Lerici is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Liguria: located in the easternmost part of the Gulf of La Spezia near the mouth of the Magra River, across from Porto Venere and the islands of Tino and Plamaria, Lerici has preserved its original medieval layout and boasts ancient origins. Thanks to its bay, which is naturally sheltered from the rough seas caused by the libeccio and scirocco winds, and its proximity to the Via Francigena, it developed into an important maritime and commercial port.

Lerici has always been a key port of call for travelers and pilgrims who passed through Sarzana on their way to Rome; a branch of that same route even led to the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The port itself is not a marina but has always been home to—and in the past has hosted—merchant ships, passenger ships, and military vessels.

Certainly striking of the panorama of the town and the port, The Castle of Lerici overlooking the port itself: in a dominant position on top of the rocky promontory that closes south on Lerici Bay, it was in the past an object of contention between the Genoese and the Pisans.

The harbor at its foot extends from the castle itself via a pier about 250 meters long, two jetties, and a quayside. It currently accommodates a few fishing boats and many recreational boats, most of which are moored there permanently.

However, there are also some areas designated for transit, equipped with water and electricity, managed by the Circolo della Vela Erix, which can accommodate both Motor Boats and Sailing Boats up to 12 meters in length. There are also additional berths (for Sailing Boats only) at the club’s piers; others are available at the buoys, with a ferry service provided. The club offers visitors restrooms, showers, a terrace, and Wi-Fi Internet access.

The pier is also home to the beach delegation, bar, gas station, and the Lerici sub, a club that organizes diving excursions in the surrounding area.

The town of Lerici clearly offers everything you need: on late summer days after days of sailing, walking along the pier with the light of sunset makes the scenery unforgettable, and the typical culinary offerings of the restaurants in the area are very interested, excellent fish dishes as well as clearly the classic testaroli al pesto.

Along with La Spezia and Porto Venere, Lerici overlooks the famous and breathtaking Gulf of the Poets: for many years, together with nearby San Terenzo, it has welcomed figures such as Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. Other nearby destinations that are equally not to be missed include Tellaro, a typical seaside village named one of the most beautiful in Italy.