Tourist destinations

[Cinque Terre] [Lerici] [Portovenere] [Montemarcello] [Sarzana] [Marinella] [Cave di Marmo] [Versilia] [Antro del Corchia]

The Official web site of the Official web site of the Cinque Terre National Park (reachable by train, ferry, car) is a Unesco site. The most common way to reach the Cinque Terre is undoubtedly by train. There are frequent train departures from both La Spezia Centrale (how to get there by bus) and La Spezia Migliarina stations (the latter being much closer to the apartment, 15 min. walk). A train ticket to the Cinque Terre allows one to get off at each intermediate station and continue the journey by train. The presence of paths that connect the Cinque Terre with each other also allows one to alternate train travel with hiking. Note: access to the trails is only permitted if in possession of the Cinque Terre Card, which can be purchased online together with the train ticket.
As a very suggestive and highly recommended alternative, the Cinque Terre can also be reached by by ferry, leaving from the Passeggiata Morin. The price of the ferry is certainly more expensive than that of the bus, but it is really worth it!
The Cinque Terre are also accessible by car, but the roads are particularly winding and parking facilities are limited. We do not recommend it, unless you have a very valid reason. Only Monterosso – the furthest of the Cinque Terre from La Spezia – and the next town Levanto are served by slightly better roads and have more parking possibilities.

Hiking trails
For centuries, the Cinque Terre trails were the only link between one village and another and between these and the hinterland. Today, the network of more than 120 km makes it possible to appreciate and visit the entire territory, through different types of paths. Walking on the Cinque Terre National Park trails must be done in good weather conditions, with suitable footwear and by people with good hiking skills, compatible with the difficulty of the chosen trail.

Access to the Sentiero Azzurro is only allowed to holders of the Cinque Terre Card, which can be purchased online at the same time as the train ticket. The other trails are free.

For advice, maps, directions and everything you need to enjoy your visit, we highly recommend the web site www.pn5t.it and the 5 Terre National Park smartphone app (available for both Android and Apple)

Recommended web sites:
– Official web site of Club Alpino Italiano, branch of La Spezia
– Current situation of the Cinque Terre hiking trails
– Our trail suggestions
– Official web site of the Cinque Terre National Park
– Interesting web site about Cinque Terre

Lerici
Lerici (9.5 km; reachable by bus, car, and ferry from Portovenere), an ancient fishing village and famous seaside resort, is located on the eastern side of the Golfo dei Poeti, opposite Portovenere. Although very popular with Italian visitors, Lerici is usually much less crowded than the exceptionally busy villages of the Cinque Terre. The seafront promenade that connects Lerici to San Terenzo overlooks the water and allows for quiet walks along the sea. Lerici’s narrow streets are full of attractions, including a charming Jewish ghetto, compact squares and architecturally interesting buildings. You will find craft shops, nice cafés and numerous restaurants. The magnificent castle, built in the XIII century, rises on a rocky promontory overlooking the bay of Lerici and is considered one of the most impressive and beautiful fortification in Liguria.

San Terenzo
San Terenzo is a traditional Ligurian sea village very close to Lerici whose essence hasn’t change over the years. Originally a fishing town from the 19th century on it has become a shelter for artists and intellectuals. The azure sea, the wide beach and the traditional colourful houses surrounding the Castle are the heart of this little village on the northern edge of the bay of Lerici.

Beaches
Lido di Lerici and Stabilimento Balneare Colombo are the main beaches in Lerici. These beaches are equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, but are normally fully booked in the high seasons. The beach of San Giorgio is an interesting bathing spot in Lerici: just walk through the tunnel under the town’s castle to reach it! San Terenzo also has a small beach under its castle, called Spiaggia della Marinella, and another along the village promenade. For a larger beach, head to Venere Azzurra in the bay between Lerici and San Terenzo.

Hiking trails
Our suggestions for hiking trails in Lerici.

How to reach Lerici
Public connections to these villages are frequent and accessible. Instructions for using public transportation here.
For those wishing to go by car, it is useful to know that car transit in the municipality of Lerici, including the villages of San Terenzo and Venere Azzurra, is prohibited for non-residents and unauthorised throughout the summer period (where to park in Lerici). It is advisable not to drive through the town’s access points during the prohibited hours: they are monitored by cameras, the fine is certain!
Lerici can also be always reached by ferry from Portovenere and in certain period of the year also from La Spezia (check the timetable).

For more information:
https://lericicoast.it/en/
https://italian-riviera.com/en/lerici

Portovenere (16 km; reachable by ferry, bus, car), a fishing village fortified in the 12th century to defend the Republic of Genoa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It ends on a vast rocky point topped by a fort and the church of San Pietro, above Byron’s grotto with its black, scaly rocks beaten by the waves. It has a beautiful palette of colours, with some high facades that remain alternately grey.

