Common.Elements.Image.Web
  • Featured
  • Mission

✉️ email@homeintravel.com

stay up-to-date on:

Common.Elements.SocialMedia.DefaultAltText.Facebook
Common.Elements.SocialMedia.DefaultAltText.Instagram
Go to the presentation of Eastern Ligurian Riviera Discover Genoa! Discover Portofino Promontory! Discover the Cinque Terre and Portovenere!

Sestri Levante

Two Bays, Fairytales an Poets

The Bay of Silence at night

Sestri Levante is a historic seaside town in the Tigullio Gulf of the Ligurian Sea, already known in Roman times as Segesta Tigullorum.


From the 12th century onwards, it became an important commercial port and military hub under the dominion of the Maritime Republic of Genoa.

As a result, during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was involved in numerous battles and sieges, especially against the rival Maritime Republic of Venice.


Over time, it also faced various attempted invasions and looting by pirates and Saracens, which were by no means rare at that time.

This turbulent, yet proud and glorious history is today testified to by the remains of the city's defensive walls that protected it both from the sea and from land, and by the two remaining fortified towers: 'Torre dei Gatti' and 'Torre dei Cavalieri'.


Objects and artifacts of that time are hosted and displayed inside the town's museum, located within the medieval citadel, offering a glimpse of this historic heritage.

The isthmus between Bay of Fairytales and Bay of Silence
pic of Hans Christian Andersen

Far from the echoes of battles, this enchanting locality is today a gem of the Ligurian Riviera, imbued with a unique dreamy romantic evocativeness.

The two bays that characterize its coastline, separated by a narrow isthmus that was once a stretch of sea between the mainland and a small island, are called 'Bay of Fairytales' (or literally: fables) and 'Bay of Silence'.

The former, with its large beaches and the tourist harbor, is named after the writer of fairytales and fables, Hans Christian Andersen, who was known to stay in this location in search of inspiration.

It was he who gave the name to the larger of the two inlets, and that name has stuck.

Sunrise over Bay of Fairytales

In order to celebrate the illustrious guest and reciprocate his love for this location, an annual literary prize, bearing his name, is dedicated to him, whose award cerimony is held just on the beach of fables.

In addition to him, many are the artists and writers that stayed and drawn inspiration from this Ligurian gem; among which stand out the names of the great german composer Richard Wagner and the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli.


antenna logo

Sestri Levante is also linked to the history of Science. In fact, in 1897, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Guglielmo Marconi, the "father of radio", conducted here his first experiments, using a medieval watchtower that now bears his name.

Inside the tower are preserved photos and objects related to those important milestones in the science of radio transmissions, which afterwards would have opened the way to the technologies we use and develop today.


The Bay of Silence

On the southern side of the isthmus, is the other bay, the Bay of Silence which is the beating heart of Sestri Levante.

It's renowned for its romantic and enchanting atmosphere and its fine sandy beach. The colorful facades of the village houses stand just a few meters from seashore and form a picturesque backdrop which surround and embrace the cove, while the characteristic Ligurian 'gozzi' (typical little wooden boats) complete the picture.

The Little Fisherman statue

The Pescatorello statue

On one of the rocks emerging from the shallow waters lies the bronze statue named

'il Pescatorello' ('the Little Fisherman'), which takes its name and subject from one of the poems of the aforementioned Giovanni Pascoli.

Negrotto Cambiaso Palace on the shore of the Bay of Silence, at night

Negrotto Cambiaso Palace, on the Bay of Silence shore

To this poet is also dedicated the museum that tells of his life and his works, housed in the suggestive historic Negrotto Cambiaso Palace, where he used to stay, located right on the coast overlooking the sea, behind the statue.

The Rizzi art gallery, housed within the homonymous Palace located right on the shore of the Bay of Silence, is a must-visit, showcasing a stunning collection of Genoese pieces of art and hosting numerous exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

The Rizzi art gallery palace

From the Bay of Silence, the charming narrow streets that branch out into the historic center of the citadel, invite exploration of their characteristic corners, artisan shops and typical restaurants.

