Lerici Italy. Open left menu Lerici

I am often asked about where our best beaches are. I've written about this in several different posts at different times (click on the beach tag to find them all).
And so, I decided to put all the basic information into one post for convenience:

The rainy season is over, and the heat, more usual for Italian summers, has begun. I want to escape from the office or stuffy apartment somewhere to a cool, beautiful place.

Yes, Italian wine cellars are also a solution, I don’t argue, but today we will talk about the beaches of magnificent Liguria.
More precisely, about its southernmost part, about the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Poets and Cinque Terre in the province of La Spezia.

Many famous poets and artists, as well as Russian aristocrats, previously lived and vacationed in these places. They also say that wealthy Milanese who love the sea, yachting and solitude prefer to have summer residences in the province of La Spezia.
These days it is definitely also a paradise for photographers, bloggers, ecotourists, beach tourists and just romantics.

The mountains give the beaches of the province of La Spezia a unique flavor - high shores, lush vegetation, the scent of flowers in the air, cascades of villas on coastal cliffs, mountain serpentine roads.

Here you will not find such a wide coastal strip as on the east coast of Italy, but you will definitely be captivated by the unique beauty of each beach and the views that open from the shore.

So, beach city number 1 on our list:
Porto Venere is a town on a picturesque cape, the western “gate” to the Bay of Poets (Golfo dei poeti).
The beaches in Portovenere are good. Those who don't really like sand will appreciate the large boulders from which you can dive, and small pebbles that won't get caught in your swimsuit. And water with a rocky or pebble bottom is very transparent and somehow splashes in a special way, as if it’s ringing, right?

The beach strip stretches across almost the entire town of Porto Venere. Paid beaches are equipped with everything you need; on free beaches you can find a place in the shade of trees.
Another plus of Portovenere is that you can park close to the shore, you don’t have to walk hundreds of meters in the heat from the bus stop or parking lot to the beach.
From La Spezia - the center of the province - to Portovenere, drive 15 kilometers along a picturesque road along the sea, port docks, military arsenal with warships, yacht clubs and other sea beauties. Buses also run with enviable regularity and stop near all the beaches, which is very convenient. There are no problems with paid parking either.

Beach town number 2: Lerici. Lerici is the eastern “gate” of the Bay of Poets. In the summer, the city is closed to auto tourists (paid parking is available when driving into the city) and is located far from the railway and highway. Perhaps it is this seclusion that gives the town a special charm. In addition to ancient fortresses, beautiful villas, yachts, mini - bays with sandy beaches, mild maritime climate and subtropical vegetation.

The beaches in Lerici have their own names:
Venere Azzurra is a sandy beach marked with a blue flag. Located in one of the picturesque bays to the west of the center of Lerici. There is a beautiful promenade, stunning views, hotels and boarding houses along the coast. Vehicle parking lots are located about half a kilometer from the beach. The bus from La Spezia stops at the beach.

There are not too many tourists here, mostly Italians with children, summer residents, and young people.
The center of Lerici is also very picturesque, there is where to walk, admire things and eat delicious food.

The second large Lerichian beach is located further from the center to the west, in the bay adjacent to Venere Azzurra, in the San Terenzo area. In terms of organization of recreation and beauty, the beach of San Terenzo is very similar to Venere Azzurra, only a little smaller in size of the sand strip.

Even further west from Lerici is Baia Blu beach. Huddled in a picturesque rocky bay. Popular with local youth and children from summer camps. Has great difficulty with private parking. The pluses are fine sand and stunning views :)

For dessert we have number 3 - the most beachy of the five magnificent cities of the Cinque Terre natural national park. Monterosso al mare.

The number of residents of Monterosso is only about 1.5 thousand people. Due to tourists, the population of the town increases to 300 thousand in the warm season. And it’s clear why - Monterosso has magnificent wildlife, exotic varied vegetation, silence and beauty all around.

And also a stunningly clear sea, beautiful beaches, promenades, magnificent bays, mountains, vineyards, wine, hiking and sea tourist routes, ancient buildings from the Roman Empire and much more.

The beaches in Monterosso are one more beautiful than the other, from huge boulders to small pebbles, the water is clean.
The embankment is stunning, with magnificent observation platforms from which you just want to shout “life is a success!”

It is better to get to the beaches of Monterosso by train or bus, it is cheaper and more convenient than by car.
If you decide to go by car, fill up the tank in advance, as there are no gas stations in the Cinque Terre. And keep your camera ready, the views from the road are simply belissimi!

