how to print and assembling assembleguide the the guide f Starting with the printer set-up: Fold the sheet exactly in the select A4 format centre, along an imaginary line, and change keeping the printed side to the the direction of the paper f outside, from vertical to horizontal. repeat this operation for all pages.

We can start to Now you will have a mountain of print your guide, ☺ flapping sheets in front of you, in the new and fast pdf format do not worry, we are almost PDF there, the only thing left to do, is to re-bind the whole guide by the edges of the longest sides of the sheets, with a normal Now you will have stapler (1) or, for a more printed the whole document aesthetic result,

referring the work to a bookbinder asking for spiral binding(2).

Congratulations, you are now Suggestions “EXPERT PUBLISHERS”. When folding the sheet, we would suggest placing pressure with your fingers on the side to be folded, so that it might open up, but if you want to permanently remedy this problem, 1 2 it is enough to apply a very small amount of glue. THE & GULF CITY GUIDE

© Netplan - Internet solutions for tourism © Netplan - Internet solutions for tourism © 2005 Netplan srl. All rights reserved. All material on this document is © Netplan. © Netplan - Internet solutions for tourism Photos courtesy of APT Tigulio, APT Golfo dei Poeti THE PORTOFINO & TIGULLIO GULF CITY GUIDE 1

Summary

THINGS TO KNOW

3 Getting there 4 History and culture

THINGS TO SEE

5 Places and charm

THINGS TO TRY

8 Eating and drinking 9 Shopping 10 Hotels and lodgings

THINGS TO EXPERIENCE

11 Events 13 La Dolce Vita

ITINERARIES

14 The Cinque Terre 16 The gulf of Poets

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By air: five centuries Genoese territories flourished The nearest airports to Tigullio and the Cinque throughout the Mediterranean, in the form Terre are Pisa Galilei and C. Colombo. of trade centres and colonies. The crusades Both operate national and international flights also contributed to Genoas role as maritime run by traditional and low cost airlines. leader in the Mediterranean area throughout the subsequent centuries. By sea: A tourist sea service runs between Portofino In 1805 Napoleon annexed the whole of and the Cinque Terre from April to September, to the French Empire, but just ten with extra passages in August. A unique years later, the Congress of Vienna decreed opportunity to savour the maritime villages that the ancient should and the beauties of the coastline. be annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia, belonging to the House of Savoy, which was to become part of unified a few decades later. In the meantime the tourism potential of this coastline became apparent and forever marked the character of the area.

Portofino: the Gulf seen from Portofino : the Castle The Tigullio Gulf is easy to reach thanks to The history of Tigullio Gulf towns is very a convenient rail and road network and its ancient, with necropolis remains found in proximity to two international airports. several locations dating back to pre-Roman times, when the region was inhabited by the By car: ancient Ligurians. Numerous wars between From or Florence take the A11 Firenze- Rome and the Ligurian people between the mare motorway, then take the A12 towards 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. led to Roman Genoa. From Milan take the A7 Milan-Genoa domination of the region. motorway and continue along the A12 towards . From Venice or Bologna take the Yet it was not until the that A1 Bologna-Milan motorway to Parma, then Tigullian towns acquired their prestige. In the take the A15 to La Spezia and continue along 11th and 12th centuries, Rapallo and other the A12 towards Genoa. towns stood by Genoa in its battle against Pisa, and in the first crusade. Since then, the By train: settlements in the Tigullian area were taken The Tigullio Gulf is on the Genoa-La Spezia under the power of Genoa and maintained rail line, with numerous trains running daily. political links with the city until modern Trains leave from Genoas Piazza Principe times. station. There are several direct trains from Turin, Milan and Rome. From Florence, change From the end of the 11th century to the end at Pisa. All coastal towns can be accessed of the 18th Genoa was a Republican oligarchy, by rail, with the exception of Portofino, governed by consuls chosen from the most which can be reached by shuttle bus service influential families. Thanks to this form of from Santa Margherita. For timetables and government, which guaranteed the interests information see www.trenitalia.it. of the most powerful classes, for around

