Eve’s daily life in Sestri Levante

Each day in Italy left me feeling fulfilled, never a moment wasted and always memories made. When I arrived in Sestri Levante for the first time, I quickly fell into its rhythm: later mealtimes, unhurried walks, and mornings that began with the sound of the sea.

Classes here were far from ordinary. Every morning at 9 a.m., I’d practice Italian while looking out at the glistening Ligurian Sea. The teachers always found ways to make us smile, and every lesson was engaging and meaningful. Between classes, we had a thirty-minute break, often spent at a local café. I don’t even drink coffee (I know, practically a crime in Italy!), but the company and the seaside view made it the perfect pause.

My favorite way to spend the afternoons was simply relaxing on the beach — soaking in the sun, listening to the gentle waves, and letting the world slow down. When I wanted a change, there were endless restaurants to discover and lots of stores to explore. If you want a delicious pizza, I highly recommend Pizzeria da Geo, just across the train tracks. Their Bella Genova pizza was unforgettable, the kind you keep thinking about weeks later. 

As the sun set, Sestri transformed. Street musicians filled the air with music, and sometimes I stumbled upon free concerts or dance performances. Even shops stayed open late. In the evenings, the town seemed to come alive with people laughing and walking throughout the streets. 

With only four weeks in Italy, I made the most of every weekend. Sestri Levante is only a train ride away from some of the most famous cities like Florence, Rome, Pisa, Milan, and Venice. All places I was able to visit! 

My first weekend was in Florence, a city I had heard so much about and exceeded every expectation. The history, the architecture, the art… everything was breathtaking. On Saturday, I had lunch on a rooftop with a perfect view of the Duomo. It was one of the best meals of my life — made even more memorable by what happened next.

After lunch, I went to the hotel lobby restroom… and got locked inside. No cell service. Two stubborn locks. I managed to undo the bottom one, but the top refused to budge. As minutes ticked by, I was convinced I’d be trapped there forever. Then, by accident, I pushed the door sideways — and it opened. So, if you ever get stuck in a bathroom in Italy, remember this: push the door sideways before you panic.

Four weeks passed in a blur of language lessons, seaside afternoons, and weekend adventures. In Sestri Levante, even the smallest moments were worth remembering.