Last day in Levanto

 Sunday

18 August 

Day 49

47 to go

We heard the thunder during the night and by the time we stirred at 8.30am, the storms had well and truly set in. We laid in bed watching flashes of lightning and listening for the rumbles. Our final day in Levanto was going to be wet. 

We didn’t bother betting up until 9.30am, and then it was at a slow pace. It was actually lovely to be just relaxed. We both phoned home, talking to mum, and Jaden and Rayah. Soon after, we got our weather proof coats and ventured out for more of an explore. 

We walked up the steps in front of the old castle like building and then down towards the beach front. The usually dry canal had plenty of water being funnelled out to the sea. It wasn’t raining heavily now, but there was still thunder to be heard. 

We decided to walk in the direction of the medieval castle and see if we could find it. It required a slight walk up a hill and shallow stairs, following old stone walls. We did eventually make the summit for 12noon and all of the bells were busy chiming. The clouds were also thick and clinging to the tree covered mountains beyond. It was a pretty special view.

We then walked passed the striped church and on towards the old clock tower we had spied yesterday. We followed the stone path, flanked by the stone wall and rambling blackberry bushes that Paul was happy to forage from. 

After finding the clock tower, we continued up the hill. We had the path to ourselves and it eventually produced a wonderful view of the town of Levanto below. We were happy with our find. 

We continued a little further, before taking a makeshift path through an olive grove and eventually back into the town. 

We stopped at a bakery for focaccia and pastries and a supermarket for lunch bits and returned to our apartment to enjoy a minestrone meal. We enjoyed a lazy afternoon, watching as the sun began to show itself once again. That would make the beach goers happy and the streets busy once again. 

We packed our bags ready for our move tomorrow and then were keen to get back out for a wander once again. We made our way to the beach, hearing a large helicopter fly low above us. We wandered the beach top path to the northern entrance. The helicopter was a short distance from the coast and doing low circles above the water. Soon other vessels joined it. We wondered what was going on, but were none the wiser. 

We made our way to the southern end of the beach, watching the surfers trying to catch waves on the slightly larger break today. When we reached the main square, there was a coast guard standing looking out over the water with his binoculars. We were still unable to find out what was happening and now the helicopter and boats were leaving the area. Hopefully they were able to help whoever needed it. 

We stood at the southern entrance, looking over the beach goers and watching the water. It was a lovely view. We have had a great time here. 

We returned to the town, did a loop through familiar streets, before choosing a new spot for an Aperol spritz and beer, along with the accompanying grazing plate. With the first one finished off, we walked up and over the hill, through the cobbled streets and returned to Mad Max for another aperitif. 

We heard from tomorrow’s accommodation host and thankfully, we were told we can check in early, which was a relief, as we shouldn’t be in until 2pm, but we will be in Portofino by 11.30am, along as everything goes as it should with the public transport!

After finishing our drinks, we returned home, happy to enjoy a quiet night, rather than a late night pub session, as was the case in Florence.