While day-trippers cram into the Cinque Terre up the coast, Sestri Levante gets on with being charming. Its Baia del Silenzio — the Bay of Silence — is a perfect curve of sand ringed by peeling ochre houses, calm as a pool in the morning. Swim before breakfast, eat focaccia on the seawall, and take the train to the famous villages if you must. You probably won't bother twice.
Featured in Ten quiet beach escapes for a slow, sunny week · Beach