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Tellaro
The cliff-top village on the Gulf of Poets: San Giorgio on the rocks, the bell-ringing octopus, alleys, coves and trails…
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Tellaro trails: walking to Lerici and Montemarcello
CAI trails from Tellaro to Lerici, La Serra, Barbazzano, Fiascherino and Montemarcello: routes, walking times, difficulty and the bus back.
- Main trail
- CAI 433from Montemarcello to Lerici, passing above Tellaro
- Tellaro–Lerici
- up to 3 hours on trails 431433 and 461, via Portesone and La Serra
- Zanego–Tellaro
- about 2 hours downhillon trails 433 and 439 or 466
- Difficulty
- hiking gradeE): steps, stones and steep stretches, no exposed or protected sections
- Best season
- October to Mayin summer start at dawn
- Getting back
- ATC bus Tellaro–Lericiabout 15 minutes
Tellaro is the end point of some of the finest walks on the Gulf of Poets. From the hills of the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara park, old mule tracks drop through centuries-old olive groves, dry-stone walls and Mediterranean scrub, with the sea always in front of you. This guide covers the main routes between Tellaro, Lerici, La Serra, Fiascherino and Montemarcello, with CAI trail numbers, walking times and practical tips.
Before you set off
Trails are waymarked in red and white with CAI and park numbers. Distances are short, but nearly always on steps and stony ground: wear hiking shoes with a good grip, not smooth trainers. In summer the upper sections are exposed to the sun: carry at least a litre of water per person.
Some hikers report that the lowest stretch towards Tellaro has been damaged by small landslides. Before you go, check trail conditions with the Lerici tourist office or on the Montemarcello-Magra-Vara park website, and avoid the trails during weather alerts or after heavy rain.
Tellaro to Lerici via Portesone and La Serra
This is the classic route and the one the municipality of Lerici suggests from Tellaro. From the upper village climb on trails 431 and 433 to the ruins of Portesone, an abandoned farming hamlet. A short stretch of trail 461 takes you to La Serra, a hill village with one of the widest views over the gulf. From here descend to Lerici, for example on trail 463.
- Time: up to 3 hours, excluding stops
- Elevation: a few hundred metres, with a climb at the start from Tellaro
- Suitable for: walkers used to steps; not for pushchairs
Walked the other way, from Lerici to Tellaro, it has the advantage of ending by the sea: a swim at the Marina, then the bus back. Guided walks covering the full Lerici–Barbazzano–Portesone–La Serra–Tellaro loop count about 9 km and 4 hours of walking.
Barbazzano and the descent to Fiascherino
Along trail 433, a detour on trail 432 leads to the ruins of Barbazzano, the village Tellaro’s founders came from, destroyed by Saracen raids. Among the olive trees stand a tower, the old gate and the remains of a small church of San Giorgio, still linked to the sea by old mule tracks.
From Barbazzano a short but sometimes steep path drops to Fiascherino. The municipality gives a maximum of 2 hours. Fiascherino is the cove where D. H. Lawrence lived in 1913–14: in summer you can end with a swim and walk back to Tellaro along the road in about ten minutes.
From Zanego to Tellaro
Zanego lies in the green hills of the park above Tellaro. From here follow trail 433 and then 439 or 466 down to the village: about 2 hours, almost all downhill, with constant sea views. Precisely because it is downhill, take care on steps that are wet or covered in pine needles.
Towards Montemarcello and Punta Bianca
Trail 433 continues south to Montemarcello, the ridge-top village on the headland, in the municipality of Ameglia. This is the longest and toughest section: variants that drop to Punta Bianca and climb back up have been recorded by hikers at 13–15 km, 3–5 hours and several hundred metres of ascent. Allow a full day and check the route on an up-to-date map before you go.
From the ridge the view takes in the mouth of the Magra, the Apuan Alps and, to the west, Portovenere and its islands.
Practical tips
- Where to park: preferably not in Tellaro, where spaces are few. Park in Lerici, walk to Tellaro and take the bus back.
- Bus: the Tellaro–Lerici line takes about fifteen minutes; check the last bus on the ATC Esercizio website.
- Season: spring and autumn are perfect; in July and August start early to beat the heat.
- What to bring: water, a hat, shoes with a grippy sole and, in summer, a swimsuit.
- Maps: the CAI trail map can be downloaded from the Lerici tourism website; keep a GPX track on your phone too.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Tellaro trails
How long does it take to walk from Lerici to Tellaro?
It depends on the route: on the park trails via La Serra and Portesone, the municipality gives a maximum of three hours. The more direct variants on trail 433 take about two hours.
Is the Lerici–Tellaro trail difficult?
It is a hiking trail with no exposed sections, but with lots of steps, stones and a few steep stretches. You need basic fitness and proper shoes.
Can I take the bus back from Tellaro to Lerici?
Yes, the ATC bus links Tellaro with Lerici in about 15 minutes. Check the timetable, especially in the evening and on public holidays.
What is Barbazzano?
The hill village from which Tellaro was born, abandoned after Saracen raids. A tower, the gate and a small church remain, reached on trail 432.
Can you walk from Tellaro to Montemarcello?
Yes, on trail 433. It is the longest and hardest section: allow a full day if you also go down to Punta Bianca.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Tellaro
All places to stay in Tellaro on Booking: compare prices and availability.
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