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in magnificent gardens. All around, dozens the hum of restaurants and shops. Camoglis Basilica is also worth a visit, which houses of dream villas are dotted among the olive wealth long pre-dates tourism. numerous works of Genoese artists. We trees. For nature lovers, the ideal excursion For centuries the town enjoyed seasons of recommend a trip to the Bay of Paraggi, is through the Portofino Natural Park, which great wealth thanks to its famous shipowners with the only sandy beach in the area, and a provides a network of paths heading towards and artisans. was home to one of spectacular variety of sea fauna and a wreck the mountain or halfway down the coast, with the most renowned creators of velvet and dating back to 1917. breathtaking views from the promontory. brocade, exported all over the Mediterranean. For scuba divers, the reef is a natural Sumptuous houses bear witness to this ancient paradise. This is the heart of the Protected splendour, some rising as high as six floors, RAPALLO Marine Area of Portofino, with its underwater with trompe-l’oeil facades. Camogli is also Rapallo is the largest town on the Levante cliffs and Posidonia beds. The park is the famous for its fish festival. Riviera, although it is not as well-known as territory of red coral, which has found ideal nearby Portofino and Santa Margherita. conditions to develop. Scuba divers can also • Places to see: Let yourself wander through The town has the typical aristocratic quality visit the wreckage of the Mohawk Deer and the old “carruggi” (alleys) of the town centre, of the Riviera, seen in the villas and large the Genova. right up to the promontory and the church of hotels built from the 19th century. Santa Maria Assunta, with its baroque interior, The oldest part of the centre has held on to and Dragonara Castle. its characteristic maritime feel, with steep SAN FRUTTUOSO Camogli marks the western border of narrow alleys buzzing with shops and cafes. Set in a cove in Capodimonte Bay, at the centre the Portofino Natural Park, which offers Today Rapallo is an international tourist of the Protected Marine Area of Portofino numerous panoramic paths between the centre, with beautiful beaches, stylish mountain and the sea. Also: don’t miss San Portofino: San Fruttuoso Abbey lies one of the most beautiful and renowned hotels, conference centres, two leisure ports, corners of Italy. A tiny fishing village flanked Fruttuoso Abbey. an 18-hole golf course and numerous sports PORTOFINO by the ancient San Fruttuoso Abbey and the facilities. In a tiny creek, out of sight and almost tower. Construction of the abbey dates inaccessible, is hidden an ancient fishing back to the 1013th centuries, but before that, • Places to see: The Castle overlooking the village, that has become an internationally a hermitage had stood there, built by Spanish One of the most important towns of the sea, built by the Genoese in 1550 is definitely renowned symbol. Until the 19th century, monks from Tarragona, who had brought the Levante Riviera is Santa Margherita, an worth a visit, so too are the churches of San Portofino was a fishing village, the bay was relics of the martyr bishop, San Fruttuoso. elegant international tourist destination with Gervasio and San Protasio. a well-known safe haven for ships, and the For centuries, San Fruttuoso belonged to the a unique atmosphere. Nestling around the Renowned for its lace, Rapallo has opened promontory served as an outpost for coastal Princes of Doria, who built splendid family port, its special charm lies in the unusual the Museum of Lace with over 1400 pieces of sightings. At the end of the 19th century, tombs there in the 13th century. mix of nautical and Belle Epoque styles. The rare and precious antique lacework on display. all over Europe, the middle classes and town had already developed by the Middle From Rapallo, we recommend a trip to the aristocracy began to choose this beautiful • Visit the monastery complex of the 10-11th Ages, but only began to thrive in the 17th Montallegro Sanctuary, an important place place to build their summer residences. Now, century with its cloisters, chapter house, century, when the Genoese nobility built of prayer. The sanctuary stands 600 metres since the 1950s, Portofino has received big church and Doria tombs. San Fruttuoso can beautiful villas there. In the 19th century it above the sea and provides a magnificent Hollywood names, great artists, politicians only be reached by boat from Camogli and all began to attract visitors from all over Europe. view of the Gulf. Rapallo can be reached by and entrepreneurs, making it famous all over Tigullio towns, or on foot from Portofino and Today the town has many hotels and seaside cable car or on foot (1 hour hike). the world. Camogli. facilities. There is a wide variety of sports on offer, with • Places to see: the town square, symbol numerous boat-hiring facilities, a sailing club of Portofino, with its coloured houses and CAMOGLI and several diving centres. During the Middle Ages it was an important the marina with its fairytale yachts. The A charming townlet rising west of Mount stronghold for the Genoese against the church of Saint Martin in the town centre Portofino. The famous ancient port is one • Places to see: Don’t miss Villa Durazzo powerful Fieschi fiefdom, based in nearby is also worth a visit. Going up towards the of the best-loved scenes in Italy, with its Centurione, built at the end of the 16th . promontory you come to the church and brightly coloured houses standing tall around century and surrounded by spectacular Italian Chiavari is today an elegant but modest castle of Saint George, and further along the the docks. In the centre, amid the port, gardens. town that lives off trade and craftwork (its way you can see Brown Castle, immersed the beach and the alleyways you can hear The baroque Santa Margherita di Antiochia chairs are renowned) and becomes a thriving

