Tellaro by the Sea: Carruggi, Churches and Coastal Paths

Tellaro: Sea, Carruggi and History

Tellaro combines narrow Ligurian carruggi, historic buildings and a distinctive coastal landscape. Between tightly packed houses, local history, maritime vistas and hiking routes come together. If you would like to combine culture and outdoor activity on a trip, the possibilities range from churches and the remains of defensive walls to a signposted circular hiking route.

A Dense Townscape with Ligurian Character

Tellaro’s townscape consists of narrow Ligurian carruggi between tightly packed houses. Since 2004, Tellaro has been a member of the Club of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages”. Both features define the village’s special character: its architecture remains closely connected to the organically developed townscape, while membership of the club marks its classification among Italy’s particularly beautiful villages.

Churches and Traces of the Past

Tellaro’s newer parish church is dedicated to Maria Stella Maris. The church of Stella Maris houses a panel painting of the Madonna, Child and angels that originally stood in the church of San Giorgio. San Giorgio was built in its essential parts between 1564 and 1584 and stands directly by the sea. One of Tellaro’s defensive towers was converted into the church’s bell tower.

Sottoria and Oratorio

The Sottoria is the surviving remnant of a covered defensive wall built in the Middle Ages. An 18th-century wrought-iron gate marks the entrance to the Sottoria gallery. This gallery is approximately 70 metres long and 2.20 metres wide. For visitors interested in culture, this is where the compact town structure comes together with tangible traces of its history of fortification.

The Oratorio S. Maria ’n Selàa is one of the oldest places of religious worship in Tellaro. The deconsecrated oratorio is used for civil weddings as well as exhibitions and events. The historic washhouses at the marina are also part of the area’s past: until the middle of the 20th century, they served as a place for the community to come together.

Marina, Cliffs and Coves

Tellaro’s marina has a small harbour filled with boats. Behind the marina, a cliff path offers views of the village, the islands of the Gulf of Poets and the rugged coast of Fiascherino. From the road to Lerici near Tellaro, convenient steps lead to the cliffs and onward to the coves of Fiascherino. This makes it possible to explore the townscape, harbour and coastal formations as closely connected themes, without them having to form a single excursion.

Hiking Routes with Different Profiles

The Tellaro–Portesone–Barbazzano–Fiascherino route takes one hour, has an elevation gain of 115 metres and is rated difficulty level E. It leads through olive groves to the ruins of Portesone and Barbazzano. In addition, the Tellaro–La Serra–Rocchetta–Zanego–Tellaro route is a signposted circular hike.

Within the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara Regional Nature Park, Tellaro is connected to Lerici, La Serra and Montemarcello by several scenic paths.

More Destinations

For further orientation, you can also visit Castello, Pitelli, Lavaggiorosso, Bonassola, Ponzano Superiore, Piana Battolla, Rio and Framura.

For the higher-level travel overview: La Spezia.