Lerici

Lerici with its 12.000 inhabitants is a Ligurian medium-sized town in about 10 km away from the provincial capital of the region of La Spezia. Liguria is a part of the Italian Riviera. Lerici is idyllically located opposite the port city of Portovenere. 1152 is the year when the city of Lerici was mentioned for the first time. In 1256 the Genoese conquered Lerici and ended the occupation by not so popular at that time Pisa. Many people in the region know Lerici mainly because of the remarkable castle, which was used as a youth hostel for many years. Even today you can still live there but only if you have good relations. The greater part of the castle is still open for tours. A visit should not be missed because Lerici has a fantastic view of the two port towns, numerous ships and the Mediterranean Sea.

Although the city is not large at all you still can do a lot there. There is, for example, a Naval Museum that offers a startling insight into the diversity of nautical events. There are many old maps and navigation devices of old times so you can get to know how the shipping was operated in the past. Of course, you can also go on short or longer journeys, for example, to Portovenere or further into the world of 5 villages of Cinque Terre where you will enjoy the walks along the picturesque coast. Lerici is specially beautiful in spring when a great variety of plants and flowers are in blossom. You can be sure, you will never forget your trip there.