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holiday destination in summer, thanks also to a farinata, a special focaccia made of gram its modern leisure port. A tiny town set between two promontories, flour. Torta pasqualina is the most famous suspended between the intense blue of of Liguria’s numerous pies, and is made of • Places to see: The ancient centre the sea and the lush green mountains. The layers of puff pastry filled with chard, ricotta distinguishes itself from others in the Tigullio atmosphere is peaceful and perfect for quiet herbs and eggs. Or there is mushroom pie and area for its neoclassical and 18th century contemplation of the wondrous landscape. thousands of other vegetable fillings! architecture. The heart of Chiavari is The village is flanked on either side by Via Martiri della Liberazione (the straight two castles: the 12th century fortress of A variety of pasta shapes can accompany the “carruggio”, or alley) with its porticos and Monleone and the renaissance Villafranca renowned pesto or a meat sauce: troffie, host of shops. Don’t miss the 17th century Castle, open to the public. In the middle trenette, taglierini etc. Highly recommended cathedral of Nostra Signora dell’Orto, with lies the characteristic marine village, with are the numerous and varied types of ravioli. plenty of works of art. Wander among the its narrow streets and slate roofs. You can The most unusual are pansotti, ravioli with beautiful palazzos and churches in the centre browse around Santa Croce church, which a vegetable and herb filling, delicious with to Palazzo Rocca, home to the Chiavari dates back to the 11th century. walnut sauce. To conclude we mention botanical park. The park is divided into Moneglia has a beautiful beach with various a classic soup; mesciua made of boiled different areas and has been enhanced with facilities where it is also possible to hire chickpeas, beans and spelt grains. caves, lakes and bridges. boats. A diving centre is also available for A slight detour will take you to and immersions along the beautiful cliffs. Typical Ligurian meat dishes include the Fieschi Basilica. It is one of the most tomaselle, a beef roulade with a meat, egg important medieval monuments in Liguria, and herb filling, or lamb stew with artichokes. Mushrooms play a leading role on the table built in the 13th century by request of Pope Portofino: Pasta al Pesto Innocent IV, a member of the . in the inland, giving their special flavour to Near the basilica are the medieval palazzo of Tigullio gastronomy is mostly based on meat dishes and sometimes even associated the Earls of Fieschi and the remains of a 16th traditional Mediterranean cooking. Ligurian with fish. century house. cuisine boasts a number of simple ingredients that seem somewhat meek when taken And fish is the star feature on the menu in singly, but which, when combined, exalt each Tigullian restaurants. A wealth of recipes is on others qualities to create a final harmonious offer: mixed fried fish, fish salad, mullet alla One of the most photographed views of the symphony of flavours. These are: mushrooms, Genovese, sweet and sour stockfish with pine Riviera: two bays separated by an isthmus pine nuts, walnuts and lots of herbs. nuts and raisins. Mussels are to be found in bearing the ancient town of Sestri. Not much all kinds of guises: alla marinara, meat-filled, is left to testify to Sestris ancient history, but All recipes include Ligurian olive oil, with cheese, eggs, marjoram. And we must the town certainly merits a visit by anyone delicately flavoured and ideal for creating not forget the queen of the Ligurian seas: the willing to be enchanted by the poetry of its delicious sauces. The most famous of these, anchovy, eaten fresh, excellent when filled, setting and its two bays: the Bay of Fables, both in Italy and abroad, is pesto, a sauce but also first-rate when pickled. with modern seaside facilities, and the smaller made of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and Bay of Silence, so named by the famous fairy Parmesan cheese. Salsa verde, with parsley Wine: The Cinque Terre are one of the most tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen. On the and pine nuts, is an ideal accompaniment spectacular winegrowing areas in the world, neck of land that separates the two bays rises to meat, whereas pasta and ravioli revel in with vines lined up on terraces overhanging the 12th century church of Saint Nicholas, walnut sauce. the sea. An excellent wine is obtained: while other historical villas around the town Cinque Terre DOC, dry with a delicate have been converted into hotels. Focaccias and pies are typically Ligurian. fragrance, it is the ideal accompaniment to A great number of water sports can be These are eaten at mealtimes or as tasty fish specialities. The prestigious Sciacchetrà enjoyed on Sestri’s beaches, from sailing to snacks: whether its a plain oil focaccia, or is another great meditation wine with an windsurfing, swimming to diving. The inland is with a scrumptious cheese filling, its hard intense aroma. There are many more wines great for hiking or mountain bike excursions. to resist the fragrance and aroma of this to savour in Liguria, mostly whites, such as speciality. Nor can you leave without trying Pigato, Vermentino and Colli di Luni.

