Sesta Godano(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sestri Gonado, the top-rated hotel with sea views is Hotel La Terrazza, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Each room features a private terrace and panoramic windows, offering uninterrupted vistas of turquoise waters and coastal cliffs. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant serves authentic Ligurian seafood dishes like Baccalà alla Sestriana and locally crafted limoncello. Complimentary shuttle service connects to nearby villages, and guests enjoy access to a secluded cove via a private footpath. The minimalist Mediterranean design blends elegance with tradition, making it ideal for romantic getaways or cultural retreats.

The best area for quiet, authentic stays is the Old Town (Centro Storico), where narrow cobblestone alleys wind past centuries-old stone houses and terracotta rooftops. Stay at a family-run guesthouse on Via del Poggio, where hosts offer homemade breakfasts and personalized travel tips. This district is peaceful and safe, perfect for travelers seeking an immersive experience. From here, you can easily walk to the harbor square, Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the scenic Caprio Mountain Trail, all within a 10-minute stroll.

To experience genuine culture in Sestri Gonado, join the weekly Festa dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Festival) held every Saturday evening at the Old Harbor Pier. Enjoy traditional folk music, handmade fish lantern displays, and live cooking demonstrations of stewed octopus stew. You can also take a guided Ligurian dialect tour through historic alleyways and visit a century-old olive oil mill to taste artisanal extra virgin olive oil. These experiences are led by locals who preserve maritime traditions passed down through generations.

Must-visit landmarks in Sestri Gonado include the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a 13th-century Gothic structure with a striking bell tower still ringing daily. The Punta del Faro Clifftop Viewpoint offers sweeping views of the entire Ligurian coastline. The Old Town Hall Ruins now house a small art gallery showcasing contemporary works by local artists. Additionally, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), accessible only by boat, reveals mesmerizing azure waters—ideal for photography and quiet reflection.

Families visiting Sestri Gonado can explore the Coastal Children’s Nature Park (Parco Didattico della Costa), featuring sand pits, wooden mazes, and interactive marine life exhibits led by trained guides. During summer, the harbor hosts kids’ sailing workshops taught by certified instructors, allowing children to learn basic navigation in a safe, calm bay. At night, enjoy storytelling under the stars at the old town square, where elders share tales of sea legends and coastal folklore. These activities promote learning through play in a warm, welcoming environment.

Signature dishes in Sestri Gonado include Sestriana Seafood Risotto—a rich risotto made with fresh octopus, squid, and local herbs—and Focaccia con Salvia, a fragrant herb bread topped with wild sage. Don’t miss Limoncello Artigianale, a handcrafted lemon liqueur produced from sun-ripened lemons. Visit Trattoria da Gianni, a family-owned restaurant since 1920, known for its daily catch and organic ingredients. For a hands-on experience, book a family cooking workshop to learn how to shape authentic pasta and prepare a traditional tomato-based sauce.

Sestri Gonado has no airport. Visitors typically arrive via regional train to Savona Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (20 minutes). Parking is limited; use the North Parking Lot (Parcheggio Nord) and walk 15 minutes into town. Bicycles are widely available for rent near the harbor, perfect for exploring trails like the Caprio Mountain Path or reaching the Blue Grotto. The scenic coastal route is ideal for cyclists seeking stunning sea views and peaceful countryside paths.

The best time to visit Sestri Gonado is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when temperatures range between 18–28°C and skies are mostly clear. Summer months (July–August) bring lively festivals such as the Assumption Day Procession and fishermen’s bonfire nights. Winter (December–February) sees more rain and fewer tourists, ideal for quiet contemplation and enjoying the town’s serene charm—though some shops and restaurants close seasonally.

For unique souvenirs, visit the open-air market on Via del Mercato, held every Wednesday and Sunday, featuring fresh seafood, handmade olive oil, embroidered textiles, and ceramic pottery. The boutique Artigianato Sestriano sells limited-edition shell-inlaid jewelry and vintage nautical maps. Local gift shops near the harbor also offer eco-friendly tote bags printed with "Sestriano Pride," proceeds supporting marine conservation initiatives in the region.

Evening highlights in Sestri Gonado include sipping Caffè Corretto at an outdoor café by the harbor while listening to live acoustic guitar. Join a nighttime stargazing tour to the hilltop observatory, where amateur astronomers guide you through constellations like Orion and the Milky Way. During festivals, the Cathedral Square transforms into a venue for illuminated light shows projected onto ancient stone facades. For a unique adventure, book a moonlit boat ride to the Blue Grotto, guided only by experienced local captains—perfect for romance and quiet reflection.