I'll be in Italy in early September and am thinking of spending three nights in either Lerici or Tellaro. While I love the Cinque Terre and have been there many times, I don't love the crowds that the cruise ships bring to it. So I thought I would try a different town. My husband and I like to hike, enjoy the scenery, take photographs and just enjoy the atmosphere. Would anyone recommend one town over the other (or possibly even a different nearby town)?
Posted by
CA, USA
1286 posts
We stayed in Lerici a few years ago after reading the NY Times article about it. It is a nice town. Lerici has a nice harbor, restaurants, plaza, and beaches where you can rent an umbrella and relax. Never been to Tellaro, although from the map it looks tiny and may not offer as much for a tourist. Note that this region is not the Americanized coast of the CT; most of the time the people we encountered in Lerici restaurants or shops spoke little English. Although it sounds like you're looking for that kind of experience, so you'll be fine.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11891 posts
Friends just went to Tellaro and loved it for the very reason that it was uncrowded, had good hiking, maybe like the Cinque Terre before.... they had a car but used the buses. That's the only drawback to me: buses not trains. Same with Lerici.
Posted by
Boston
1826 posts
Tellaro is quite small with very little parking. Access is only via a small dead-end road. Your hiking choices would also be limited . Stay in Lerici which has many more services and you'll have bus choices in several directions for excellent hikes in the Park of Montemarcello.
Posted by
OP
62 posts
Thanks for the help. As we will have a car, either town seems doable and it sounds like both are quite nice. Just have to decide between larger vs smaller. Thanks!
Posted by
Boston
1826 posts
Parking is restricted in the center of Lerici and the parking lots on the periphery are all pay so be sure your accommodation can provide for your car.