Tuscany is set in the center of Italy and northwest it borders the Ligurian Riviera with its stunning coastal villages. If you are in Versilia, Garfagnana, or Lunigiana, in less than one hour you can reach the Gulf of Poets with Lerici and Portovenere and the famous Cinque Terre.
Here is a short list of places on the Italian Ligurian Riviera, starting from the closest, that you could visit once you finish exploring the whole of Tuscany.
Cinque Terre and the other northern neighbors of Tuscany
Montemarcello
Montemarcello is one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy. And one of my fav too with its old houses built up to the green hill. From the top, you have a view of the sea that will leave you without a word.
Castelnuovo Magra
Castelnuovo Magra is an ancient small town on a hill with an old bishop’s castle and a tower. Here you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley, the Lunigiana area, and the seacoast.
Lerici and Tellaro
Lerici is an old port with origins back to the Etruscans and Romans. It became important in the Middle Ages as a trade center and port for pilgrims who had to reach Rome. The tiny little cove made Lerici renowned today.
Tellaro is an old fisherman suburb of Lerici, set on a rock. You will have the chance to discover one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy too.
Many British poets fell in love with these villages as Percy Bysshe Shelley and his wife, and Mr David H. Lawrence author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
Portovenere
Portovenere is an enchanting village that lies at the end of a peninsula. Three islands lie just in front of Portovenere: Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. The Unesco included Cinque Terre and Portovere Islands in 1997 on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The main attractions are the Church of St. Peter set up on the cliff overlooking the sea, and Lord Byron’s Grotto. He used to go to find inspiration for his literary works.
Cinque Terre
Everyone knows Cinque Terre, these fantastic five villages up to the rocks with its colored old fisherman houses and wine terraces all around. The Five Lands consist of the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. They are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No cars are admitted; the best way to visit them is by train, boat, or hiking along coastal tracks.
Portofino
Portofino is a charming fishing village famous for its “Piazzetta”, its colored building, and the promenade along the bay. It became a trendy resort and walking around you will probably meet one of the most famous international Jet-setter Stars, Sports Champions, and politicians.
Finally, do not miss to try the food, especially the fresh fish, octopus, or Trofie pasta with Pesto sauce. And taste one of the local wines as the white Cinque Terre or white Vermentino di Luni and the sweet wine Sciacchetrà.