Have a nice holiday! Ciao!

Posted on Jun. 24th, 2016 at 08:30 pm | | | |

Lerici is a typical, but at the same time amazing city of Liguria, famous for its villas, parks and beaches. However, for all its attractiveness, Lerici cannot boast of an excess of tourists. Most likely, the reason lies in the proximity to the famous Cinque Terre, where most tourists from all over the world come to bypass Lerici. It should be noted that by depriving the Lerici resort of attention, vacationers are deprived of many of the delights that this wonderful place is rich in.

More than 10,000 people live in Lerici. The resort is located opposite the port city of Portovenere, ten kilometers from the capital of the La Spezia region.

Only in Lerici there is a fantastic view of two port cities, many ships and the Mediterranean Sea merging with the sky.

The mild climate and stunning landscapes have long turned Lerici into a city of romantics. The atmosphere of the resort is amazing. Beautiful views, flirting couples, friendly residents, amazing recreational conditions - and all this in complete tranquility. In Lerici it is incredibly pleasant to walk along the pretty streets without encountering crowds of noisy vacationers at every step. Lerici gives you the opportunity to quietly and comfortably enjoy its pristine beauty.

A little history

The history of this place is not rich in legends and details. What is known is that Lerici was first mentioned in 1152. In 1286, Lerici was captured by the Genoese, thanks to which the city was saved from the occupation of Pisa.

Transport

Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of Lerici is its poorly developed transport network. There is no train station in the city; you can only get to Lerici by car. However, it is worth considering that parking problems can spoil the mood for vacationers.

The most convenient way to get around the city is by bus. Although it is more pleasant to take walks or boat excursions. Water transport in Lerici is presented in all its diversity. Would you like to take a boat ride or want to travel to nearby cities by boat? There is always a suitable option in Lerici.

Cuisine and restaurants

Italian cuisine is well represented in Lerici. Small restaurants and pizzerias are scattered throughout the city. Some places deserve special attention. For example, Bonta Nascoste serves amazing dishes: pesto, farinata, oysters. The downside of this establishment is that there is very little space, so you need to arrange a table in advance.

The best desserts in the city are presented at Gelateria Arcobaleno. How about this place's signature dessert? They serve excellent caramel ice cream with pineapple and chocolate. Other dishes of this cafe will surprise you no less.

Connoisseurs of good wines must visit Enoteca Baroni.

Hotels

The city of Lerici is always ready to receive guests; on its territory there are many hotels for every taste and budget. The most luxurious hotel is considered to be Piccolo del Lido. Some of the hotel rooms open onto terraces with sun loungers, and the view from the windows of the rooms embraces the area in all its glory. A room for two with breakfast here costs about 230 EUR.

Even more amazing are the views from the San Terenzo rooms. The interior of the hotel is also impressive. Here a room for two will cost about 200 EUR. There is also an economy class hotel in Lerici, Albergo Serena. Room rates start from 30 EUR. Guests are offered parking and laundry facilities. By the way, you can stay with pets in this hotel.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Beaches

Unlike many coastal resort towns in Italy, Lerici's beaches are mostly sandy. Lerici has both free municipal beaches and well-equipped paid ones.

Entertainment and attractions in Lerici

The main attraction of the city is the old medieval castle, which for a long time was used as a hostel for young people. If you are lucky with influential acquaintances, you can still stay there today. Part of the castle is open for regular tours. Surely you will be interested in visiting a small castle located near Lerici, not far from San Terenzo.

While in Lerici, you cannot ignore the famous Maritime Museum. Ancient maps, navigation systems and many other exhibits will captivate even those who have never been interested in navigation. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to go on a short excursion along the Ligurian coast of Italy.

From Lerici you can easily reach the villages that are part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The Cinque Terre Nature Reserve, which means “five lands,” is located right on the slopes of the mountains. Its constituent villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore), surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lemon orchards, give this place a special charm. Here you will also find streets located right along the coast. South of Lerici is the resort of Versilia, which amazes with kilometers of sandy beaches.

• Where to stay: in the most prestigious and expensive resorts of Liguria - in Alassio and San Remo, in the democratic Diano Marina, on the pebble beach of Arenzano, on an “island” of peace and tranquility in Camogli or in picturesque Portofino. Rapallo, the city of ancient cathedrals, and Portovenere, the pearl of the Ligurian coast, included in the UNESCO list, await its guests. Arma di Taggia will appeal to family tourists for its gently sloping beach and calm waters; lovers of evening entertainment should pay attention to

Lerici small but bustling resort town. It is located in northern Italy in the Liguria region. Here you can while away the hours on endless walks along the promenade or in beachside restaurants. From this port there are ferries to Portovenere, where you can go on excursions. The central square is the main meeting place. There is a beautiful fountain here and there is a bazaar. From here you can climb the slopes to the castle, from where you can enjoy an excellent view.

