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 a short list of places of the Italian Ligurian Riviera, starting from the closest, that you could visit once you finish to explore the whole Tuscany.

Cinque Terre and the other northern neighbors of Tuscany

Montemarcello is considered as one the most beautiful hamlet in Italy. The old houses were 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 is an ancient village on the top of a hill with an old bishop castle and a tower. Here you have a 360-degree view on the valley, Lunigiana and the seacoast.

Lerici is an old port with origins back to the Etruscans and Romans. It became important in the Middle Age as trade centre and port for pilgrims who had to reach Rome. Today it is renowned for its little tiny cove.

Tellaro is an ancient fisherman suburb of Lerici, set on a rock. It has been rewarded as one of the most beautiful hamlet 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 is an enchanting village that lies at the end of a peninsula. Three islands lies just in front of Portovenere: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. All together with Cinque Terre have been inscribed on 1997 on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The main attractions are the Church of St. Peter up to the cliff overlooking the sea and the Lord Byron’s Grotto where he used to go to find inspiration for his literary works.

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 and the best way to visit them is by train, boat or hiking along coastal tracks.

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, Sport 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 of Cinque Terre or white Vermentino di Luni and the sweet wine Sciacchetrà.