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The typical activity of the inland is slate extraction and processing. Today slate is used for construction, and in artistic craftwork to create beautiful objects and sculptures.

Tigullio: lac and macramè Portofino: Piazzeta di Portofino All the towns in the Tigullio area are well Portofino and the Tigullio Gulf offer an equipped to satisfy the growing tourist incredible choice of accommodation suitable demand for shopping. for all needs and budgets. If you’d prefer to The picturesque town centres are stay in a hotel, you can choose from a large pedestrianized to enable inhabitants and selection of Tigullio hotels, ranging from tourists to stroll serenely in search of their the more basic 1-star to 5-star luxury hotels. ideal purchase. Travelplan offers a wide choice of hotels in On the second weekend of the month, Portofino, hotels in Santa Margherita, hotels Chiavari is host to a crowded antique market. in Rapallo and various other localities. Moreover, on the fourth Sunday of every month, the centre of Rapallo is also visited by If you’d like a more economic solution, stalls selling antiques and bric-à-brac ware. without saying no comfort, you can opt for a pleasant bed-and-breakfast in the Tigullio Local craftsmen propose precious goods. area. If you are planning a longer stay, Chiavari is famous for its quality furniture. why not rent an apartment or villa in the At the beginning of the 19th century the Portofino area. Chiavari chair came into being, an innovative model still very much appreciated by a vast Nature lovers are spoilt for choice: there are public today. now numerous farm-stay accommodations in Liguria boasts a tradition of at least 700 the Tigullio area, in magnificent locations in years of damask production. The hand-woven the mountains behind the coast, perhaps with production of these silk fabrics is still alive in a panoramic view over the sea. the Tigullio area today. In Rapallo, Portofino and Santa Margherita lace and macramé are still widespread.

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Palco sul Mare, the most anticipated of San Fruttuoso, 12 metres below the surface, travelling festival of the summer, proposes lies the enormous bronze sculpture of Christ big concerts and favourite celebrities from of the Abyss, patron saint of scuba divers. the Italian cabaret scene. On the last Saturday in July, one of the most Events are held in the town squares of: unusual processions in the world is held at Portofino, Sestri Levante, Moneglia, Lavagna, night time, when dozens of scuba divers go Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Chiavari, down to the statue with special torches and Rapallo and . place a crown of laurels on the head of Christ. The descent is preceded by a procession of torch-lit boats. Valle Christi International Festival is hosted by Rapallo in the Valle Christi Monument Complex among the monastery ruins. A quality programme includes music, theatre and dance. Shows are concentrated in about thirty days between the first half of July and the first half of August.