Spice is a cozy old town, descending in terraces to the Ligurian Sea. Located 100 km from Genoa, the city is comfortably located in the bay of the same name, which is often called the “Bay of Poets”. It was in this paradise that Dante and Byron drew their inspiration. Since the 14th century, the main defense of the city was the castle of St. George. In the center Spices there is a medieval quarter - a part of the city that is intended only for walking. In the city museum Spices You can see the steles found in Lunigiana - male and female figures from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Among the medieval streets you will find the oldest pizzeria in Liguria, where pizza dough is made from pea flour according to ancient recipes. And don't forget to order a glass of exquisite red wine from local grape varieties, which you will not find outside of Liguria.

From La Spezia traveling to Florence on your own is not very convenient (train transfer in Pisa, and the time is 2 hours 30 minutes -3 hours one way), going to Pisa is possible - 1 hour 10 minutes. - 1h.30 min.

But the main advantage La Spezia- the presence of the Cinque Terra nature reserve nearby (5 villages), plus the interesting surroundings of Liguria - Lerici and Portovenere. To get to the reserve, either by train (to the first village of Riomaggiore - 8-10 minutes), or by boat (operates only from spring to autumn), to the railway station, according to various estimates, no more than 30 minutes walk. In the center La Spezia there is a medieval quarter - a part of the city that is intended for medieval walks. Entry by car is strictly prohibited; carabinieri immediately appear at the noise of the engine and fine you 150 euros. Along the street there are retail shops, boutiques of Italian designers and a large selection of restaurants. Hidden away in an alley is the oldest pizzeria in Liguria. Since the 19th century, its ovens have been used to prepare the famous local delicacy - pizza Forinata, the dough for which is made from pea flour. The batter is poured into a huge frying pan and fried at a very high temperature. In 10-15 minutes the pancake is ready. It should be eaten hot, sprinkled with black pepper. The cost of a serving is 1.5 euros.

From the port La Spezia Excursion yachts sail to neighboring coastal settlements. Vivid impressions remain after a boat trip on a ferry with a tour of five ancient towns. Cinque Terre - literally "five lands" - are small fishing villages on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. Corniglia, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore are isolated from main roads. There is no entry into the city territory. You must leave your car in the parking lot and walk down to the residential area. Riomaggiore was a fortress impregnable for pirates in ancient times. The city was built according to a step system. The motley coloring of the facades is not just an artistic preference of the local residents: Riomaggiore did not have its own lighthouse, so ships at sea were guided by the bright walls and turrets. In addition to the road, there is a railway between the cities of Cinque Terre. Trains run regularly and the ticket costs 8 euros. Vernazza is the only natural marina for boats in the Cinque Terre. Narrow winding streets descend and lead to the harbour. In the central square you can find souvenir shops and restaurants. Vernazza is a medieval fairy tale, as the locals like to say. A powerful system of protective structures has been preserved here.

The fortress wall of Doria Castle saved the town from the Saracens. Romanesque church on the rock of St. Margaret's was built at the beginning of the 19th century on the site of a medieval chapel. According to legend, it was founded by Saint Bernardino of Siena, the patron saint of this land.

On this page:   Beaches, What to see and where to go, How to get there, Hotels, Where to eat, Video...

Features:  Resort town in the southern part of Liguria with a strong national flavor. Italians themselves love to relax here with their families, and there are fewer foreign tourists than in other places. Located in the "Gulf of Poets". Very beautiful nature, views of the sea, parks, beaches, villas...

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages: Here you can indulge in a real traditional resort holiday: beach, food, sea air, walks, sightseeing - complete relaxation - and not notice how your vacation time flies by.

Flaws: There is no railway station in the city itself - you will have to travel by regular buses. During the summer season, private cars are prohibited from entering the city. Beaches, especially free ones, can get crowded.

Where to swim

We can say that there are many beaches. Including sandy ones (or sandy with pebbles), and with a good entry into the sea.

