Lerici overlooks the Golfo dei Poeti, so called because in the 800 was meta and inspiration of poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and D.H.Lawrence.

On the promontory overlooking the Islands and Portovenere is an ancient castle, built around 1200 by the Pisans in order to defend against Saracen attacks. This castle is home to a permanent exhibition of antique toys, which is complemented by exhibitions that vary by season. On top of the Castle, from a vast terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of La Spezia and on a clear day, even the coast of Corsica on the horizon.

Below the castle is the old village, made up of typical coloured houses perched on each other and the Marina.

Here on the pier every day, the fish market sells fresh fish just brought by vessels moored in front.  The same anglers, on the cliff at the foot of the Castle, they can devote themselves to this task.

 Next to the market, a small kiosk selling various types of seafood, mussels, clams and even truffles.  The mussels are a speciality of the area, because the Gulf is renowned for its allevament and in local restaurants you can taste various traditional "muscoli" recipes (muscoli is the local word for mussels).

Always on the pier, but only on Saturday mornings, a food  market is held  where,  besides fresh fruit & veg. , you can find local products, like the tasty focaccia (crunchy bread dressed with olive oil and salt), anchovies, pesto sauce, olive oil,  Tuscany wine....

 Continuing along the promenade, always on a Saturday, you will encounter numerous stalls selling dresses, accessories and textiles.

Days at sea can be very different, because Lerici offers a variety of both  well-equipped and free beaches, where you can choose between sand, pebbles and rocks. These sites are all within walking distance.

Also just outside the village, there are coves and beautiful beaches that are easily accessible either  by boat and by car or public transport.

 As far as sport activities are concerned, you can play tennis or go diving, sailing and canoeing.

There are sailing lessons at the local Circolo Velico and canoeing courses also  for  kids.  It is also possible to attend swimming lessons, both in sea-water (private lessons at the beach of Lido) and  in the outdoor swimming pool (above the beach of La Venere Azzurra)

Like any touristic resort, every summer Lerici offers a calendar of events, concerts, exhibitions and performances both in town and in the surrounding area. You can find all information about al Lerici Town Hall.

In the past few years,  Thursday evenings were dedicated to children, with performances and workshops in outdoor gardens, right by the sea.

Happening in Lerici on the evening of July 6, you will have the chance to witness the impressive Festival of the Patron Saint, St. Erasmus. On that occasion, at nightfall, the sea is studded with a myriad of floating candles and a statue of the Saint is carried in procession off on a boat, followed by a train of other boats of all kinds, among the colorful bursts of fireworks and the sound of ship sirens.

For the less romantic and much to the delight of the most prosaic, in the square, overlooking the sea, banquets are held  where you can refuel with a tasty bag of fresh fried fish  and a glass of cool white.  

From this square, the local shipping company organises tours and boat trips, with departures at different hours of the day.

Lerici is the starting point for a multitude of excursions both on the coast and inland.

Using line vessels or rented boats, it is  worthwhile  the visit of picturesque Portovenere, Corsair town (20 '), and the tour  around the islands of Palmaria and Tino, with possible stop for a refreshing bath in the waters outside the Gulf that from  turquoise green-get into a beautiful intense blue.

Line vessels, also go forward, turning the promontory of Portovenere, they continue the tour stopping in each village of the famous Cinque Terre (45 ') and go up to the elegant Portofino and San Fruttuoso (2:0 of pleasant boat trip along the vineyard terraced coast ).

All these little locations are well-known all around the world. for thei charme and are only half an hour's drive from Genoa, with its famous Aquarium.

Last, but not least,  is the small seaside village of Tellaro (10 ' from Lerici), located  on the coast next to  Tuscany. Reachable from Lerici by boat  and overland by bus or car (10 ' ) or rather  walking along picturesque paths  among olive trees overlooking the sea.

For trekking amateurs at all levels, the Park of Monte Marcello (just above Lerici) and Val di Magra offer many itineraries    to enjoy  nature and to encounter   ancient little  villages, worth visiting even for a food and wine tour.

More inland, 15 ' from Lerici,  you find Sarzana ,  with its old fortress. The cobbled lanes of the old town  lead to ancient cafes,  to vintage and antiques  restyling  workshops and trendy shops.

In Sarzana, the sporty ones can enjoy the local   Golf Club and riding centre.

Sarzana stands out for being culturally alive and it's interesting to find out which opportunities presents every year.

An appointment fixed by now, that only lasts a few days but attracts a wide audience from across Italy is the "Festival of the mind": towards the beginning of September Sarzana welcomes academic celebrity hosts and organises conferences, meetings, debates,  and workshops for both adults and children.

Another  important date is, again in Sarzana,  "Attic in the Street", a curious night event lasting a couple of weeks in August, during which the lanes of the old town show a colourfull flee market.

Going on,  towards  Tuscany,  you meet Luni, (20 ‘ from Lerici) with its Roman amphitheatre and ruins; Carrara (30-40 ‘) famous for its prized white marble quarries and Viareggio, in Versilia (30-40 ‘), popular for night clubbing (30-40 ‘).

Last but not least only  1³⁰ hours far from Lerici,  there stand  two of the most famous towns in the world: Pisa, with its leaning tower and Florence with its art treasures.