The coast that falls under this Province of Liguria is the one best known to Italian and foreign tourists, thanks above all to the Cinque Terre, even if not everyone knows that they fall under the jurisdiction of La Spezia. The only city that has dramatically re-evaluated the tourist side, expanding the offer and promoting local beauties, the center, the port, and the various villages set among the small inlets of the Gulf of La Spezia.
Along the stretch of coast, which alternates cliffs and sandy periods overlooking a green-blue sea, are particularly important beaches towards Porto Venere, including the island of Palmaria, a small green oasis today part of the Porto Venere Natural Park.
Sandy beaches
There are few sandy beaches in the Province of La Spezia. Generally, they are made up of a mixture of smooth stones and pebbles, beautiful even without sand, which can be an indispensable element for many families, especially with children. One of these is that of Monterosso, a small seaside village transformed into a tourist resort for the pleasure of many tourists who flock to this stretch of sea in the summer.
The Monterosso beach is divided into three: the largest and most central is about half a kilometer long, characterized by a large stack on the beach, and the other two are on the sides in their respective inlets. Of note is the Spiaggia del Gigante, which takes its name from the statue, and the relative tourist port; therefore, sand and enchanting sea in the only, or almost, sandy beach in the Province of La Spezia.
Another sandy beach is located on the eastern side of Marinella, a few km long, divided into small coves with artificial rocks and equipped. Great family resort.
Free Beaches
There are now very few free ones, but there are. However, it must be said that they are challenging to reach since they are located at the foot of the cliff. They are beaches for those who love adventure a little but, above all, nature and quiet.
One is the beach of Persico, about eight kilometers from Marola, reachable by car and then down the cliff with a view that takes your breath away (we recommend that you be careful because in some places the staircase is steep). Once on the beach, it will be like having conquered a small corner of paradise. It is not very wide, about 200 meters, made up of stones and pebbles, so a mat is needed; for the rest, there is an enchanting sea and a fabulous backdrop.
Canneto is the second of the accessible beaches, very similar to Persico, with only a little less distance to reach on foot; however, it is advisable to inquire before going down because landslides are frequent and, therefore, the route may not be available. The beach is small and intimate, but what will amaze you will be the tranquil and crystal clear blue-turquoise water, an excellent place for snorkeling. The beach can be reached from Riomaggiore near the Torre Guardiola observation point.
Private beaches
They are many and well organized, tidy, and clean along the entire eastern coast, up to the Tuscan border. Here are the most beautiful beaches equipped with dozens of bathing establishments offering many bathers services. The most popular beaches are those of San Terenzo and, going southwards, Lerici, Fiascherino, and Tellaro, top-rated locations in July and August by Ligurian bathers and many tourists from northern Europe. In particular, the beach of Lerici , the largest and most central of the town, of about 300 meters, bordered by the promenade of via S. Biaggini.
Punta di Corvo beach
Going further east, we arrive at the small town of Montemarcello, located on the cliff, which boasts a beautiful view that can be admired from the observation point in the city. From here begins the path, unfortunately not easy, to go down to the beach below. It is a path that winds on a 260-meter difference in the level of the beaten ground, with stairs made with wooden boards. As you can imagine, the view coming down from this cliff is fantastic, all still well dominated by nature. The Punta di Corvo beach is made up of gravel and pebbles, and the sea is of a green-blue color that blends with the green of the vegetation and the sky, to be seen.
Guvano beach
For those who love nature in all its forms, this beach is the most suitable: here, naturism is the rule, so it is good to know that bathers are generally naked on this beach. The nature of the still wild beach goes very well with that of the naturists. Guvano beach is just 100 meters long, composed of gravel and pebbles, washed by a blue sea with a backdrop that certainly makes those who love diving happy. It can be reached on foot, but it is recommended to go by train and get off at Corniglia station. Unfortunately, there are no parking spaces, the town is located on a cliff and is crossed by a very narrow road, so it is necessary to walk a few kilometers to the point of descent to the beach. It is a little tiring, but it is worth it for those who love nature.
Marola beach
Another gem for summer baths, not far from Punta Corvo, this still natural beach seems to have been created specifically for tourists searching for privacy and relaxation; here, it is found in abundance. Pebble beach and dark sand, excellent for lying down and sunbathing, not very shallow water and clear green sea. Those who dive can admire the ridge of the cliff and the many stacks on either side of the beach, full of fish. Since it is not easy to access, as it is on the slopes of the cliff, it is advisable to ask for a ride to the boats that shuttle along the coast starting from Rocca Grossa, about 600 meters away. Another beach to write down in the diary of your upcoming holidays, armed with a backpack and a camera.
Blue Bay
Baia Blu indicates the water of this beach, blue and crystal clear like a few others along the Ligurian coast. It is a fully equipped stretch of coast, with bathing establishments, restaurants, and every tourist comfort. The beach is made of gravel and pebbles, the seabed is shallow for a few meters, and you can safely walk on the shore. It is a quiet place, and the beach is not too big to attract crowds of tourists. Apart from the more chaotic period, it is generally calm, ideal for relaxing and having a pleasant holiday enjoying an enchanted sea. The seabed is rich in vegetation; therefore, there is a lot of fish. Furthermore, the sea is almost always calm due to the barriers that delimit the bathing area.
Portovenere beach, a short guide to the most beautiful
The most beautiful beaches of Portovenere are almost all on the island of Palmaria. In the village, there is the Olivo beach, the free beach of Portovenere, the most popular since it can be reached on foot from the center. The beach is pebbly, the sea is clear, and there is a small rocky stretch ideal for resting in the sun lulled by the sea breeze. The Arenella beach, on the other hand, is located in the Portovenere Regional Natural Park in one of the most evocative stretches of the Gulf of Poets. Here the seabed is spectacular, and the panorama is unique. The beach is occupied by Bagno Arenella, a historic bathing establishment with all possible comforts. The beach can be reached on foot just a few minutes from the town center. On the island of Palmaria, on the other hand, the most beautiful and well-known beaches are the Spiaggia del Pozzale; Cala Fornace, not recommended for small children as it is rocky and not very sunny; the Secco beach, with a gently sloping seabed towards the open sea.