The entire coastline of the city consists of them - they have their own colors, conspicuous by flags and sun umbrellas (for example, the Lido is blue). You can swim in Lerici itself, or you can go somewhere in the suburbs, for example, Fiascherino or Tellaro. You can go to many beaches for free, but you will have to sunbathe on a towel or on rocks to the side. Where there is a paid entrance, it will cost 7-10 euros. In Lerici itself it is more expensive than in the suburbs, although it depends on the beach. A set of “2 sun loungers + umbrella” can cost 20-30 euros or even more in the most exclusive places (in the amazing Eco del Mare in Tellaro - more than 100 euros).

Some vacationers do not necessarily choose the beaches near which they live. For example, in Fiascherino there are two very beautiful small bays - with clear emerald water, framed by rocks and greenery - and some people prefer to swim there. But you have to go there by bus (if you don’t choose a hotel directly in Fiascherino).

What to see and where to go

The main attraction of the town is the medieval castle Castello di Lerici (you can visit it - there is a historical museum with dinosaurs - quite interesting, and not only for children).

It is very interesting to visit and explore the nearby towns of Tellaro and San Terenzo. They are as authentic as the villages of the Cinque Terre, although less well known. There is a funny monument to an octopus in Tellaro. There is also a castle in San Terenzo, albeit a small one. There is also a villa where Shelley allegedly lived (according to other sources, he lived in a house on the water, converted from a ship).

Very close by, across the “Gulf of Poets” is located one of the most attractive places for tourists in Liguria.

Of course, you can’t miss the chance and go to the Five Lands, also best on cruising ferry boats.

By car (or train) you can go to Genoa or. Such trips fit very well into one day.

La Spezia is very close by. You can visit it, especially since from there you can go anywhere by train.

to San Terenzo

Nutrition

In this colorful Italian town, most food establishments cherish the spirit of reverence for high-quality national cuisine. Restaurants, gelaterias, pizzerias and wine shops are scattered throughout the city here and there, concentrating in areas close to the sea. A noticeable feature of the local cuisine is respect for fresh fish and seafood (there is even a monument to the octopus). Which is quite natural, since small fishing boats with fresh catch regularly land ashore at the local port.

In this regard, one of the most interesting, if not fantastic, places is the seafood restaurant IL Senatore, whose terraces overlook the beach in Fiascherino. The most popular restaurants are IL Frantoio, i Doria (at the Doria Park Hotel), Golfo dei Poeti, pizzeria Bonta Nascosta, gelateria Arcobaleno, bar Montemarcello Focacci...

Hotels

Doria Park Hotel, according to reviews from many vacationers, is the best, or at least very good. It is not located directly by the sea but on a hill, but from the balconies of its rooms there is a wonderful view of the bay.

The beautiful Hotel San Terenzo welcomes guests almost where the poetic Shelley couple once lived.

There is also the Europa Grand Hotel, Piccolo Hotel del Lido, Florida Lerici, Baia Blu di Lerici Apartments and many other great options...

Fiascherino - nearest suburb

With kids

This place is very suitable for a relaxing holiday with a child. By the sea, especially where there is sand, many children play and fuss - the little ones will find company. In the city itself, in the castle, there is a museum with dinosaurs - you can go there more than once. Needless to say, the ice cream and desserts are delicious. You can go to the famous Maritime Museum...

How to get there

You can take the train to Sarzana station, and then either by bus (20 minutes on the way, departs every half hour, costs 2 euros) or by taxi (10 minutes, 13-15 euros).

You can arrive here by ferry, but it is not a fact that you will be able to sail back on the same day. Details about local sea connections are on the Portovenere page.

Video

How to get to Lerici

Lerici is a tranquil resort town tucked between famous tourist destinations such as Portovenere and La Spezia. The famous Cinque Terre National Park is also nearby. Lerici is famous for its parkland, sandy beaches and relaxed resort atmosphere. On average, there are fewer tourists here than in neighboring towns with louder names, and this is what makes Lerici a unique place for a relaxing holiday without crowds of tourists, but with many authentic attractions and excellent beaches. The latter, by the way, is very rare for Ligurian coast.

To relax in Lerici, you first need to get to the nearest major city in Italy - this could be Genoa, the administrative center of Liguria, or neighboring Milan. Both of these cities have international flights to Russia. Further, Lerici can only be reached by car (rented or taxi); there is no railway station in the town.

How to get to Lerici from Genoa

You can order a taxi to Lerici directly from Genoa; the distance between the cities is just over 100 km. The travel time will be about 1.5 hours. You can order a taxi at Genoa airport, or in advance on transfer order websites , and others. There is another option to get to Lerici - go to the nearest town with a railway station - La Spezia - by train, and then take a taxi. The distance between La Spezia and Lerici is about 10 km.