Allay in Sestri Levante historic center
'25 April 1945 Street', the main street in Sestri Levante historic center
Durazzo Pallavicini Palace
Coloured houses in Sestri Levante historic center

Fascie Palace, in Sestri Levante historic center

Strolling through the caruggi you will eventually find yourself in front of Palazzo Fascie, a unique building from the early 1900s.

With its red bricks and ornated tower, it boasts a particular eclectic architectural style inspired by that of the McKenzie Castle in Genoa.


This building is where the history and culture of Sestri Levante are collected.

Here you'll find the Archaeological Museum of the City, the Historical Archive, the Municipal Library, spacious indoor venues for classical music concerts and art exhibitions, and the Tourist Information Office.


On the thinner part of the isthmus that separates the two bays stands the Saint Mary Basilica, and it's surely a must-see!

The facade of Saint Mary Basilica
Decorated interior of Saint Mary Basilica

The Basilica, dating back to the 18th century, represents a fine example of Ligurian Baroque architecture and is rich in frescoes and sculptures that embody this style perfectly.

For this reason, it represents not only an important place of worship, but also a primary cultural interest site of the Liguria Region.

The basilica also contains a functioning mechanical nativity scene, created by a local artist.


As a seaside town, Sestri Levante offers a wide range of water sports and activities, including rowing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just winding up on the beaches of the two bays.

Bay of Silence beach in Summer
View of the Sea from a hill, viewed through the ruins of Saint Anna Church

View from ruins of Saint Anna Church

Scuba diver exploring the sea bottom, with fish all around

The microclimate of this part of Italy makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities to explore the natural marine environment and the wrecks of World War II on the seabed, now become "luxury hotels" for various species of fish and marine vegetation.

On the hills of the hinterland, hikers can enjoy spectacular trails through nature, with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea, the ruins Saint Anna Church on a rocky top, and the breathtaking Puntamanara viewpoint.

Panorama of the Sea from Punta Manara hill, with a bench and a shrub on the rocky peak

View from Punta Manara peak


Pesto sauce in a mortar

In Sestri Levante, restaurants and pubs showcase the rich culinary heritage of Liguria, renowned for its intense and natural flavors and aromas. Local specialties often feature fresh fish, testaroli (special type of pasta) seasoned with many typical products, such as Genoese pesto and olive oil.


Also highly regarded are the excellent local wines, such as the 'Sciacchetrà', the 'Vermentino' and the 'Colli di Luni'.


You can also enjoy a wide selection of typical Ligurian street food, including focaccia, chickpea farinata, and Pasqualina tart, often served with an italian-style aperitivo.


...And as the sun sets over the sea, the town becomes even more suggestive and comes alive with its 'movida' nightlife.

Suggestive view of Bay of Silence at sunset, with lights on the seahore

The soul of this maritime town is definitely its enchanted atmosphere: a charming and evocative place and a first-class destination for anyone seeking an inspiring and romantic stay capable to offer a wide range of visiting experiences.


[Truly a much more peaceful and welcoming vibe than the village had during its pirate-infested past...]


Sestri Levante offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife, which embodies the authentic charm

of the Ligurian Riviera.


Home in Travel invites you to explore this beautiful town, in partnership with local services and accommodation providers.


This collaboration allows us to continue creating new engaging content about wonderful localities around the World, while also presenting you the best opportunities to explore them.


Here you can find a handpicked selection of the best deals for an unforgettable trip

to Sestri Levante!

⬇ ⬇ ⬇

Check it out!
>> Go to the Eastern Ligurian Riviera Menu <<

✉️ email@homeintravel.com

stay up-to-date on:

Common.Elements.SocialMedia.DefaultAltText.Facebook
Common.Elements.SocialMedia.DefaultAltText.Instagram

> info about pic licences <

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy