TheGolfo dei Poeti is a dramatically beautiful area full of little villages, gorgeous colors, and steep cliffs that disappear into the blue waters below. Also known as the Gulf of La Spezia this area of the Ligurian Riviera begins at the Magra river and finishes at the town of Portovenere. The Bay – so-called because it was a favorite of writers like Shelley, Byron, Petrarca, and Montale – includes the picturesque villages of Lerici, Sarzana, Tellaro, San Terenzo, Montemarcello, the city of La Spezia, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. So let’s discover The Gulf of Poets in Italy.
Located near the beautiful Cinque Terre, the spectacular Bay and its beaches and villages hold much to see and do. Seafood lovers will want to try the fresh local fish and should not miss the mussels, cultivated for more than 100 years in the waters of Portovenere, or the sublime Tellaro octopus. I would suggest pairing your seafood with a glass of local white wine like Colli di Luni or Cinque Terre.
On the Eastern end of the Gulf is the town of Lerici, an ancient Etruscan city and an important Roman port, it was home to Mary Shelley and D.H. Lawrence in the 1800s. For beach lovers, Lerici offers several clean and beautiful sandy paradises to choose from, like the Ciccillo a Mare or Venere Azzurra beaches, and is a well-known destination for those who practice sea sports like windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing. If you visit the town, be sure to see Lerici Castle, one of the most beautiful in Liguria, which also offers a dazzling view of the landscape below.
Portovenere is a typically medieval village situated at the western end of the Gulf, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. When you visit this village be sure to stop at the Doria Castle and the Chiesa di San Pietro, both of which boast fascinating architecture. More about the Gulf of Poets.
In the center of the Gulf is the city of La Spezia, a tourist favorite due to its ideal position in the Bay. The town is one of Italy’s most important military and commercial harbors. Tourists and other visitors can admire the city’s Art Nouveau architecture, which became popular in La Spezia in the wake of the Art-Industry movement of the early twentieth century.
Houses, gardens, theaters, and urban decoration all saw the influence of the new art, which gave a new appearance to the ancient city. If you would like to stay in the city of La Spezia and enjoy its beautiful monuments and quaint alleyways, there are many bed and breakfasts and guest houses that are perfectly located for visiting the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and the other surrounding villages. One of these is the Quiet Night Affittacamere, which is managed with passion and a keen sense of hospitality by a young owner that has always lived in this corner of Paradise.
Weddings in Gulf of Poets – Golfo dei Poeti
The Golfo dei Poeti, along with nearby Cinque Terre, is ideal for a romantic wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration. Couples in love will have the chance of seeing their dream come true in a real fairytale setting. The climate in the bay is temperate in summer and mild in winter so whatever your choice of wedding date this area would be ideal.
Booking.comBy Anna Merulla
