Looking for that perfect Italian seaside escape where history, beaches, and a good glass of wine all come together? Visit Lerici Italy, a colorful coastal town on the Ligurian Riviera that delivers just the right mix of laid-back charm and postcard views. Sitting between Cinque Terre and Portovenere, Lerici is the kind of place where you can spend your mornings exploring a medieval castle, your afternoons swimming in turquoise bays, and your evenings sipping Vermentino on a sunny terrace. Stroll the waterfront, linger over seafood lunches, wander up to the castello for jaw-dropping panoramas, and, if you’re into wine, make time for a Liguria wine tours experience in the surrounding hills. From romantic weekends to long lazy summers, Lerici makes slowing down feel like the only thing on your to-do list.
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Best things to do: Visit Lerici
Stroll through the Old Town
The old town of Lerici is pure Italian Riviera magic, a maze of narrow alleys, sun-faded pastel houses, and little piazzas where daily life unfolds at a slow, easy pace. Make your way to Piazza Garibaldi, the beating heart of the town, where locals linger over coffee and kids play by the fountain. From here, you get postcard-perfect views of the harbor and the Gulf of Lerici, dotted with fishing boats and yachts. Grab a cappuccino and a buttery Ligurian pastry, maybe a slice of focaccia dolce, and just sit back, letting the rhythm of the town pull you in.
Visit the Castello di Lerici
The Castello San Giorgio di Lerici rises proudly above the town, its stone walls keeping watch over the harbor since the 12th century. Climb up to its rocky perch and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Gulf of La Spezia, a panorama that’s worth every step. Inside, the castle houses intriguing exhibits, from ancient ship models to local artworks, plus two striking bas-reliefs and a rare painting on slate.
Relax at Lido di Lerici
Craving a proper beach day? Lido di Lerici has you covered with soft sand, calm waves, and plenty of spots to stretch out under the sun. Rent a lounger, grab an Aperol from one of the beachfront bars, and let the hours drift by. In July and August, this is where Italians flock for their summer fix of sea and sunshine, so expect lively vibes and happy chatter.
Walk the elegant promenade
Wrap up your day in Lerici with a golden-hour stroll along the waterfront promenade. Starting from the harbor, the path winds past sandy beaches, colorful villas, and the neighboring village of San Terenzo. The evening light paints the sea in warm tones, fishermen cast their lines from the rocks, and the salty breeze feels like the perfect ending to a Riviera day. Pause on one of the benches along the way, you’ll want a moment to just sit, watch, and let the scene sink in.
Best things to do around: Visit Lerici
Lose yourself in the charm of Tellaro
Tellaro, just a 10-minute drive or a scenic 45-minute coastal hike from Lerici, is a postcard-perfect escape and often listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages. Once a quiet fishing hamlet, its pastel houses spill down to the sea, framing views that feel straight out of a painting. Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley lived nearby in Lerici, and it’s easy to imagine this little village stirring their creativity. Whether you arrive by foot along the cliffside path or drive in for the day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping gulf views, salty sea air, and a slow, romantic pace that makes Tellaro the perfect break from busier Riviera spots.
Add a stop and visit Tellaro Italy, on your Italian trip!
Sunset sips above the sea
Perched in the hillside village of Volastra, Cantina Capellini offers a Cinque Terre wine experience with unforgettable views. This small family winery has been making wine for generations, tending steep terraced vineyards that look straight out over the Ligurian Sea. Their “Wine, Sunsets, and Traditions” tasting lets you sample crisp Cinque Terre DOC whites and the region’s prized sweet wine, Sciacchetrà, while the sky turns gold over the coast. It’s the kind of moment where great wine, stunning scenery, and local tradition all come together.
Wander the iconic Cinque Terre towns
Just 20 minutes from Lerici by bus, La Spezia and its best things to do are your gateway to the world-famous Cinque Terre, five colorful villages clinging to the rugged Ligurian coastline. From here, you can hop on a train, take a boat, or lace up your hiking shoes to follow scenic cliffside trails between towns. Spend your day savoring fresh seafood by the water, wandering through sunlit piazzas, and admiring terraced vineyards that tumble down to the sea. Don’t miss Monterosso al Mare, the only Cinque Terre village with a wide sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun.
Discover the best things to do in Cinque Terre with our team’s best tips!
