Beyond Cinque Terre: Discover the Gulf of Poets, Italy’s Quieter Coastal Gem

Walking through Montemarcello’s Strada Poetica: A road lined with vines and flowers and stops along the way exhibiting plaques with excerpts from famous poets. They lead through the town and even down to a local beach. As you walk along it, take a deep breath and notice the smell of the Jasmine plants.

The beach: There are many beaches in the Gulf Of Poets. Some require a reserved beach chair and have aperol spritz carts a step away, others you simply throw down a towel onto the nearest rock. If you look hard enough, you’ll find beaches encased by mountains that separate you from the world. As we all know, the most beautiful places aren’t always easily accessible, but if you don’t mind a hefty hike, you too can see the sandy beaches, with a locals only vibe.

Watch the sunsets: Our mountain top hotel offered the most romantic, hazy sunset, overlooking the sea with mountains along the horizon. With views from the pool, the restaurants, and the rooms, you felt like you weren’t just watching the sunset, but that you were a part of it.

Take a ferry to Cinque Terre: The best view of the colorful towns is from the water.

Jump from rocky inlets and coves: Swim your way through the inlets and coves of the Cinque Terre. It’s a landscape reminiscent of Peter Pan’s Neverland.

Enjoy the spa and pool at the Golfo Dei Poeti Hotel: Situated atop the mountains of Montemarcello, the tranquil pool overlooks the gulf. The spa dons steam rooms, outdoor saunas, and massage services you’ll not soon forget.

Eat: This can’t be overstated. The restaurants in the Gulf of Poets were some of the best I’ve experienced. From the hotel restaurant, worthy of Michelin recognition, to the mother daughter owned bistrot in the center piazza with an Italian/Moroccan twist, your taste buds will thank you. The scenery of the meals is just the cherry on top.

Golfo Dei poeti, Montemarcello. This hotel restaurant overlooks the sea from the mountaintop. With a menu that changes nightly—the presentation, service, and creative dishes make for a memorable night.

Dai pironcelli, Montemarcello: By reservation only, this restaurant resembles a small apartment, but holds some of the most authentic meals you’ll have in Liguria. Only cooking what’s locally available, be adventurous and try something new on the—changing daily—menu. I’d recommend the rabbit.

Il bistrot delle ragazze, Montemarcello: Owned by mother and daughters, they’ve put a Moroccan twist on Italian dishes to honor half of their heritage. The creamy ravioli with walnut dressing is out of this world.

Fish stand in Lerici: You won’t find it on a map or reviews online, but situated next to the small fishing boats of the Lerici marina is a food truck with some of the largest oysters I’ve seen. It doesn’t get much more fresh than watching the fisherman hand the oyster shucker a bag of his latest catch and serve it up right there.

Ristorante La Ferrara, Ameglia: Perfect for a light lunch as you’re leaving Montemarcello, La Ferrara serves up half bottles of wine, carpaccio and fried calamari. This rustic restaurant overlooking the mountains is a must stop.

Ristorante Belforte, Vernazza:This castle restaurant overlooking the coves of the Cinque Terre is the place to grab an apertivo while you wait for your ferry through the Cinque Terre. If you snag a table on the patio, you can watch people jumping into the sea while you sip your aperol spritz and banter with the lively waiters.