At Sungei, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unspoilt, authentic nature, offering a cool retreat on warm summer nights and setting the pace for days filled with discovery. It’s the perfect base for a collection of stunning day trips.
DISCOVER THE COAST
Sestri Levante (15 km from Velva)
With its picturesque Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence), the lively Carruggio lined with shops and restaurants, and its beautiful seaside promenade, Sestri Levante is one of Liguria’s most renowned seaside resorts. Throughout the summer, the town hosts a wide range of cultural events, concerts and festivals.
It is easily reached by car, or you can take advantage of the local transport services, including free shuttle buses.
Renà Beach / Riva Trigoso / Moneglia (18 km from Velva)
A favourite among locals, Renà Beach is instantly recognisable thanks to the distinctive Asseu Rock, topped by a cross that has long symbolised protection and blessing for those at sea.
Renà offers a wide, free-access beach and lies between the seaside villages of Riva Trigoso and Moneglia, both of which also boast beautiful beaches and excellent facilities. (Please note: Riva Trigoso has a large dog-friendly beach.)
Cinque Terre (40 km from Velva)
The Cinque Terre hardly need an introduction. This spectacular stretch of coastline, connecting the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, is one of Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. Dramatic cliffs, colourful villages and unforgettable sea views have earned the area UNESCO World Heritage status.
Because of the large number of visitors, we recommend travelling by train from Sestri Levante, or even better, taking a boat excursion. Daily departures from both Sestri Levante and Levanto allow you to hop on and off throughout the day, giving you the freedom to explore each village at your own pace.
If you have more time and enjoy walking, the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) is a wonderful way to experience the Cinque Terre. This moderately challenging 12-kilometre route links all five villages, winding through terraced vineyards, olive groves and some of the most spectacular scenery on the Ligurian coast.
Camogli (approx. 49 km from Velva)
With its colourful waterfront, charming fishing harbour and vibrant seaside atmosphere, Camogli is one of Liguria’s most enchanting villages and an essential stop during your stay.
Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure (approx. 60 km from Velva)
With its iconic little piazza, pastel-coloured houses and picturesque crescent-shaped harbour, Portofino is one of the great symbols of the Italian Dolce Vita.
It is easily reached by train via Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino station, which also provides the perfect opportunity to explore the elegant seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
We do not recommend travelling to Portofino by car, as parking is extremely limited.
BIKING & TREKKING
For those who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, the area around Velva offers endless opportunities. A network of scenic trails winds through the surrounding hills, providing wonderful hiking routes with breathtaking views. Here are just a few of our favourites:
- Pietra di Vasca & San Nicolao Loop (840 m above sea level)
- Passo di Cento Croci (1,055 m above sea level)
- Monte Gottero (1,639 m above sea level)
- Passo del Biscia (892 m above sea level), a mountain pass in the Ligurian Apennines connecting the Graveglia Valley (Province of Genoa) with the Vara Valley (Province of La Spezia).
The area also offers numerous routes for mountain biking and trail running.
Road cyclists will find well-maintained roads with little traffic and, particularly inland, pleasantly cool conditions even during the hottest months.
A note for fellow cyclists: cycling is one of our greatest passions. At Sungei you’ll find the essentials for basic bike repairs and maintenance, along with plenty of recommendations and advice for both day rides and multi-day cycling adventures.
DISCOVER THE HIDDEN VILLAGES
Liguria’s beauty extends far beyond its coastline. The inland valleys offer equally rewarding and often unexpected experiences, where authentic villages, peaceful landscapes and centuries-old traditions await.
Carro (approx. 6 km from Velva)
The ancient village of Carro is best known as the birthplace of the great violinist Niccolò Paganini. Its medieval character is still clearly visible in its maze of narrow alleyways and beautiful stone houses, which reflect the traditional rural architecture of the valley.
During the summer, Carro hosts the renowned Paganini Festival, a prestigious classical music event that welcomes internationally acclaimed musicians each year.
Varese Ligure (15 km from Velva)
Varese Ligure is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Ligurian Apennines, thanks to its unique Borgo Rotondo (Round Village)—a distinctive semicircular layout that makes its historic centre unlike any other.
Take time to wander beneath its charming arcades before visiting the impressive Fieschi Castle, now a cultural venue hosting exhibitions, conferences and a variety of events throughout the year.
Varese Ligure is also the heart of the Organic Valley (Valle del Biologico), an area in the Upper Vara Valley renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming and for producing outstanding organic meats, cheeses and other high-quality local products.
FOOD EXPERIENCES
Local Gourmet Experiences
Freshness, simplicity, flavour and exceptional quality: Italian cuisine is loved around the world, and it’s easy to understand why.
Just a short drive from Sungei, you can:
- Discover the artisanal delicacies of Macelleria Perazzo, a family butcher that has been producing outstanding meats and cured specialities for over 120 years. Here you’ll find traditional products such as prosciutto cotto, prosciutto crudo, salami and cima, alongside a carefully selected range of local wines, honey and other regional delicacies at their shop in Castiglione Chiavarese.