Direct high-speed trains run between Genoa and La Spezia throughout the day, starting at 5am. Trains in Genoa leave from Brignoli train station. You can check the train schedule at the railway service . You can purchase train tickets from Genoa to La Spezia either at the station ticket offices or in advance online. Further from La Spezia directly to Lerici you cantake a taxi from the La Spezia train station.

Irene Grassi/Lerici

How to get to Lerici from Milan

The distance between Milan and Lerici is about 230 km. The route to the resort is similar to the route from Genoa - you can either take a taxi directly from Milan, or take a train to La Spezia, and then transfer there to a taxi to Lerici. Travel time will be about 3 hours 20 minutes. You can order a transfer at Milan airport at the information desk, or in advance on transfer service websites and others similar.

You can also get from Milan or Genoa to Lerici by rented car. This option is suitable for those who have an international driver's license. is extremely developed, and car rental offices can be found not only in all areas of the city, but also at the arrival airport. no less developed, and similar to Milan, rental offices are open both in the city center and at the arrival airport.

Where to stay in Lerici

In Lerici there are hotels of all star categories, as well as bed and breakfast hotels without stars. Since Lerici cannot be reached by public transport, the availability of parking spaces at the hotel is important for many travelers; otherwise, it is difficult to leave the car anywhere on the narrow streets of the ancient fishing town.

Piccolo Hotel Del Lido, 4 stars: The hotel is conveniently located relative to the sea and has its own access to a private beach. In addition, the hotel also has an indoor swimming pool. The hotel's interior is completed by a sun terrace with views of the coast. There is also a bar and reading room here. The hotel offers luggage storage and free private parking on site.Some of the hotel's rooms have sea views. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Doria Park Hotel, 3 stars: This hotel is located a few steps from the historical center, and its rooms offer views of the bay and the castle. The beach area is within walking distance from the hotel. Doria Park Hotel offers its guests an outdoor terrace, free parking and a buffet breakfast included in the room rate. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Hotel Del Golfo, 3 stars: The hotel is located in the historical center of the city, 150 meters from the beach. There is a restaurant, lift and free private parking on site. The hotel has rooms of varying sizes. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Hotel Italia, 3 stars: The hotel is located within walking distance of the beach and has its own restaurant on site, as well as free private parking on site. The restaurant serves local cuisine and has a cellar with a large selection of local wines. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

Albergo Serena, 2 stars: This family-run hotel is located outside Lerici, in the fishing village of Cherry. The hotel is located on a mountain hill, and the nearest beach is 10 minutes away by car. Free private parking is available on site. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.

umberto/Lerici

What to see in Lerici

Lerici is a small resort town, mostly famous for its sandy beaches, of which there are not many on the Ligurian Riviera, but Lerici is lucky in this regard. Among the attractions, the city is famous for several ancient monuments, as well as nature suitable for hiking. For more varied leisure activities, tourists often go to neighboring towns; visiting the Cinque Terre National Park is especially popular.

The main historical attraction of Lerici is considered Castello de' Lerici, or Lerici Castle, the construction of which dates back to the Middle Ages. Initially, the castle served as a sea fortress, but then lost its original significance. Now there is a museum inside the castle, and its premises are open to tourists.

In the vicinity of Lerici there are several more notable settlements - Tellaro And San Terenzo. These villages are almost unknown to tourists, and yet they are of considerable interest, if only because there is a medieval castle located here.

Gina.Di/Lerici

Another popular entertainment in Lerici is boat trips on tourist boats. So, through the Gulf of Poets you can get to the shores of Portovenere; the trip to the Cinque Terre will be a little longer, but it is also worth it. Traveling by land from Lerici is problematic unless you rent a car, since bus routes here are rare and their schedules are unclear. If you have a car, you can drive along the coast and explore not only nearby towns, but also more distant ones, for example, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Camogli. By the way, Lerici is the last town in a series of coastal towns of the Ligurian Riviera, behind which the Tuscan Riviera opens, so it is quite possible to visit its towns, the distance to them is short.

Sandy beaches Marinella, San Terenzo, Bocca di Magra And Fiumaretta considered the best in Lerici, they are all public, but you will have to pay for the use of sunbeds, sun loungers and umbrellas. There are also several private beaches in the town, they are less crowded, and this is their main advantage, since in everything else (the quality of the sand, the gentleness of the entrance to the sea, the purity of the water) public beaches are in no way inferior to private ones.

luca galli/Lerici