Lerici and Lerici Castle
Lerici / Castello di Lerici
A colourful harbour town on the Gulf of Poets, where a 13th-century castle guards the bay and Byron and Shelley once lived
Lerici lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf of La Spezia, facing Portovenere across the water. The gulf is known as the 'Gulf of Poets' because English poets such as Shelley and Byron lived here. The harbour is lined with brightly coloured houses and a seafront promenade. The castle on the headland was built in the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved castles in Liguria. Climbing to the top gives views over the whole gulf (admission about €5). From La Spezia it is about 30 minutes by bus, and in summer ferries link the Cinque Terre with Portovenere. You can walk along the shore to San Terenzo in 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Castle approx. 10:30–13:00 and 14:30–18:00; often closed Mon
Nearby sights
- Tellaro
- Palmaria Island
- Portovenere
- Castle of San Giorgio, La Spezia
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montenero
- Riomaggiore
- Via dell'Amore
- Manarola Nativity Scene