San Terenzo
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Latest page update: 25 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in San Terenzo
San Terenzo has a modest but appealing selection of established hotels, reflecting its relaxed seaside character and proximity to Lerici. Most accommodation is positioned close to the promenade and sandy bay, offering convenient access to the waterfront, local restaurants and coastal walks. Standards are steady, and the best-reviewed options focus on comfort, sea views and a friendly, traditional Riviera atmosphere.
Among the top choices, Hotel San Terenzo sits directly on the seafront, offering modern rooms, balconies over the bay and consistently positive feedback for its location and service (€€€). Hotel Shelley e delle Palme in nearby Lerici provides a refined setting on the waterfront, appreciated for its elegant style, wellness facilities and views across the Gulf (€€€). Also close by, Hotel Florida Lerici offers comfortable rooms facing the sea, a welcoming atmosphere and strong reviews for hospitality, cleanliness and convenience (€€).
Among the top choices, Hotel San Terenzo sits directly on the seafront, offering modern rooms, balconies over the bay and consistently positive feedback for its location and service (€€€). Hotel Shelley e delle Palme in nearby Lerici provides a refined setting on the waterfront, appreciated for its elegant style, wellness facilities and views across the Gulf (€€€). Also close by, Hotel Florida Lerici offers comfortable rooms facing the sea, a welcoming atmosphere and strong reviews for hospitality, cleanliness and convenience (€€).
Where is
Where is San Terenzo?
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The seaside town of San Terenzo is situated on the Riviera di Levante in the Province of La Spezia. It has a population of 1,200 inhabitants and is located 107 kilometres south east of Genoa, the regional capital of Liguria.
The recommended accommodation is the Hotel Florida Lerici which is situated a few kilometres around the bay. |
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San Terenzo - frazione di Lerici
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Comune: Lerici
Province: La Spezia Region: Liguria Highlights: beach Close by: Fiascherino, Tellaro, Sarzana, Montemarcello |
What People Ask About San Terenzo, Liguria
Is San Terenzo worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in San Terenzo?
How do I get to San Terenzo?
What is San Terenzo known for?
When is the best time to visit San Terenzo?
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Discover
Discover San Terenzo
San Terenzo lies on the eastern side of the Gulf of La Spezia, just a short distance from Lerici. The village is built around a sandy bay, framed by pastel-coloured houses and overlooked by the Castello di San Terenzo, a fortress that stands on a rocky spur at the edge of the sea. Its seafront promenade links directly with Lerici, making it part of a continuous stretch of coastline.
The sheltered beach is one of the main attractions, while the surrounding hills provide scenic walks with views over the gulf. Connections by bus and road lead to La Spezia, where train services link to the Cinque Terre and beyond, while boat routes across the gulf are easily reached from nearby Lerici. San Terenzo offers a balance of local character and close ties to the larger centres of the Gulf of Poets.
The sheltered beach is one of the main attractions, while the surrounding hills provide scenic walks with views over the gulf. Connections by bus and road lead to La Spezia, where train services link to the Cinque Terre and beyond, while boat routes across the gulf are easily reached from nearby Lerici. San Terenzo offers a balance of local character and close ties to the larger centres of the Gulf of Poets.
Things to Do
Things to Do in San Terenzo
- San Terenzo Castle overlooks the bay from a rocky promontory and was built in the 15th century to defend the village from pirate attacks. Though modest in size, it offers sweeping views of the coastline and Gulf of La Spezia. The interior occasionally hosts exhibitions and cultural events. The castle is reached by a short path from the seafront.
- Church of San Terenzo Martire stands near the centre and dates to the 17th century, built over an earlier chapel. Its façade is simple, but the interior contains decorative altars, frescoes and a statue of the town’s patron saint. The church remains active and is the focal point of religious celebrations. It sits just a few steps from the beach.
- Lungomare and beaches stretch from San Terenzo to nearby Lerici, with a wide pedestrian promenade along the shore. The main beach is sandy and shallow, ideal for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. Several free and serviced beach areas are available. The promenade is popular for evening walks and sea views.
- Literary history and villa visits link San Terenzo with writers such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley, who stayed in nearby Villa Magni. Though the villa is privately owned, its exterior can be admired from the beach. The literary connection is commemorated through plaques and walking routes. The town forms part of the Gulf of Poets.
- Boat trips and coastal walks provide access to Lerici, Tellaro and the nearby coves of the Ligurian coast. Ferries operate in high season and offer panoramic views of the coastline. Walking trails along the cliffs pass pine woods, viewpoints and small beaches. These routes are best enjoyed in spring and early autumn.
