Between Portofino and Cinque Terre lies a serene coastal town on the Italian Riviera. Our editor, Vicky Stetekluh, reveals where to stay, dine, and unwind in this quietly charming coastal escape.
LessTucked into the curve of the Baia del Silenzio, Hotel Helvetia is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you've left. Originally built in 1926 by engineer Umberto Pernigotti as a private seaside residence, the villa has remained in the family for nearly a century. Over the decades, the villa has quietly transformed into a tranquil retreat—one that feels more like a beloved home than a hotel.
Designed by renowned architect Luigi Carlo Daneri, a protégé of Le Corbusier, Villa Domus 1938 stands as a masterpiece of Italian Rationalist architecture. Set within 2.3 hectares of lush parkland, the villa offers a serene and private retreat, featuring a swimming pool overlooking the Ligurian Sea, sea view bedrooms, and beautifully maintained gardens—all while preserving its original architectural integrity. With two full-floor suites available or the option to rent the entire villa.
Piscina dei Castelli, part of the Grand Hotel dei Castelli, is a natural seawater pool carved into the cliffs, blending sandy and rocky areas for a peaceful day by the coast. The best spot is the cliff’s corner, with sweeping views of boats passing along the shore.
Bagni Segesta, brings together comfort and ease on Baia delle Favole’s sandy shores. With a pool overlooking the sea and attentive service, it’s also Italy’s first dog-friendly beach club, welcoming your companion.
The intimate space, with its charming veranda overlooking the town, has quickly become a destination for those seeking modern dining deeply rooted in Ligurian tradition. With Sara crafting inventive dishes in the kitchen and Federico graciously welcoming guests and guiding the dining experience, Balin strikes a perfect balance of culinary creativity and heartfelt hospitality.
Bar Tritone, Since the mid-20th century, fishermen, shopkeepers, and families have gathered here for morning espresso or early evening spritz. If you are there in the morning I suggest the pistachio croissant.
Rezzano Cucina e Vino, The kitchen draws daily from the surrounding sea and hills, featuring local seafood, aromatic herbs, and seasonal produce in every dish. Their two tasting menus, Palamito (5 courses) and Lampara (6 courses), take you one a curated journey through the region’s flavors, from delicate crudo to handmade pasta and grilled catch of the day. Ideal for those seeking a deeper taste of Liguria’s culinary heritage.
Vistamare, led by Chef Andrea Mancini, offers a considered take on Ligurian dishes, featuring fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and seasonal produce from nearby hills. Plates like squid ink tagliolini with local clams and sea bream carpaccio honor local tradition with a modern touch. The terrace overlooking Baia del Silenzio has striking views, best paired with vermentino and the day’s crudo.
A longtime locals’ favorite, Trattoria Angiolina is tucked off the water on the corner of Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, where the day’s catch arrives straight from the sea. The menu leans into Ligurian classics—trofie al pesto, grilled fish, garden vegetables— the best for a long leisurely lunch.
Ristorante Baia del Silenzio, located in Hotel Miramare & Spa, serves traditional Ligurian seafood and Mediterranean flavors with seasonal, local ingredients. Tables steps from the water make the restaurant ideal for those looking to dine seaside.
Citto Beach Bar curves around the corner of Baia del Silenzio, offering lovely views of the pastel houses as you enjoy an aperitivo at sunset. The beach bar's broad cocktail menu and easygoing atmosphere make it a popular spot to wind down after a day in the sun.
AMR is a thoughtfully curated collection that showcases the best of Italian fashion — from legendary fashion houses to emerging, under-the-radar labels that represent the next generation of Italian style. Blending tradition with innovation, the collection offers a diverse mix of timeless elegance and contemporary edge.
Daneri Giuseppe, A beloved salumeria offering local cured meats, cheeses, and pantry staples—ideal for picking up your beach picnic or snacks for a day on the water.
L'Articiocca is a mindful experience.L'Articiocca collaborates closely with local farmers and artisans to create modern takes on traditional Ligurian dishes, supporting the community and the slow food movement in a relaxed yet thoughtful setting.
Boutique Zia Luisa, offering artisan crafted clothing and emerging designers that reflect the region’s enduring charm. Each item in the shop is thoughtfully selected or handmade, blending traditional craftsmanship with a distinct sense of place and style.
Frantoio Bo di Carlo Bo&C., A family-run olive oil mill since 1867, known for producing some of the region’s finest cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils.
Sestri Levante’s weekly Saturday market, Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Piazza Aldo Moro hosts a sprawling market with local produce, vintage clothes, leather goods, and cashmere. Arrive early to avoid crowds. For antiques, the nearby town of Chiavari hosts a monthly market every second weekend, offering unique finds year-round.