Stroll through the artistic town of Sarzana
Less than 30 minutes from Lerici, Sarzana brings a fresh twist to your Ligurian itinerary with its blend of medieval charm, Renaissance elegance, and laid-back local life. Wander cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, pause in sunlit piazzas, and pop into cozy wine bars serving regional vintages. Climb up to the Fortezza Firmafede for sweeping views, then reward yourself with a meal at a family-run trattoria, where Ligurian flavors shine in every dish. Quieter than the coast yet every bit as picturesque, Sarzana is perfect for a half-day escape when you’re ready to swap beach towels for history and culture.
Visit the poetic harbor of Portovenere
Hop on a ferry from Lerici, and in about 40 minutes you’ll arrive in the captivating town of Portovenere. Part of the UNESCO-listed Gulf of Poets, this postcard-worthy spot blends romance, history, and stunning seaside charm. Wander its colorful waterfront lined with cafés and boutiques, step inside the cliff-top Church of San Pietro for sweeping sea views, or climb up to the ruined Castello Doria for a taste of medieval grandeur. With its inspiring landscapes once loved by Lord Byron, Portovenere is a must-see coastal gem near Lerici that feels like stepping straight into an Italian Riviera painting.
Good to know before visiting Lerici
Is Lerici worth a visit?
Absolutely! Lerici is a charming coastal town located in the Liguria region of Italy, tucked into the Gulf of Poets. It’s often overshadowed by the nearby Cinque Terre, making it a peaceful alternative if you’re looking to enjoy the Italian Riviera without the crowds. With colorful buildings, scenic seaside promenades, historical castles, and fresh seafood, Lerici offers a quintessential Italian coastal experience.
What are the top things to do?
Lerici offers a variety of experiences for visitors. Start by exploring the imposing Castello di Lerici with panoramic views of the gulf. Relax or swim at Venere Azzurra Beach, stroll along the promenade to San Terenzo, or hike the coastal trails for breathtaking vistas. Take a boat tour around the Gulf of Poets, visit Olive groves, or explore art and poetry at Villa Marigola. The town is also a great base for day trips to nearby Cinque Terre or Portovenere.
What are the best hotels in Lerici?
Lerici offers a variety of charming accommodations to suit every budget:
- Doria Park Hotel – A cliffside hotel with panoramic views, Mediterranean gardens, and excellent service.
- Hotel Byron – Located right by the beach, offering sea view rooms and proximity to the promenade.
- Hotel Florida Lerici – A modern 3-star option steps from the beach with comfortable amenities.
- Piccolo Hotel Del Lido – A boutique beachfront hotel with eco-friendly design and private terraces.
- Albergo Serena – A budget-friendly option just outside Lerici, perfect for quiet stays and parking availability.
What are the best restaurants in Lerici?
Lerici is a haven for seafood and Ligurian cuisine. Don’t miss:
- Ristorante Il Frantoio – A rustic and cozy spot offering homemade pasta and fresh seafood.
- Ristorante La Mano Di Fatima – Known for its creative seafood dishes and romantic terrace views.
- Osteria La Calata – Traditional Ligurian dishes right on the harbor, serving everything from trofie al pesto to grilled octopus.
- La Barcaccia – A local favorite for its seafood risottos and fried fish platters.
- Ristorante Ciccio – Elegant fine dining with a focus on locally caught fish and regional wines.
When is the best time to visit Lerici?
The best time to visit Lerici is between May and September when the weather is warm, ideal for beach activities, hiking, and boat tours. July and August are the busiest months, but even then, Lerici is less crowded than nearby tourist hubs. For a quieter experience, visit in late spring or early fall when you can still enjoy good weather with fewer tourists.
How do you get to Lerici?
Lerici doesn’t have its own train station, but it’s easily reachable from the La Spezia Centrale train station via a 20-minute taxi or local bus ride. If you’re driving, take the A12 motorway and exit at Sarzana or La Spezia. Boat services also connect Lerici to Portovenere and other towns along the Gulf of Poets, especially scenic during spring and summer.
Can you visit Portovenere from Lerici?
Yes, Portovenere is just a short ferry ride from Lerici and is highly recommended for a day trip. Known for its dramatic cliffs, the Church of St. Peter, and colorful harborfront buildings, Portovenere is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat ride itself offers stunning views along the Gulf of Poets and can be one of the highlights of your trip.
