Itinerary: From Montemarcello to Portovenere

📍 Montemarcello

• Why visit: One of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” suspended between sea and mountains with stunning views over the Gulf of Poets.

• Don’t miss:

  • The Punta Corvo viewpoint, with panoramic vistas of the Apuan Alps.

  • The descent (steep but scenic) to Punta Corvo beach, wild and photogenic.

• Photo tip: Early morning light is perfect over the rooftops and coastline.

📍 Lerici

• Why visit: A jewel of the Gulf of Poets, with its castle overlooking the sea and a lively promenade.

• Don’t miss:

  • Lerici Castle for breathtaking panoramas.

  • A walk along the seafront to Venere Azzurra.

• Photo tip: At sunset, the castle reflects on the water, creating magical compositions.

📍 Tellaro

• Why visit: A tiny fishing village, famous for pastel-colored houses and timeless charm.

• Don’t miss:

  • The Church of San Giorgio, perched above the sea.

  • Narrow, picturesque alleys.

• Photo tip: From the small square by the sea you’ll capture one of the most iconic Ligurian views.

• Personal note: I particularly love shooting from the cliffs of Tellaro, where the power of the sea meets the pastel beauty of the village.

📍 San Terenzo

• Why visit: A romantic seaside village linked to Mary Shelley.

• Don’t miss:

  • The San Terenzo Castle, overlooking the gulf.

  • The beach, perfect for a relaxing break.

• Photo tip: Shoot from the pier, framing Lerici in the background.

📍 La Spezia

• Why visit: Often overlooked, but full of urban and cultural surprises.

• Don’t miss:

  • Passeggiata Morin, with sea and harbor views.

  • The Naval Museum, a dive into maritime history.

  • The historic center and its lively squares.

• Photo tip: At sunset, warm tones light up the marina from the promenade.

📍 Fezzano

• Why visit: An authentic seaside hamlet, away from the tourist crowds.

• Don’t miss:

  • The caruggi (narrow alleys) leading down to the sea.

  • The view of the gulf from the pier.

• Photo tip: Early morning, when fishing boats return, offers a genuine atmosphere to capture.

📍 Le Grazie

• Why visit: A maritime village tied to naval traditions.

• Don’t miss:

  • The former Olivetan convent, now a Naval Technical Museum.

  • The charming little harbor.

• Photo tip: Boats moored with Portovenere in the distance on clear days.

📍 Portovenere

• Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Liguria’s icons.

• Don’t miss:

  • The Church of San Pietro, perched dramatically on the rocks.

  • The Byron’s Cave, stunning at sunset.

  • The walk among the colorful tower houses.

• Photo tip: From the pier at sunset, when the houses glow and the sea reflects their colors.

• Personal note: Just like in Tellaro, I love taking photos from the cliffs of Portovenere, but wandering through the narrow alleys is equally inspiring — perfect to capture unique details of local architecture.

🍂 Best season for photography

The most magical time to visit with a camera is autumn and winter: the light is softer, the atmosphere quieter, and the villages feel more authentic. In summer there are simply too many tourists!