Concerts in San Fruttuoso Abbey, Camogli: Rapallo: Rapallo Danza various dates in July and August. A season of concerts that is much appreciated The Tigullio coast is brimming with all kinds by public and critics alike, held in the cloisters of events, especially in the summer: village of San Fruttuoso Abbey, a striking setting, festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, dance, reachable only on foot or by boat. theatre, regattas. The calendar changes from year to year, so you are advised to contact the tourist information office in each locality. Sagra del Pesce (Fish festival), Camogli, on Travelplan proposes a list of the main events the second Sunday in May. taking place every year. Held in honour of the patron saint of fishermen, San Fortunato, thousands of visitors flock to the port of Camogli around a giant frying pan Sailing regattas. The Gulf of Tigullio has long measuring 4 metres in diameter. been a privileged nautical centre. For a whole day, fishermen and chefs serve up Here the regatta season goes on all year long. fresh fish to the public. Don’t miss the Zegna Trophy, which takes Camogli is completely closed to private traffic place in Portofino in May. on the day of the festival. To get there, take a train or tourist ferry.

The Tigullio Exhibition, Chiavari, May. In 2006 the Tigullio Exhibition will be celebrating “Rapallo Danza” International Ballet Festival its 150th anniversary. in Rapallo takes place on four Sundays in July This important fair presents the best of and August in the open-air theatre of Villa traditional Ligurian handicrafts, with a variety Tigullio. of excellent products from wood to fabrics, Four appointments with stars from the world from lace to slate, and, naturally, examples of international ballet and modern dance. of the regions famous gastronomy. , Camogli. On the seabed

