La Spezia Beaches: Gulf of Poets Coastline Guide

The Gulf of Poets stretches from Portovenere in the west to the Magra estuary in the east, taking in the rocky headlands of Lerici, the dark volcanic sand of Punta Corvo and the island coves of Palmaria. Most visitors use La Spezia as a transit stop for Cinque Terre, but the coastline south of the city rewards those who stay longer — the beaches are less crowded than the national park and more varied in character. For what to do in the city itself, our guide to things to do in La Spezia and Cinque Terre covers the full picture.

Lerici Area

Baia Blu

A sheltered pebble cove between Punta Santa Teresa and Punta Galera in Lerici, Baia Blu has unusually clear water for a beach this close to a town. Paid beach clubs line most of the beach (expect to pay around €15–20 per person for a sunbed and umbrella); free sections sit at both ends. The water is calm enough for snorkelling in the shallower areas around the headlands.

Getting there: Bus line 1 from La Spezia (Piazza Chiodo) to Lerici, roughly 35 minutes. From the Lerici bus stop, walk 10 minutes south along the seafront path. By car: 6 km from La Spezia; limited paid parking in the village in summer.

Spiaggia di San Terenzo

A sandy beach directly below the medieval San Terenzo Castle, one of the few genuinely sandy stretches on this stretch of coast. The water is shallow and calm, and the village behind the beach has restaurants and cafes within 2 minutes on foot. The castle gained literary significance in 1822 when Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley rented the Villa Magni here for what became their final summer in Italy.

Getting there: Bus line 1 from La Spezia to San Terenzo, 30–35 minutes. The beach is 2 minutes from the bus stop.

Spiaggia di Fiascherino

A small pebble cove sheltered by pines between Lerici and Tellaro. No beach club; the draw is the seclusion and the clarity of the water. Steps lead down from the road above. Caletta di Lerici, a 10-minute walk further south along the path, is quieter still and has a small bar.

Getting there: Bus from La Spezia toward Tellaro, alighting at the Fiascherino stop. By car: limited roadside parking at the top of the hill above the beach.

Portovenere and Palmaria Island

Palmaria Island Beaches

Palmaria is the largest island off the Ligurian coast and has no cars. A 5-minute ferry from Portovenere harbour connects to the island’s landing stage. Three beaches are worth knowing:

• Spiaggia di Punta Secco: the main beach, pebble, with a beach club and free sections. 10 minutes on foot from the ferry landing. Best for a half-day with the morning light coming from the east.
• Cala del Pozzale: southeast shore, 20 minutes on foot from the landing or reachable by kayak from the base. Small bar on site. Very clear water; protected from the afternoon wind. One of the best swimming spots in the province.
• Cala della Fornace: boat-only access; a small shaded cove on the northeast side. The cliffs block the afternoon sun — a cooler option in August. No services.

Getting there: Bus line 11 from La Spezia to Portovenere (45 minutes), then the 5-minute ferry to Palmaria. Ferries run roughly hourly in summer.

Byron’s Grotto, Portovenere

A rocky ledge below the Doria Castle in Portovenere, named after Lord Byron who swam from here across the gulf to visit the Shelleys at San Terenzo in 1822. No sand — the appeal is the dramatic cliff setting and unusually transparent water. There is a small terrace from which to jump into the sea. The village above is one of the most atmospheric on the coast.

Getting there: Bus line 11 from La Spezia to Portovenere terminus, 45 minutes. The grotto is 10 minutes on foot along the seafront from the bus stop.

Visiting La Spezia or the Cinque Terre?
Escape the crowds with our truffle hunt & gourmet truffle lunch & tasting in Lunigiana — a perfect shore excursion from La Spezia.

South of La Spezia

Spiaggia di Fiumaretta, Ameglia

At the mouth of the Magra river, 25 km south of La Spezia, Fiumaretta is one of the few proper sandy beaches in the province. The river mouth keeps the water exceptionally shallow for the first 20 metres — ideal for young children. The beach also attracts windsurfers and paddleboarders when a westerly wind picks up in the afternoon.

Getting there: Bus from La Spezia bus station toward Ameglia, approximately 45 minutes. By car: free parking available near the beach.

Boat or Hike Required

Punta Corvo, Montemarcello

The most dramatic beach in the province: dark volcanic sand enclosed by sheer cliffs, no services, and silence broken only by the sea. Reaching it takes effort, which is why it remains uncrowded.

By foot from Montemarcello: a marked path descends approximately 700 steps to the beach (40 minutes down, 50 minutes back up). Access is capped at 300 visitors per day in July and August — reservation through the Parco Montemarcello-Magra website is required in peak season. Entry is free outside the cap period. By boat: summer services run from Lerici and Tellaro harbour; check schedules locally.

Spiaggioni di Tellaro

Three small natural coves below the cliffs south of the village of Tellaro. Accessible primarily by boat from Lerici harbour (summer service) or via steep paths from the village (20–30 minutes on foot). No facilities; bring water and food. The snorkelling around the base of the cliffs is excellent. Tellaro itself is worth the journey regardless of the beach — one of the least-visited pretty villages on the Ligurian coast, with a small church that juts directly over the sea.

The coastline around La Spezia ranges from wild, boat-access-only swimming spots to fully equipped beach clubs a short bus ride from the centre. Punta Corvo rewards the effort; Fiumaretta suits families who want shallow water and easy access. The city of La Spezia itself works well as a base — it keeps the beaches and the food in the same place. For the food side, the Ligurian food guide is worth reading before you arrive.