Levanto - about 5.600 inhabitants - is a coastal town, located along the Italian Riviera between Genua and La Spezia. The town is bordering - and a good starting point for exploring - the well known villages of Cinque Terre. It is sharing with them large areas of the National Park and the Protected Marine Reserve.

Levanto has a historical center, nowadays completely pedestrian. The town still has a medieval feel due to the presence of the old castle dating from the 1200', the old city wall and bell tower. Levanto also has many churches, which include the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea from 1222 and the San Nicolo and San Siro churches, which date back to the 11th century. Among these things, Levanto is home to a UNESCO-listed 13th-century loggia, a rare example of late medieval architecture that survives intact up to the present.

The town and its medieval villages are nestled amidst a wide valley of olive groves, vineyards and Mediterranean maquis. The valley opens up in sandy or pebbly beaches.

Levanto was the first stop on our journey through Liguria. We did sleep in a nice hotel - Oasi Hotel - close to the centre of the town with also very friendly staff.