost immediately in Levanto. After a very long travel day, we were welcomed with an abundant Ligurian dinner at our hotel. Many people turned in early, but I stayed for dessert— cream puffs drenched in chocolate— and my first taste of limoncello. Ummm yes please! The sharp, sweet flavor instantly became a favorite.
And the food kept being amazing. Cheap pizza from an express spot was still miles beyond what we were used to. And we had our first gelato of the trip, something we had been eagerly anticipating!
Our friendly hotel staff also taught us the proper order for limoncello (spritz before dinner, straight after), which we happily followed. But my favorite meal wasn’t really a meal at all. It was homemade focaccia, olive-studded and oily, dipped in fresh pesto and eaten on the boat while the coastline slipped by and the villages rose along the cliffs. With the sea air and the scenery all around us, it was a moment I won't forget.