- Follow the local wine route through Velva, Missano and Castiglione Chiavarese, where you can discover the wines produced by Pino Gino and other local wineries. The area is renowned for native grape varieties including Bianchetta Genovese, Vermentino, Ciliegiolo and Moscato, all expressions of Liguria’s rich winemaking tradition.
- Explore the region’s small extra virgin olive oil producers, whose passion and craftsmanship preserve one of the true symbols of the Mediterranean diet. Among the best-known are Frantoio Bo in Sestri Levante and the Cooperativa Olivicoltori Sestresi, both of which have their own shops where you can purchase their products.
The Organic Valley
Just beyond Velva, as you enter the Province of La Spezia and the Upper Vara Valley, lies the Organic Valley (Valle del Biologico), one of Italy’s most important areas for organic farming.
More than 55% of the valley is organically certified, with extensive pastures and dozens of local farms producing organic beef, cheeses, yoghurt and other dairy products using sustainable, short-supply-chain methods.
At the heart of the valley is Varese Ligure, where visitors can purchase these outstanding local products directly from producers through the Val di Vara Dairy Cooperative and the local Organic Beef Farmers’ Cooperative.
DISCOVER CULTURE
If you’d like a change from the beaches and hiking trails, some of Italy’s most celebrated art cities are within easy reach for an unforgettable day trip.
Genoa (70 km)
Liguria’s capital is home to the magnificent Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many of which now house outstanding museums. On selected dates, the Rolli Experience offers guided tours inside these extraordinary historic palaces, opening doors that are usually closed to the public.
And, of course, no visit to Genoa would be complete without stopping for a slice of its world-famous focaccia.
Pisa (105 km)
Famous throughout the world, Pisa is home to the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli, where you’ll find the iconic Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the elegant banks of the River Arno.
Parma (148 km)
This elegant city in Emilia-Romagna combines remarkable architectural heritage with one of Italy’s finest culinary traditions. The impressive Complesso della Pilotta hosts exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, making Parma a rewarding destination for lovers of both art and gastronomy.
Florence (180 km)
Just over two hours away by car, Florence is one of the world’s greatest open-air museums and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Its extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage has captivated visitors for centuries and continues to make it one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
SHOPPING EXPERIENCES
Around 20 minutes from Sungei, Brugnato 5Terre Outlet (30 km from Velva) offers a pleasant shopping experience with more than 70 stores featuring leading Italian and international brands. The outlet is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, provides ample free parking, and hosts a programme of complimentary summer evening events.
Heading towards Genoa, the charming town of Chiavari (30 km from Velva) is well worth a visit. Its elegant historic centre is famous for its long arcades, lined with independent boutiques, artisan shops, cafés and excellent restaurants—perfect for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and strolling.
TIPS & TRICKS
Travelling by train is an excellent way to explore the towns along the Ligurian coast. The nearest railway station is Sestri Levante, with frequent connections to almost every destination between Genoa and La Spezia. Discounted fares are available for visitors travelling to the Cinque Terre (see Cinque Terre Card and train information).
That said, if you have a car, we generally recommend using it for most day trips, as it offers greater flexibility. The main exception is the Cinque Terre, where travelling by boat is, in our opinion, an even more enjoyable experience than travelling by train, allowing you to admire the coastline from the sea and visit the villages at your own pace.
Please note that Portofino does not have its own railway station.
Although Sestri Levante is one of Liguria’s most beautiful seaside towns, it becomes extremely busy during the summer months. If your main goal is simply to enjoy a relaxing swim, we often recommend the nearby Renà Beach (Riva Trigoso) instead, which feels more authentic and is generally less crowded.
During peak season, access to the Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) may be regulated and visitor numbers limited. Access procedures can change from year to year, so it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Boat timetables for the Cinque Terre vary according to the season, and several companies operate daily services. Alternatively, you can explore the villages on foot via the famous Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), which runs through the Cinque Terre National Park. A valid hiking pass is required (see Cinque Terre Card).
When visiting Portofino, we recommend parking in Santa Margherita Ligure. From there, you can either enjoy the spectacular coastal walk to Portofino—which we highly recommend—or take the local shuttle bus.
For more adventurous hikers, a scenic trail starts in Portofino and crosses the headland before descending to Camogli. It’s a beautiful route, although we would not recommend attempting it during the hottest summer days.
TRAVEL RESPONSABILITY
The destinations featured in this guide are among the most iconic, beautiful and rewarding places to visit in Liguria. They are, however, only a small selection of what this remarkable region has to offer.
During the summer, many of these locations welcome thousands of visitors every day. We certainly encourage you to experience them, but we also invite you to do so with an awareness of their popularity and the impact that tourism can have on local communities and fragile environments.
Whenever possible, consider visiting outside the busiest hours, exploring lesser-known places, and embracing a slower, more responsible way of travelling. We believe this not only helps preserve these extraordinary destinations, but also makes for a richer, more authentic and rewarding experience.