Lerici Italy: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide

Since we were staying in Pisa for the night, we had a good amount of time on our hands—around five to six hours. This presented us with the perfect opportunity for a road trip around the region. We made an impromptu decision to make a quick road trip from Pisa to Lerici and Portoverne, the beautiful towns in Ligurian coast of Italy, and be back to hotel before nightfall.

Lerici (Ligurian: Lerxi, locally Lerze) is one of the most loved picturesque towns of the entire Riviera di Levante, famous for its beaches and its wonderful views. Lerici (pronounced LEH-ree-chee) is located in the inlet of the Bay of Poets south of La Spezia at the Ligurian Riviera in the province of La Spezia in Liguria (northern Italy), part of the Italian Riviera.

Things to Do in Lerici: Where Tranquility Meets Mediterranean Splendor

Lerici Uncovered: Exploring the Delights of this Italian Coastal Haven

The town’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring the nearby Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning cliffside villages and scenic hiking trails. Lerici offers a more peaceful and relaxed alternative to the crowded Cinque Terre, while still providing easy access to these iconic destinations.

Moreover, Lerici is renowned for its delicious seafood and local Ligurian cuisine, making it a culinary delight for food enthusiasts. The coastal town of Italy offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical charm, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere, making it a destination well worth visiting.

Read on to know the interesting things to Do in Lerici.

Bay of Poets

Lerici is a small harbor town in the Gulf of La Spezia. Lerici is named as the Bay of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti), because Byron, P B Shelley and Keats played upon its shores. We reached quite early and the Sunday crowds hadn’t poured in yet. Luckily we got an empty parking slot in a parking strip along the beach and we set off to dip our feet in the Ligurian Sea. I had never seen such blue waters before. The beaches of Thailand and India have an emerald green sea and this blue seemed more pleasant to me then.

Sadly, Lerici is also the place of tragic demise of poet P B Shelly. He drowned when his ferry sank in a sudden violent storm in the Gulf of La Spezia.

Lerici Harbor Town Ligurian coast Italy

Castello di Lerici

Lerici, a charming town, is conveniently connected to the popular tourist destinations of Cinque Terre and Portovenere via ferry. One of its notable attractions is the ancient castle that dominates the town of Lerici from the top of a rocky promontory.

History of Castello di Lerici – The castle was built by the Pisans around the mid-1200s at the time of the maritime republics and the war with Genoa. Following Genoa’s conquest of Lerici in 1256, the castle underwent further fortification, including the construction of a formidable pentagonal tower. The castle served as a strategic stronghold for controlling the entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia.

What to see – Despite the passage of centuries, the castle has managed to preserve its external walls almost entirely due to recent restoration efforts. Another notable feature within the castle grounds is a well-preserved small Gothic Chapel dedicated to Santa Anastasia.

To access the castle, visitors have two options:

1. they can either ascend a staircase comprising 168 steps after strolling through the charming alleys of the historic center
2. opt for the convenience of a practical lift.

Upon reaching the castle, besides exploring the captivating paleontological exhibits, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Poets, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination.

Today, the castle houses a fascinating Paleontological Museum that showcases a diverse collection of fossil discoveries primarily from the surrounding areas of Spezzino and Lunigiana a collection of minerals.

Castello di Lerici

Piazza Garibaldi in Lerici

Piazza Garibaldi serves as the vibrant hub of Lerici, acting as its nerve center. This central square, overlooking the sea and adorned with charming pastel-colored houses, comes alive during the summer months with enthusiastic tourists.

Within Piazza Garibaldi, you will discover the intriguing oratory of San Rocco, a structure that traces its origins back to the 13th century. Originally, this building served as a hospital for pilgrims passing through the area. Later it was transformed into an oratory dedicated to the patron saint of plague victims during the 1523 outbreak.

Of particular interest is the bell tower, which underwent construction by repurposing and transforming a pre-existing Roman tower. Remarkably, the Genoese coat of arms still adorns the interior of the tower, preserving a tangible link to the past.

