Where the scent in the air draws you nearer,
and the warm breeze whispers your name.
Where Old World allure and changing light
colors the landscape in a palette of expressive hues.
This dramatic stretch of coast along the Gulf of La Spezia or “Poet’s Gulf”, was once made popular by such renowned literary figures as D. H. Lawrence, Yeats and Shelley. The impossibly picturesque retreat of Lerici sits on the edge of a beautiful bay overlooked by pastel-colored houses and the magnificent 13th century fortress Castello di Lerici. Framed in the background are meticulously terraced hillsides of fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea.
Stroll through the quaint streets, explore the wondrous shops, refresh with a dip in the bay, relax with a fine glass of wine, and watch the famous Ligurian sunsets fade into the vast horizon. Just to the west of La Spezia is the amazingly beautiful region of Cinque Terre with its five fishing villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore tucked into the rugged coastline — all providing unparalleled views of the Gulf of Genoa below. However, the sheltered port of La Spezia is a culinary lover’s dream come true. It offers a tantalizing wealth of incredible delights, such as freshly caught blue fish, exquisite Taggiasca and Lavagnina olive oil, famous Ligurian pestos and sauces, pasta and focaccia, young, crisp vegetables and delectable desserts.
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