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style, stop off at Covo di Nordest in Paraggi, The Cinque Terre are also an ideal place for which for years has been the Riviera’s lovers of the sea: the coast is dotted with favourite nightclub. cliffs, bays, beaches and caves. The sea floor is rich and varied, a paradise for scuba divers, Rapallo and Santa Margherita live an intense thanks also to three fascinating underwater life around their tourist ports: entertainment, itineraries designed by the Park. folklore and sport, particularly sailing. The atmosphere is the refined, trendy mood of The itinerary can be done in a couple of the tourist elite. Classical music concerts, days but it is worth staying longer to explore antiques fairs, parties, and a wealth of the villages and the National Park along the nightspots and restaurants where you can unforgettable hiking trails suspended above relish the flavour of local prawns, one of the the coast, on foot, horseback or mountain many marine specialities of the area. Rapallo bike. For an enchanting stay you can choose regularly organises cultural events, and has from several hotels in Cinque Terre, or a famous 18-hole golf course bordering the the simple and discreet charm of a Cinque ruins of an ancient 13th century monastery. Terre inn. For those looking for something different, there is an excellent selection Chiavari and Sestri Levante are other of inviting rooms or bed-and-breakfasts in localities on the Ligurian Riviera whose Cinque Terre, set in the charming towns nightlife may not rival Portofino or Santa looking out over the sea. Portofino: the harbour Margherita, but which is certainly not to be Cinque Terre: missed. Piscina dei Castelli, in the marina of How to get there: The easiest way to get Portofino and the other charming villages Sestri Levante, is a nightclub famous for its Cinque Terre are precisely five enchanting to the Cinque Terre is by train, thanks to of the Tigullio region have always attracted pulsing nightlife, visited by night owls from medieval villages clutching on to a frequent services along the Genoa-La Spezia artists, intellectuals, the nobility, sovereigns all over northern Italy. Not far from here, breathtaking coastline, down slopes that lead line. If you are coming by car, take the A12 and simple travellers, for the peace and in Riva Trigoso is the popular Bunker Bar, rapidly to the shore. A marvellous sight. Over motorway, exit at for Vernazza tranquillity of the bay, the striking landscape where people go to dance the night away on the centuries, Man has shaped the landscape, and Monterosso, or exit at La Spezia for and the environment. the beach. eking out just enough space from the and Manarola. The roads are A host of illustrious names have fallen for ungenerous terrain to create precious land very narrow and winding, suitable only for the climate and the beauties of the Gulf of for cultivation. Thus were born the terraces expert drivers. But the most picturesque way Tigullio, from Nietzsche to Hesse, Wagner, descending towards the sea, with vine or to arrive is by boat. During the summer there Kandinsky, Freud, Hemingway, Eleonora Duse olive cultivations, held up by almost 7000km is a daily ferry service between Cinque Terre and D’Annunzio. Guy de Maupassant used to of stonewalling. Beneath the cultivations, and Portovenere and the Gulf of Tigullio. moor his yacht, the Bel Ami, in the marina. clutching on to the rock and the sea, rise five villages, intact, in a characteristic maze • Monterosso is the first village coming from Since the 1950s, Portofino has been the of colourful houses. Unesco has nominated Genoa and the only one to have a beach. The symbol of the Dolce Vita, an exclusive and the Cinque Terre a World Heritage Site, and village holds the remains of ancient Genoese elegant arena in which to meet stars from the Italian State has created the National fortifications and the convent of Saint Francis show business, great names from the fashion Park of the Cinque Terre to ensure their dating back to the 17th century, which houses industry and the international economic preservation. a number of paintings of significant value, elite. such as a crucifixion from the Van Dyck The Sweet Life can be seen among the The best way to understand this region is to school. Don’t forget to taste the most famous boutiques of the historical centre, the bars walk through it, along the dense network product: Sciacchetrà raisin wine. in the famous Piazzetta, the restaurants of of trails and muletracks that were once the Calata Marconi or the yachts moored to the only means of access. There are 21 trails to • Vernazza is the only real port in the Cinque Umberto I Wharf, with paparazzi always on explore in the Park, one of which runs along Terre. It preserves part of the imposing the lookout for a scoop. The end the night in the coast and links up all five villages. Genoese defence walls and the beautiful

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church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, built How to get there: The Gulf of Poets can be on a rocky spur. It is marvellous to wander reached via the A12 motorway, to La Spezia, through the narrow streets and up and then following directions for Portovenere or down the steep stairways of this charming . If you are coming by train, get off townlet. Ask the local diving centre about the at La Spezia, then take the public transport wonderful rocky seafloor. service. There is a sea service in the summer that links La Spezia with the Gulf localities. • Corniglia hangs above a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, surrounded by a basin • Portovenere is a fortified town with of vines. It is reminiscent of the farmland Genoese influences rising high from the end further away from the Ligurian coast. Don’t of a promontory amidst a unique landscape. miss Saint Peters church, built in 1334 in The town has received World Heritage status Genoese gothic style with later reworkings from Unesco. It is dominated by Doria castle, from the baroque period. which is open to visitors. From the hill, the narrow “carruggi” or alleys go down to the • Manarola is perhaps the most striking of sea. On the tip of the promontory exquisite the Cinque Terre. The houses are built sheer Portovenere stands proud, with Saint Peters above the sea and descend towards the church, built in 1277 in Genoese gothic style, marina, suspended between two rocky spurs with alternating bands of black and white and inhabited by brightly coloured boats. stone. The Island of Palmaria lies in front of Manarola is the starting point of the famous Lerici: San Terenzo Castle Portovenere and is well worth a visit. A rocky, Lovers Lane or “Via dell’Amore”, a path triangular-shaped island, today it is a natural leading to Riomaggiore, sheer above the sea. The Gulf of Poets is snuggled between two park, boasting cliffs, coves and charming promontories between which lies the city of little beaches. • Riomaggiore Legend has it that was founded La Spezia. by Greek refugees in the 8th century. The All around an amphitheatre of hills and • La Spezia is a modern-looking city with a village is set out in two formations of brightly mountains forms a scenic backdrop. The nineteenth-century feel and a matrix of wide coloured houses. The church of Saint John the high, jagged coastline hugs peaceful bays in roads, gardens and art nouveau architecture. Baptist has a beautiful gothic facade and a protection against the wind, where enchanting This urban design is the result of a radical splendid rose window from the 14th century, little ancient towns take their stand. change to the city occurring in the second half while above the village lie the ruins of a The beauty of these places has been of the 1800s, when the Savoys built the large castle. However, the most fascinating part of celebrated by poets, writers and artists, who Maritime Military Arsenal. Today, La Spezia is Riomaggiore are its houses, tall and narrow, have long been attracted to this coast and still the most important naval base in Italy. with entrances on different levels at the front the savage sweetness of its landscape and The city has a remarkable wealth of museum and back. climate. resources of which Travelplan recommends the new CAMeC, museum of modern and The Cinque Terre boasts yet another striking This itinerary can be done in a couple of days, contemporary art, and the Naval Museum. itinerary, albeit little publicised: “Via but it is worth staying overnight to calmly dei Santuari”. It goes from Monterosso to explore the gulf villages or even relax in the • Lerici stretches out over the eastern side of Riomaggiore winding its way to the ancient sun on one of the Gulf beaches. the Gulf. An Etruscan city and an important sanctuaries built on the mountain by the You can choose from many hotels in Lerici port of call in Roman times, in the Middle Ages devout inhabitants of these lands. and Portovenere or you might decide to go it was long the bone of contention between for the simple and discreet charm of a typical the Pisans and the Genoese. In the 17th and inn. 18th centuries noble shipowning families For those looking for something different, built luxury palazzos and villas there. In the theres an excellent selection of inviting bed- 1800s Lerici was the favourite destination of and-breakfasts in Lerici and Portovenere. the English literati; Mary Shelley and D. H.