How to reach Portovenere
Portovenere can be reached by ferry, by bus (instructions here) or by car via the provincial road SP530, a winding road that connects Portovenere to the town along the coast (directions). As this is the only access road, it can be congested at peak times. Parking in Portovenere is limited and partly reserved for residents and season ticket holders. This makes it extremely difficult to find a place to park, especially in the vicinity of the city (where to park in Portovenere). We therefore strongly advise our guests to reach Portovenere from La Spezia by ferry, in order to admire the beauty of the gulf from a privileged viewpoint. If you want to know more, visit discoverportovenere.com.

Hiking in Portovenere
Our suggestions for hiking trails in Portovenere.

Beaches in Portovenere
Portovenere is squeezed between the sea and the hills, and its beaches are therefore rather small, but with enchanting views towards the village and Palmaria Island.
Starting from the village, near the Church of San Pietro there is a small flight of steps in the rock that descends towards Grotta Byron. It is not a real beach, but a rocky inlet where it is possible to sunbathe, take a few dips and enjoy a breathtaking view with the cliff on which the Castello Doria stands in front of you. Pay attention to the depth of the water.
Along the jetty leading to the small harbour, there are large rocks, always used for hanging out your towel.
Next, Calata Doria begins at the end of which is the small free beach of Calata Doria, a small handkerchief of sand. Certainly not the best place to relax given the bustle of boats and the lack of comfort, and more certainly not suitable for children.
After the ferry terminal and a series of landing places protected by rocks, there follows the beach of Bagno Arenella, a bathing establishment equipped with a bar, cabanas and beach umbrellas separated from the sea by a low stone wall.
Along the path protected by large rocks that now runs away from the town is the free beach Spiaggia dell’Olivo, the largest and probably the most popular beach of Portovenere, consisting of pebbles and rocks mixed with sand. The sea is clean and clear.
Continuing along the Aldo Moro promenade, you come to Bagni Sporting Beach, an establishment with umbrellas positioned on the white pier.
After that, there are some large rocks where it is possible to lie down and swim.
The last free beach along the road is the spiaggia Mirella, which is quite wide, composed of small pebbles, with clean, crystal-clear water. It has no services and no showers. This beach is located between a jetty where boats dock and the private establishment Beach and Pool that is part of the tourist residence Le Terrazze di Portovenere.

Palmaria
Palmaria Island is located just opposite Portovenere. It can be reached from La Spezia by ferry, or from Portovenere by smaller boats that shuttle between Portovenere and the island.
Another option to admire the island is the island tour, a panoramic tour without getting off the boat of the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, again departing from La Spezia, Portovenere and Lerici.

Hiking in Palmaria
If you like hiking, Palmaria island offers a number of beautiful tourist itineraries that pass by historical monuments and architectural sites. Walking among forests, rocks, mountains, plains and ruins of ancient buildings is particularly attractive for those who love outdoor activities. You can conquer one of the island’s peaks and enjoy a magnificent and spectacular panoramic view of Porto Venere, which is separated from the island by a narrow channel.
Our hiking suggestions for hiking trails in Palmaria Island.
More information about Palmaria island can also be found here.

Beaches
The first beach you will find upon arrival is right opposite Portovenere: Spiaggia di Palmaria on Punta del Secco is the main beach of the island. Rocks that emerge from the sea dot this beautiful pebbly beach, where you can stay free of charge or choose the available beach club services. The clear and turquoise sea is ideal for bathing, although you should enter the water carefully watching out for rocks in the shallow initial part. You can reach the beach by walking along a path that you find on your right once you disembark in the village of Terrizzo, or reach it directly with boat service to Punta del Secco.
Cala del Pozzale, also known as Spiaggia dei Gabbiani, is located on the south-eastern shore of Palmaria Island. It features smooth pebbles and a breathtaking natural panorama with cliffs and hills covered in Aleppo pines, myrtles, holm oaks and broom. There is a bar-restaurant here, and direct maritime connections are available. If you are already on the island, you can reach the beach by walking along a quite steep path. Another bathing spot is the pebbly and stony beach in Località Carlo Alberto.
Cala della Fornace can be reached only by sea. It is a small and evocative cove fringed by a cliff that is covered by Mediterranean vegetation. If you rent a boat, you can either enjoy the crystal-clear waters once you drop anchor or you can swim to the small pebbly beach on land. If you plan to visit it, keep in mind that the sun does not hit Cala della Fornace all day long due to the tall rocks that border the inlet and its position on the eastern shore. Other bathing spots that can only be reached by boat include Cala dell’Ammiraglio, Cala Piccola and Cala Grande.

