Levanto is a laid-back town on the Italian Riviera near the tourist-packed Cinque Terre. While it’s a good base for visiting Cinque Terre by train or boat, the town is a great place to experience slow travel. In fact Levanto calls itself a citta slow.

Levanto has an interesting medieval center, shops and restaurants, and a Blue Flag beach that’s a great place for swimming, kayaking, and surfing. In fact its one of Italy’s top places for surfers due to its long, smooth waves. Surf boards, boats, and kayaks can be rented in town.