Tours and Activities
San Terenzo Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in San Terenzo
- Ristorante La Luna: Specialising in traditional Ligurian cuisine, La Luna offers a selection of fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and regional specialties. Located by the seafront, it provides beautiful views of the Ligurian coast, creating a perfect setting for a relaxed meal. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Ristorante Il Vicoletto: Known for its delicious Italian and Mediterranean dishes, Il Vicoletto focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Situated in the charming town of San Terenzo, it offers a cosy atmosphere ideal for a memorable dining experience. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Trattoria I Portici: A family-run restaurant famous for its home-style cooking, Trattoria I Portici offers a variety of Ligurian dishes, including seafood, pasta, and locally sourced meats. Located near the town's main square, it provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Ristorante Da Maria: Specialising in seafood and traditional Italian cuisine, Ristorante Da Maria is known for its fresh fish and homemade pasta. Located close to the beach, it offers a lovely spot for a relaxed meal with scenic views. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
- Ristorante Il Golfo: This charming restaurant offers a variety of Ligurian and Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Situated near the waterfront, Il Golfo provides a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a meal by the sea. Price guide: €€€ (mid-range).
Photo Gallery
San Terenzo Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to San Terenzo
Sitting on the eastern shore of the famed Golfo dei Poeti, San Terenzo is situated among some of Italy's most glamorous resorts, with the most famous of those, Portovenere lying on the opposite shore, a 35 minute drive away. Again though, driving can create problems as if you thought the parking was difficult in San Terenzo, just try and get a place in Portovenere during the summer!
Between San Terenzo and Portovenere lies the port city of La Spezia which has its own interesting touches. It's just ten kilometres from San Terenzo and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. La Spezia enjoys a position of importance in terms of tourism as many people that visit the Cinque Terre, use the town's accommodation facilities and take the train to the five villages which lie beyond the headland of Portovenere. In the opposite direction to La Spezia there's a lovely little town called Tellaro that doesn't get as busy as the other towns nearby and is full of charm, taking its rightful place among the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia.
Between San Terenzo and Portovenere lies the port city of La Spezia which has its own interesting touches. It's just ten kilometres from San Terenzo and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. La Spezia enjoys a position of importance in terms of tourism as many people that visit the Cinque Terre, use the town's accommodation facilities and take the train to the five villages which lie beyond the headland of Portovenere. In the opposite direction to La Spezia there's a lovely little town called Tellaro that doesn't get as busy as the other towns nearby and is full of charm, taking its rightful place among the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia.
Liguria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
1. Cinque Terre
2. Portofino
3. Sestri Levante
4. Camogli
5. Rapallo
6. Portovenere
7. Lerici
8. Santa Margherita Ligure
9. Genoa
10. Finalborgo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Liguria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to San Terenzo
The nearest airport is Pisa International Airport, about 70 km away, offering both domestic and international flights. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is another option, approximately 90 km from San Terenzo.
For those traveling by train, the closest railway station is La Spezia, which is around 10 km away. From La Spezia, local buses or taxis can take you to San Terenzo.
Alternatively, you can travel by car via the A12 motorway, reaching San Terenzo by taking the La Spezia exit.
The town is well connected by local buses, providing convenient access to nearby locations, and is within easy reach of the beautiful coastal towns along the Italian Riviera.
For those traveling by train, the closest railway station is La Spezia, which is around 10 km away. From La Spezia, local buses or taxis can take you to San Terenzo.
Alternatively, you can travel by car via the A12 motorway, reaching San Terenzo by taking the La Spezia exit.
The town is well connected by local buses, providing convenient access to nearby locations, and is within easy reach of the beautiful coastal towns along the Italian Riviera.
Private Transfers
San Terenzo Private Transfers
A private transfer to San Terenzo is the most convenient way to reach this coastal town, avoiding the need to manage buses or parking close to the seafront. Your driver will collect you from your chosen location and take you directly to your destination.
From San Terenzo, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is around 75 km away, with a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies roughly 120 km to the northwest, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. Florence Airport (Peretola) is approximately 150 km away, with a transfer time of just over 2 hours. The nearby town of Lerici can be reached in 5 minutes, while La Spezia is around 20 minutes away.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From San Terenzo, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is around 75 km away, with a journey time of about 1 hour 10 minutes. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies roughly 120 km to the northwest, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. Florence Airport (Peretola) is approximately 150 km away, with a transfer time of just over 2 hours. The nearby town of Lerici can be reached in 5 minutes, while La Spezia is around 20 minutes away.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
