Located in the heart of the Liguria region of Italy, Lerici is an unforgettable holiday destination. In this article, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Lerici, from its geographical location to tourist attractions, beaches, accommodation options and restaurants.
Where is Lerici?
Lerici is an attractive harbour town located south-east of La Spezia, on a natural bay on the Ligurian coast in north-western Italy. It is also known as Riviera di Levante and lies opposite the Portovenere peninsula, with an attractive backdrop of rolling green hills. Although popular with Italian visitors, Lerici is generally less crowded than the extremely busy villages near Cinque Terre.
How to get to Lerici from Milan?
To get to Lerici from Milan, you can:
Train: The most common way to get from Milan to Lerici is by train. Usually the journey involves a change at La Spezia. Once you arrive in La Spezia, you can take a local bus or taxi to Lerici.
By car: If you prefer to travel by car, the distance between Milan and Lerici is about 200 kilometres and the journey takes around 2 and a half hours, depending on traffic.
Important tourist attractions in Lerici
Important tourist attractions in Lerici include:
- Lerici Castle: An impressive historical monument offering a panoramic view of the Gulf of Poets.
- Historic Centre: With its narrow streets and colourful houses, the historic centre is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Villa Rezzola: A cultural villa transformed into a museum, managed by the Italian Cultural Heritage Foundation (FAI).
The beaches of Lerici
Lerici boasts a number of picturesque beaches such as:
- Venere Azzurra: A sandy beach, ideal for families, offering both free areas and the possibility to rent umbrellas and sun loungers.
- Lido Lerici: This beach is equipped with a private bathing establishment, where visitors can rent umbrellas and sun loungers for a relaxing day in the sun.
- Spiaggia di San Giorgio: Located close to the castle, this small beach offers a picturesque setting and easy access through a tunnel.
Where to eat in Lerici
In Lerici, you can find a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Italian restaurants to seafood restaurants.
Many of these restaurants offer sea-view dining, where you can enjoy local dishes such as fresh seafood and Genoese pesto.
Also, don’t forget to try focaccia, a speciality of Liguria.
Where to sleep in Lerici
There are many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cosy guesthouses. Our recommendations include:
- Hotel Shelley e della Palme: Ideally located for admiring the sunset, with a relaxing atmosphere and soothing music.
Lerici is a charming destination that combines natural beauty with a rich cultural and culinary offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or exploring local history and culture, Lerici has something to offer for every visitor.
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Frequently asked questions about Lerici
- What is remarkable about San Giorgio Castle in Lerici? San Giorgio Castle offers a spectacular view of the bay and the coast and can be visited in about an hour. There is also a free audio guide available by scanning a QR code.
- What attractions can you find in Lerici’s Piazza Garibaldi? Piazza Garibaldi, Lerici’s main square, is surrounded by colourful houses in typical Ligurian style and offers numerous shops, restaurants, ice-cream parlours and cafés.
- What are the most beautiful beaches and bays in Lerici? Lerici has small sandy beaches and secret bays such as Venere Azzurra, Lido Lerici and La Spiaggia di San Giorgio, as well as exclusive bays accessible by boat or hidden paths.
- Is it possible to explore the Lerici coast by kayak? Yes, Kayak Escape offers kayak rentals and expert guides to explore Lerici’s stunning coastline and hidden bays.
- What recommended hiking trail is there in Lerici? There is an easy trail along the coast from Castel San Terenzo to Castel San Giorgio in Lerici, offering stunning views of the sea and characteristic towns.
- How can you travel from Lerici to other destinations? From the port of Lerici, you can take the Golfo dei Poeti ferry to visit Portovenere and the island of Palmaria.
- What other nearby village is worth visiting? The village of Tellaro, included in the list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, is an unmissable destination, especially at sunset.
- What does Villa Rezzola in Lerici offer? Villa Rezzola, managed by the Italian Cultural Heritage Foundation (FAI), is a villa turned house-museum with beautiful gardens and exceptional staff.
- What is the atmosphere like after the high season in Lerici? Outside the high season, Lerici becomes quieter and is a great time for hiking or cycling. At Christmas, the coastal towns are festively decorated.
- What accommodation and restaurant options are recommended in Lerici? There are a variety of accommodation and restaurant options, from fast food to luxury dining experiences in the port of Lerici or in the village of San Terenzo.
