The Gulf of Poets – or Gulf of La Spezia – is located in eastern Liguria on the border with NorthernTuscany.
It is mainly known for the village of Portovenere which is Unesco World heritage., together with the Cinque Terre
What makes the Gulf of Poets known by that name?
Its name derives from the fact that since 18-19 th century it has been a destination for artists and writers such as the English Romantics Byron and Shelley and the Italian Nobel Prize winner for Literature Eugenio Montale, who praised its beauty and spent a lot of time in the area.
also read Best beaches in the Gulf of Poets >>
Worth to visit in the Gulf of Poets
PORTOVENERE
Our guesthouse in Cadimare is only 8 km far away from Portovenere and Palmaria island, in the Portovenere Regional natural Park. During summer months July and August Portovenere can be easily reached from Fezzano and Le Graze thanks to a ferry service.
Not to miss in Portovenere: stroll through the village, Byron’s Cave, the Castle and the San Pietro church.
Beaches: the pebble ones on the Olivo promenade are mostly free.
PALMARIA ISLAND
Palmaria Island, together with the smaller Tino and Tinetto islets, is part of the Portovenere Regional Park. They can be easily reached in a few minutes from Portovenere thanks to a boat shuttle service. Ideal for trekking and walking and for sea.
Beaches: the pebble ones in Punta Secco and Pozzale are free
LE GRAZIE
The picturesque village of Le Grazie has many attractions, we consider it one of the most beautiful in the Gulf. Let’s quote three of them:
The Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary which is direct on the seaside promenade located
The archeological site Villa romana del Varignano.
- the old port
The village is also home to a variety of good bars and restaurants.
Beaches: there are two small beaches, one sandy and one pebbled
FEZZANO
Vilage of the municipality of Portovenere, a few minutes by car fron Cadimare, this is the village with the bell tower which you can see from the terrace of the guesthouse.
From our house, you can also walk to Fezzano in less than half an hour along a nice path. The village has some good restaurants and a gelateria, as well as the Marina del Fezzano where you can anchor your boat.
Beaches: there is a small pebble beach
SAN TERENZO
San Terenzo village is between Lerici and La Spezia located, and is known for the nice seaside walk through which you can reach Lerici in 2 km. In San Terenzo you can visit a small Castle too (open only during weekends).
Beaches: there are 2 beaches, both sandy: the first is the one along the main village and the second is the Marinella beach, just behind the castle.
LERICI
With its Castle overlooking the bay, the sandy beaches and the good restaurants, Lerici is an excellent destination for both an extended stay or a day trip.
Beaches: the free beaches are the ones of the Venere Azzurra and the small San Giorgio cove (behind the Castle), the others are occupied by private beach clubs
TELLARO
Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Tellaro is a village in the municipality of Lerici, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, this place is an unmissable – and still little-known – destination in the Gulf of Poets. During summer it is easily reached from Lerici and La Spezia by boat.
Beaches: the small coves settled in the nearby Fiascherino are stunning and can be easily reached by foot from Tellaro in about 20 minutes.
Cinque Terre and surroundings
Others nearby destinations worth to visit
Want to stay in the Gulf of Poets? Our Guesthouse The Terrace with the Olive Tree is located in Cadimare, La Spezia, with a stunning sea view of the Gulf