T H E C OA S T An area which poets such as Byron, Shelley and Keats visited and loved; the romantic, picturesque lure of the Bay of Poets still exerts its magic to-day. The pirate town of Portovenere forms part of the view across the sea. Hidden for many years, the fortified town of Montemarcello stands on the promontory guarding the entrance to the bay. From here one has glorious views of the Bay of Poets on one side and the Apuan Alps and the Valley of the Magra river on the other.
KEY INFORMATION RESTAURANTS CAPANNINA CICCIO –
Bocca di Magra - via Fabbricotti 71. Tel: 0187 65568. Closed Tuesdays. On the banks of the Magra river and a stone’s throw from the sea, this bright restaurant has delicious refined specialities where seafood rules. CICCIO MARINA– Marina di Carrara viale daVerrazzano.Tel: 0585 780286. Closed Mondays. Belonging to the owners Capannina Ciccio, there is guaranteed quality to the seafood, and the same pleasure at eating near the seaside.
EVENTS
La Spezia - Palio del Golfo First Sunday of August CINQUE TERRE The five lands referred to in the name of this world heritage site are five villages - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean. Hiking, diving and simple, delicious local delicacies make this area an increasingly sought after location. Steep manmade terraces of vineyards and olive groves, interspersed with paths and ancient flights of steps, lead down to the sea and surround these villages, which until recently were only reachable by boat or on foot. Manarola and Riomaggiore, which seem to cling to the rock face, their houses piled up in a multi-coloured mosaic overlooking the sea, are the most typical and unspoilt villages of the five. The best way of seeing the colours and lovely places along this enchanted coast line is by boat, and frequent boat services leave from Lerici, with its beautiful bay and splendid 13th Century castle. Another spectacular way of seeing the Cinque Terre is by train - the Genova - La Spezia line makes frequent runs that stop in all the villages along the
coast. Information on the walking itineraries, ferries and best diving places can be found on the following websites: www.cinqueterre.it, www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it, www.aptcinqueterre.sp.it Lerici, one of the prettiest towns on the Italian Riveria, is located 11 kms south of La Spezia and although now dependent on tourism, has a thriving cultural life of its own and visits off season are particularly recommended, when the busy beaches of Lerici and San Terenzo are much quieter. Visit the famous world heritage sites of the Cinque Terre and Portovenere: boats leaves the main square several times a day depending on the season. One of the main sights is the notorious Castle, now a museum of palaeontology and within 10 mins walk from the central square. Visit their website www.castellodilerici.it to see what is on. Children will love it! For full details see www.invitationtotuscany.com
Palio del Golfo Rowing Contest
Lerici - Waterfront Festivities for Sant'Erasmo (July) MARKET DAYS Sarzana – Thursdays 8am to 7pm. Lerici - Saturdays. La Spezia – Tuesdays & Fridays. Ameglia – Monday a.m.
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