Lerici Beaches

Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Gulf of Poets, Lerici stands out as a premier destination for a classic Italian beach holiday. Unlike the rugged coastline of the nearby Cinque Terre, Lerici offers more accessible and traditional beaches, making it a top choice for sun-seekers. The shoreline presents a delightful variety, featuring everything from wide stretches of fine sand to intimate pebble beaches and secluded rocky coves, ensuring there is a perfect spot for every type of visitor.

The town's most beloved beaches are conveniently located and easy to enjoy. In the center, Lido di Lerici provides a family-friendly haven with calm, shallow waters and castle views. A short stroll along the promenade leads to Venere Azzurra, the area's largest and most popular beach, which offers both free sections and private lidos. Just beyond, San Terenzo Beach captures the charm of a local fishing village, with fine sand set against a backdrop of colorful houses and its own historic castle.

For those in search of breathtaking scenery, the beautiful coves of Fiascherino deliver tranquility and crystal-clear water. These well-known beaches are just the beginning of what Lerici's coast has to offer. Many more spots, from bustling shores to hidden gems like the beach accessible through a tunnel under the castle, are waiting to be discovered. Be sure to explore our complete guide to find the perfect beach for your visit.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in Lerici sandy or pebbly?

Lerici offers a mix of beach types. You'll find several sandy beaches, such as the popular Venere Azzurra and the beach in San Terenzo, which are great for families due to their fine sand and shallow waters. However, the Ligurian coast is also known for its rocky coves and pebble beaches, and Lerici has many of these as well, particularly in the areas of Fiascherino and the hidden coves around the main town.

Venere Azzurra

San Terenzo Beach

Fiascherino

Are there free public beaches in Lerici, or do you have to pay?

Lerici has both free public beaches (spiaggia libera) and private beach clubs (stabilimenti balneari). Venere Azzurra, one of the main beaches, has both a free section and an area where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. The beach in San Terenzo also has public and private areas. For a completely free and natural experience, you can find small coves, like the one accessible through the tunnel under the castle.

Venere Azzurra

San Terenzo Beach

Is Lerici a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Lerici is considered a great destination for families. Beaches like Lido di Lerici and Venere Azzurra have sandy shores and shallow, calm waters, making them safe for children. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, a pleasant promenade for strolling, and amenities like carousels. Many beaches offer facilities that cater to families.

Lido di Lerici

Venere Azzurra

How do you get to the beaches in Lerici if you're not staying right in the center?

Many of Lerici's main beaches, like Venere Azzurra and San Terenzo, are connected by a scenic waterfront promenade, making them easily walkable from the town center. For beaches further out, like Baia Blu or those in Fiascherino, you can take a local bus from Lerici. Some of the more secluded coves are best reached by boat or kayak, or via short hiking trails and staircases from the main road.

Is parking difficult near Lerici's beaches?

Parking in Lerici, especially during the summer, can be challenging as non-residents are often prohibited from driving into the town center. There are several paid parking lots, such as La Vallata near Venere Azzurra beach, but they can fill up quickly. It's often recommended to park in a designated lot and then walk or take a bus to the beaches.

Venere Azzurra

Which is better for beaches, Lerici or Cinque Terre?

Lerici is generally considered to have better and more accessible beaches than the Cinque Terre. While the Cinque Terre is famous for its dramatic cliffside villages, its beaches are mostly small, rocky, or pebbly. Lerici, on the other hand, offers larger sandy beaches like Venere Azzurra and San Terenzo, making it a more traditional beach holiday destination. Monterosso is the only Cinque Terre village with a substantial sandy beach.

Venere Azzurra

San Terenzo Beach

Monterosso

Can you swim in the sea at Lerici and what is the water like?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea at Lerici. The area is known for its clear, clean water and has been awarded the Blue Flag, a certification for water quality and environmental management. The water is generally calm, especially in the bays, with shallow entry at the sandy beaches, making it ideal for swimming.

What is the best time of year to visit Lerici for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Lerici is from late June to late August, when the weather is hottest and the water temperature is warmest. However, this is also the busiest period. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting in late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September). The water will still be warm enough for swimming in September.