Byron, Shelley and several other literates of the past established the universal reputation of the stretch of coast between Sestri Levante and La Spezia: from the point of view of modern marketing “Golfo dei Poeti” can be regarded as a masterpiece of branding - a romantic slogan successfully describing the spell cast by these enchanted places not only on poets, but on any type of tourists.
Visitors from all over the world keep on flocking to the area, attracted by its orography (precipitous cliffs and steep paths plunging into the bluest of seas) and by its rare beauty, whose memory will fill their mind forever.
Your best entry to the area is from Sestri Levante: a 15-minute drive will take you to Deiva Marina, the perfect destination for a vacation of sun, transparent waters and tranquillity. Suntan addicts, foodies, sports fans… whichever group you belong to, you will find a warm welcome (from time to time, all of us could do with serious pampering!) and plenty of targeted opportunities to enjoy your stay. A short distance away, the rural landscapes of the entroterra present an array of ancient paths traversing the greenery, the triumph of scenting maquis, rare cork oaks and sparkling lemons.
The centre of Deiva still shows the traces of its remote past (its origins date back to the 8th century A. D.), a tale of commerce and exchanges towards the hinterland and the open sea: do not miss the imposing towers, tokens of Genoa’s supremacy over the Da Passano household, and the colourful parvis of the church devoted to Sant’Antonio Abate – not to forget a multitude of cultural and religious events celebrating rites and traditions.
Your next stop eastwards is Bonassola, embedded in a splendid bay. The emerald green of the vegetation and the cobalt of the sea play an interchange of hues, exalted by a scenery of sheer cliffs and sandy beaches.
From the age of Saracen incursions up to the present day, the sea has always represented the truest identity of Bonassola, generating an economic liveliness fostered by the growth of tourism.
First-quality comforts, services and connections enrich your immersion into nature, a pleasure to enjoy 365 days a year. Live your stay according to your own pace, alternating lazy days on the beach and rewarding excursions along the trails of the entroterra. The hike to the Madonna della Punta offers scenic views encompassing Punta Mesco and the Portofino promontory - as well as further tracks to Framura. The visit of the church of Santa Caterina (18th century ) proposes a touching collection of ex voto, the symbols of popular devotion. The tour of the hills, among vineyards and olive groves, is the occasion to taste exquisite wines and oils.
Gem after gem, the road takes you to Levanto: its old district is a wonder to explore slowly, searching the jewels of this ancient city. Highlights include the austere church devoted to Sant’Andrea, protecting artistic treasures behind its black and white façade (above all, a 14th century wooden Crucifix); the loggia comunale in Piazza del Popolo, core of the civil and commercial life of the centre; the many noble palazzi, former dwellings of the local aristocracy…