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Lawrence lived here. The village is dominated Portofino & Tigullio Gulf web sites by the Castle, considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Liguria. It was built Hotels & Lodging Eating & Drinking in several stages between the 13th and 14th 1 One Stars Hotels - 2 Two Stars Hotels... Restaurants - Agrotouristic Farms... centuries and remains in excellent condition. Inside it houses the fascinating Museum of Geo-Palaeontology, with reconstructions Education Entertainment of prehistoric scenes, reproductions of Schools & Courses... Disco clubs... dinosaurs, marine and land fossils and a seismic simulation room. Lerici is one of the favourite destinations of Institutions Internet sea sport enthusiasts. In the protected and Tourism - Pubblic Institutions... Tourist Portals... ventilated bay you can see dozens of sailing boats, windsurfers, canoes and catamarans. Itineraries Shops & Company Stores All along the coast are superb views of reefs Tourist Information... Food Firms & Farm Products - Jewellers... alternating with small stony or sandy beaches. The shoreline is clean and well-looked after. Many beaches along the coast have been Sports & Fun Top destinations awarded the Blue Flag. Water Sports - Mountain Bike... Beaches...

Just ahead of Lerici lies the characteristic town of San Terenzo, beautifully positioned above the bay. Don’t miss the 15th century castle, which houses a museum dedicated Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan to Shelley. The castles of Saint Terenzo and Lerici are connected by a pretty walk. • Aggiungi il tuo sito • Pubbliredazionale

The last stop on our itinerary is the medieval • Inserzioni pubblicitarie • Offerte Speciali village of Tellaro rising up on the rocky tip • Quick Info • Live help of the eastern extremity of the Gulf. The • Prime posizioni • Siti web - Netplan townlet is a real jewel of Ligurian town planning: the walls surround the village with its narrow “carruggi” or alleys and pastel- coloured tower-houses, while the church of Saint George, dating back to the 1500s, dominates the village square.

Before you leave the Gulf of Poets don’t forget to try two sea specialities that are particularly delicious in these parts. Mussels, cultivated for over a century in the waters of Portovenere, and the exquisite Tellaro octopus. Why not wash it all down with a dry white wine from the Cinque Terre or Colli di Luni?

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