Sestri Levante is a small, and rather magical bit of the picturesque Ligurian coast, positioned between Genoa and La Spezia and the Cinque Terre. This is a very popular spot for Italians on seaside holidays — complete with brightly coloured parasols and two idyllic bays. But it’s overshadowed somewhat for international visitors by its neighbours, so the best places to stay in Sestri Levante are also some of the most affordable options on the Ligurian coast, and this is a great spot for exploring the whole region. Our recommendations in Sestri Levante include some of the town’s colourfully painted historic buildings in the old centre, converted palazzos and townhouses, but we’re also recommending a couple of small guesthouses and B&Bs.

Sestri Levante has a unique layout — it used to be an island, but is now connected to the shoreline by a sliver of land — so there’s a sweeping bay on either side of the old town. The larger bay is the one with all the parasols, a collection of lidos, where you pay for your sun lounger and enjoy the facilities. The other bay is a free beach, with soft sand, a backdrop of colourfully painted buildings and a beautiful view. Some of the local hotels have sections of this beach for guests, and those are the properties that we'd recommend for families. 

If you’re choosing Sestri Levante as a base then you’ll be pleased by the number of Ligurian highlights you can reach in a short journey, but there’s plenty to do around town too, which is why we recommend the best places to stay in Sestri Levante to travellers looking for somewhere to stop off and recuperate during longer Italian trips. The town’s beautifully coloured buildings have already been mentioned, but they really do make for charming strolls, and Sestre Levante’s cafes, bars and restaurants are also brimming with charm. Plus there’s a basilica, several other churches, and several museums and exhibition spaces, within some of the town’s most beautiful historic buildings.

The Best Places to Stay in Sestri Levante

For Romantics

• With its rather grand, traditional, terracotta-coloured facade, the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi makes a great first impression, and going inside will only impress more. Expect marble statues, chandeliers, leather sofas, plenty of gilt and rooms on a grand scale. Some of the 105 guest rooms are huge, with impressive frescoes and murals, as well as antiques. Outside are flower gardens and a lovely pool, and the beach is just a short walk away. The Italian bars and restaurant are perfectly romantic too.

For a Seaside Holiday

• The Hotel Vis a Vis is a charming and spacious choice close to the beach. We like it for the views, large pool, and terraces over the water. Its 46 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated, with neutral colours complementing wood panelling, and huge windows — most of the rooms and suites have a private balcony too. The restaurant specialises in simple, Italian cuisine, which will work for families. The hotel also has a spa. Perfect for a simple seaside break.

For a private apartment or villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• There are a couple of airports within a convenient distance of Sestri Levante, including Genoa Airport, which is around 45 minutes away by car, or just under two hours by train; Pisa Airport, which is about an hour and ten minutes away by road, or two and a half hours by train; and Milan Malpensa Airport, which is about two and a half hours' drive away, or around four and a half hours away by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars. Sestri Levante doesn’t have many public car parks, so if you are driving it might be a good idea to go with a guesthouse or hotel which offers parking.
• Sestri Levante is a seaside town, and popular with Italians, so it’s busiest during the summer months. Overshadowed somewhat by Portofino, which is just along the coast to the north, and the villages of the Cinque Terre, which are just along the coast to the south, Sestri Levante doesn’t get a whole lot of international visitors. But it’s still busy enough in the summer months. September and May are good options too, if you’re looking for an alternative Ligurian base, but not all businesses remain open all year.

Still not sure?

• You could expand your search to include all our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Liguria
• Try the best places to stay in Genoa, close by, or in La Spezia
• Or consider some of the region’s other charming centres. Try our recommendations for the best places to stay in Portofino, the best places to stay in Rapallo or the other towns of the Cinque Terre region
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.