The Regional Nature Park of Montemarcello Magra (17 km; reachable by car) is a paradise for nature lovers! It offers the chance to enjoy unspoiled sceneries, clean lakes and rivers, birdwatching, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps. The park features a variety of spectacular hiking trails suitable both for experienced hikers as well as families. Here you can enjoy other nature sports such cycling, sailing, canoeing, horse riding, fishing and trekking.

If you love plants and flowers, do not miss the Botanical Garden of Montemarcello. Situated at the top of Monte Murlo, it contains plants indigenous to the region. You can enjoy guided visits around the garden and environmental education activities too.

When the paths towards the sea are open, you can also reach the rocky beach of Punta Corvo. It is located in a pristine creek along the Montemarcello promontory. The beach is reachable only from the sea or with a steep path with about 700 natural steps departing from the town of Montemarcello. Punta Corvo consists of landslide material: it was created with the crumbling of the surrounding rocks and for this reason, the sand has a dark gray color. It’s a magical beach dominated by rocky cliffs and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

Hiking details can be found at the web site Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Park
Our suggestions

With its 21,000 inhabitants, Sarzana (15 km; reachable by car, trains, bus) is the second largest city in the province of La Spezia, marking the border between Liguria and Tuscany. The city has ancient origins and is located in the heart of Lunigiana, a direct descendant of the ancient Roman city of Luni, which was replaced in religious importance at the beginning of the 13th century. The town has two castles, the Firmafede fortress, of Pisan origin, and the Sarzanello fortress, an ancient bishop’s residence. The 16th-century town walls and the four watchtowers have remained almost intact. Along the streets of the historic centre are numerous palaces and churches, such as the Remedi Palace, the Palazzo Podestà Lucciardi, the Palazzo Comunale, the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the Palazzo Picedi Benettini, the Palazzo Vescovile, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built on the remains of the Pieve di San Basilio, the Teatro degli Impavidi and numerous wrought-iron works, characteristic of the town.
Nearby, it is possible to visit the village of Falcinello, the sea at Marinella di Sarzana or visit the archaeological site of Luni, in the nearby municipality of Ortonovo.

The beaches of Marinella di Sarzana (19,5 km; reachable by car, bus) are located in the seaside resort between Fiumaretta di Ameglia and Marina di Carrara, on the border between Liguria and Tuscany. The beach is narrow and about three kilometres long, mostly given in concession to bathing establishments, and the breakwater cliffs form numerous small inlets. Every year, the beaches of Marinella di Sarzana welcome thousands of tourists of all ages and backgrounds. During the day, it is possible to participate in the activities organised by the establishments both in the water and on the beach, while the clubs along the promenade enliven the evenings of the youngest.
A curiosity: during your stay you can visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Area of the ancient city of Luni, located not far away.

The Carrara marble quarries (40 km; reachable by car) are considered the largest marble quarries in the world and are part of the Apuan Alps massif. They are unique worldwide in terms of history, art and archaeology. This very marble has had many important uses throughout history: the ancient Romans rebuilt Rome with this Carrara marble, the white, polished stone used to make statues and monuments throughout the empire, the same marble found in all the most important museums, palaces and churches in Italy, sculpted by the greatest artists in history: Donatello, Michelangelo, Bernini and others up to the present day.
It is possible to take guided tours of the marble quarries, both the open quarries and the covered Fantiscritti marble quarry. For thrill-seekers, it is also possible to take a panoramic helicopter tour.

More detailed information and to plan a visit:
– Carrara Marble Tour
– Corchia Park
– Cave di Marmo Tours
– Dedalo Stone
– TurisLucca

The Versilia Riviera (40/50 km; reachable by car, train) is popular for the worldliness of its beaches and its fashionable resorts in the towns of Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio.

Pietrasanta is a gathering place for artists from across the world, with an elegant historic center full of art galleries and boutiques.

Forte dei Marmi, friendly called ‘il Forte‘ by the locals, is in fact a popular destination for VIPs and wannabes. It has also become an important attraction for luxury shopping, especially thanks to the large number of designer shops and high-fashion boutiques.

Viareggio is renowned for its parades during the Carnival period, its beaches, its nightlife and its clubs.

(65 km; reachable by car)

The Antro del Corchia cave, discovered in 1847, is located on the slopes of Monte Corchia in the Apuan Alps in Tuscany. This network of caves on Monte Corchia, which includes the Antro del Corchia, the Abisso Fighierà and the Abisso Farolfi, is the largest karstic complex in Italy, with approximately 64 km of known tunnels, 53 km of which are transcribed on paper. The part open to the public is about 2 km long. Don’t forget to bring a heavy sweater or jacket, the temperature inside is around 13 degrees Celsius.

For more detailed information about the cave, click here
For all other activities and visits to Corchia Park (museum, excursions, mines. etc.), click here.