Cinque Terre

The loveliness of the Cinque Terre, five villages and the majesty of their setting on the terraced cliffs above the sparkling sea can best be enjoyed by ferry from Lerici or from La Spezia.

The coastal city of La Spezia is the gateway to the renowned Cinque Terre by rail and by romantic ‘traghetto’, offering the opportunity to visit each of these beautiful towns on one ferry ticket, stopping for lunch in one town, and for a refreshing swim in another. Sail back to La Spezia, or to Lerici as the sun slips into the sea behind Portovenere. The Traghettos from Lerici and la Spezia also sail daily to the famous resort of Portofino.

The Cinque Terre, now a UNESCO world heritage site, lie a short distance from Tavernelle. Lerici and San Terenzo, whose medieval fortresses guard the approaches to the Gulf of Poets, have changed little since Shelley and Byron were resident. Beaches, bars and restaurants abound in these thriving coastal communities, 30 minutes from Tavernelle.