Villa Marigola Lerici Italy

Lerici is renowned for its exquisite 18th-century mansions that were constructed by affluent families along the gulf. Among these remarkable residences, Villa Marigola stands out as one of the most stunning. Situated on the promontory that separates the inlets of Lerici and San Terenzo, this villa was originally built in the latter half of the 18th century as a luxurious vacation retreat by Marquis Ollandini.

The extensive surrounding grounds once featured a delightful citrus garden, olive groves, and vineyards. However, it was not until the 19th century that the true park, complete with an enchanting English garden and breathtaking vantage points, was established.

Towards the end of the century, Villa Marigola changed hands and came under the ownership of Reginald Jenkin Pearse, an English banker. Under his stewardship, the villa became a favored gathering place for luminaries from the cultural and artistic spheres across Europe.

Today, Villa Marigola stands as a testament to Lerici’s rich architectural heritage and continues to captivate visitors with its elegant charm and picturesque surroundings.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

The old church in the Lerici Harbour town was destroyed during World War II but has been reconstructed in its present form. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battistain Lerici is considered the central place for religious activities in the area. Both tourists and locals visit to pray and appreciate the beauty of its high altar, paintings, and statues. The church is part of the local parish.

Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista Lerici

Villages around Lerici

In addition to Lerici itself, exploring the charming nearby villages is a must to truly experience the best of this splendid region. Towards the west lies San Terenzo, while Fiascherino and Tellaro lay to the east. These three villages exude a similar ambiance to the renowned Cinque Terre, featuring characteristic seaside settings adorned with vibrant, perched tower-houses near the sparkling waters.

Fiascherino and Tellaro, although smaller and quieter compared to San Terenzo, are equally deserving of a visit. These picturesque villages offer a serene atmosphere and picturesque vistas that are simply begging to be captured by your camera.

Lerici Harbor Town Ligurian

The Golden Butterfly – Natural Phenomenon near San Lorenzo

A natural phenomenon known as the Golden Butterfly can be observed on the day of the summer solstice and sometimes in the days immediately preceding and following it. This captivating spectacle occurs when sunlight filters through a gap between rocks created by a megalithic formation called quadrilithon, and project a beam on one of the menhirs creating an image resembling a golden butterfly.

Plan a guided tour to witness this – Walking Wonder, an organized guided walk in the picturesque hill surrounding Lerici focuses on promoting the joy of walking amidst stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lerici Bay. The designated route for the walk is from Brandon Monti to San Lorenzo.

San Terenzo Beach – Lerici Beaches

San Terenzo Beach is a popular public beach situated beneath the magnificent San Terenzo Castle in the town of Lerici. The beach provides various amenities, including rentable seats, chairs, and umbrellas for visitors to relax and enjoy the sun. Families with children will find a dedicated play area where kids can have fun and play.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, there is a spot for renting rowing boats, allowing visitors to explore the waters and enjoy guided tours. Adjacent to the beach, towards the rear, you’ll find a selection of inviting restaurants and cafes. These establishments offer a delightful range of delectable dishes and refreshing beverages, making it convenient to satisfy your hunger or quench your thirst after a day of beachside relaxation.

Lerici Beach

Lerici, the Harbor Town on Ligurian Coast seemed to me an ideal place to live. The villas, all very colorful and stacked side by side like colorful boxes, the mountains in the background and a blue sea as front view; it did seem like an ideal place to live.

We had the feedback that non-residents of the town are not allowed to drive into the town’s center so we just walked along the beach; definitely one of the best short walks we had in Italy. Our next pit stop was Portovenre.

How to Reach Lerici

By Air: The nearest international airport to Lerici is Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei), at a distance of 72 km. From the airport, you can take a train or a combination of train and bus to reach Lerici. Another option is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, which is a bit farther at 114 km.
By Train: Lerici does not have its own train station. The closest train station is La Spezia Centrale, which is well-connected to all major cities in Italy. From La Spezia, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach Lerici, 15 km away.
By Car: If you prefer driving, you can reach by car via the A12 motorway. We drove down from Pisa. Keep in mind that parking in Lerici can be limited.
By Bus: There are regular bus services connecting Lerici to nearby towns and cities.
By Ferry: For a scenic and enjoyable way to reach Lerici during the summer months, take the ferry services from nearby coastal towns such as Portovenere and the Cinque Terre villages.

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