Visit Tellaro Italy: Your Next Breathtaking Trip

Imagine a place where the sea sparkles like it’s in on a secret, fishing boats bob gently in the harbor, and pastel houses lean toward the waves as if trying to hear the gossip of the tides. That’s Tellaro, a pint-sized jewel on the Ligurian coast and proudly one of I Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy). Here, life moves at the pace of a lazy afternoon: you wander cobbled alleys, stop for a plate of trofie al pesto, and let the sea breeze do the rest. Just down the road from Lerici and not far from La Spezia, it’s the perfect spot to swap crowds for charm. And if you fancy a glass (or three), Liguria wine tours in the surrounding hills will treat you to crisp whites and delicate rosés that taste like summer bottled.

Visit Tellaro Italy and the top things to do

Wander through the alleys of the village

Getting lost here isn’t a mistake, it’s the whole point. Tellaro’s maze of alleys, some barely wide enough to brush past a friend, twists between centuries-old houses in faded pinks, yellows, and corals. Each turn feels like you’ve stumbled into a postcard: a sliver of sea glinting in the distance, fishing nets drying in the sun, an old wooden door framed by flowering vines. Wander slowly, let curiosity lead you, and you’ll catch glimpses of daily life that haven’t changed much in generations.

Take a loot at the Church of San Giorgio

At the heart of Tellaro stands the Church of San Giorgio, its pink façade perched dramatically above the waves. Built in the 16th century, it has long been a symbol of the village’s spirit and seafaring heritage. While the church is now closed to the public, you can still admire its striking position on the rocky promontory and imagine the centuries of life it has witnessed. And of course, the legend lives on, of the giant octopus that supposedly saved the townsfolk from a Saracen pirate raid by ringing its bells.

Walk to the Fiascherino Beach for crystal waters

Just a short stroll along Via Fiascherino brings you to Fiascherino Beach, a pair of small coves with calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Framed by rocky cliffs, olive groves, and even a few terraced vineyards, it’s a spot where Ligurian nature shows off its best side. Whether you’re spreading out a towel on the sand or paddling in the shallows, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the coastal beauty near Tellaro.

Discover the Oratory of San Maria in Selaa

Perched slightly uphill from the heart of Tellaro, the 17th-century Oratory of Santa Maria in Selaa is a peaceful retreat steeped in maritime devotion. Its simple charm and weathered façade speak to centuries of seafarers’ prayers, while the vantage point rewards you with sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea. It’s the kind of place where you linger a little longer, letting the sound of the waves and the salty breeze do all the talking.

Experience the Octopus Festival

Every second Sunday of August, Tellaro throws one of its most charming parties, the Sagra del Polpo, or Octopus Festival. This lively event celebrates the legendary giant octopus said to have saved the village from pirates. Expect the scent of freshly cooked seafood wafting through the streets, live music that gets everyone dancing, and the entire village glowing under strings of lights. It’s the perfect excuse to join locals and travelers alike for a summer night you’ll remember long after you’ve left Liguria.

Catch the sunset over the Gulf of Poets

Watching the sunset over the Gulf of Poets is pure magic. Head to the viewpoints near the Church of San Giorgio or stroll down to the pier, and you’ll see the sky melt into shades of gold, pink, and violet over the shimmering sea. As the last light brushes against Tellaro’s pastel houses, the whole village seems to pause. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget the time, and one you’ll carry home with you.

Visit Tellaro Italy and the top things to do around

Explore the alleys and the castle of Lerici

Just 10 minutes from the quiet charm of Tellaro, Lerici is a lively splash of color and history on the Ligurian coast. Its medieval castle stands proudly above the sea, while the bustling piazza tempts you with gelato, espresso, and the sound of clinking glasses. Wander through the narrow old town streets, lined with pastel houses, then follow the palm-lined promenade for unbeatable views of the Gulf of Poets. If you’re up for it, the scenic walk along Via Fiascherino between Lerici and Tellaro is pure coastal bliss, every turn revealing another hidden cove or glittering patch of sea.

Want the full picture? Check out our latest guide to visit Lerici Italy and get the best tips for exploring this iconic town.

Discover the wine traditions around La Spezia

Only 26 minutes from Tellaro, La Spezia’s surrounding hills open up into a world of terraced vineyards and sea-kissed breezes. Here, family-run wineries craft crisp, aromatic whites, especially Vermentino, that pair perfectly with Ligurian seafood and pesto. A day here is more than just tasting wine; it’s strolling through flower-dotted hillsides, chatting with passionate winemakers, and soaking in views that stretch to the sea.

It’s the perfect pairing with a visit to Tellaro, and if you’re looking for more inspiration nearby, our guide on things to do in La Spezia will help you make the most of your trip.

Visit the breathtaking village of Portovenere

40 minutes from Tellaro, Portovenere is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Part of I Borghi più belli d’Italia (“The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”), it charms with its postcard-perfect harbor, pastel houses stacked against the cliffs, and boats swaying gently in the breeze. Alongside Tellaro and Lerici, it completes the poetic triangle of the Gulf of Poets, a stretch of coast that once inspired Lord Byron and still works its magic today. Climb up to the medieval Church of St. Peter, clinging to the edge of the rocks, for views so stunning they’ll stay with you long after you’ve left.

Venture into the famous Cinque Terre

The famous Cinque Terre is one of the top attractions in northern Italy. These five UNESCO-listed villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, dot the rugged Ligurian coastline and are linked by dramatic cliffside trails perfect for hikers and photographers. Whether you arrive by boat, train, or on foot, each town has its own magic: postcard harbors, painted houses, and plates full of fresh seafood. If Tellaro is your quiet coastal hideaway, Cinque Terre is your lively, kaleidoscopic adventure.

See our guide to the top things to do in Cinque Terre and unlock every colorful corner of this world-famous coastline.

Good to know before visiting Tellaro