They say the best kept secret destinations to visit are usually known by locals, just like the small fishing village of Tellaro Italy. So when I was visiting friends in Lerici Italy and they took me sailing on their yacht, I was not expecting what they were about to show me.
Tellaro Village
Perched on a cliff along the Ligurian coast of La Spezia, is the picturesque fishing village of Tellaro Italy. Its coloured buildings worn by the sun and the sea, cocoon the small harbour that opens into the ocean.
Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, you can see why it has been a lure for poets and artists looking for inspiration over the centuries.
As we came around the corner sailing the first thing I noticed was the church of St. George. Erected on a rock overlooking the sea it dominates the landscape. I automatically think of Cinque Terre and wonder why I had not heard of this beautiful place before now, but then I remember my friend informing me that they kept this place to themselves to visit.
⇒ Don’t forget your camera for taking all those stunning shots of the fishing villages along the Italian coast.
The Legend – Giant Octopus
My friend informs me as we get closer to an interesting local legend story about a giant Octopus. He says legend has it that centuries ago, Tellaro was fodder for pirate pillaging. To protect the village and warn the locals of pirates arriving, a guard was placed in the church tower to ring the bell. One fateful night the guard on duty had fallen asleep as pirates approached the village.
Tellaro’s protector, a giant octopus, sprung from the sea and climbed the church tower to ring the bells and alert the sleeping villagers, who were able to escape in time. With respect to local folklore a “Festival of the Octopus”, takes place every year on the second Sunday in August to commemorate this story.
⇒ Enjoy Italian history? Have about check out 5 Fun History Facts about Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Location Tellaro
Tellaro Italy is one of the last fishing villages lining the Ligurian coast before the beautiful region of Tuscany Italy. Unlike some of the other small villages that lace the Italian seaside that are connected via train, Tellaro is not. The closest international airport is Pisa and then you catch a direct train to Sarzana. From there you can catch a local bus or organise a transfer.
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Bus to Tellaro
The best way to get there is via bus, car or bike from Lerici, which is the next major village over. If you are staying in the surrounding villages in La Spezia or Cinque Terre then you can catch a ferry to Lerici and go from there. The bus is super cheap and only costs 1.50€ from Lerici
Driving to Tellaro
You can drive from Pisa or Florence to Tellaro Fishing village. Or alternatively, hire a car at any of the airports. Then you can also use it to get around the Italian Riviera. However, beware some of the roads can be narrow in some spots, so please drive with caution.
⇒ Check out Travel Supermarket for FREE, easy fast comparison on car rental in Italy.
Spend a day in Lerici
Only a short walking distance from Tellaro is the charming coastal town of Lerici Italy. It is roughly 3kms in distance one way. If you don’t feel like walking back then you can catch the local bus.
It is a great spot if you like to get something to eat or for having a drink at one of the local bars. There are lots of things to do in Lerici too, like visiting the medieval castle or exploring the local shops. On Saturday morning there is a local market held along the seafront.
Tip
- Lerici is where you can catch the 30 min local ferry to Cinque Terre and do the hiking trail.
Head to the beach in Fiascherino
Head over to the sandy beach at Fiascherino for a swim or for a bite to eat. It is only a 5 minutes walk and is located in between Tellaro and Lerici. The public beach is known as Fiascherino Beach 2 and not far from there is another small beach called bunker beach.
There are several restaurants in the area that serve local seafood and Ligurian dishes. Fiascherino also has a few hotels one being Fiascherino hotel, located on the beachfront. It is a beachfront retreat that offers an outdoor salt-water swimming pool and many other options.
Fiascherino is a good spot if you want to use it as a base while exploring the Gulf of La Spezia Italy
Tips for visiting Tallero
- Tallero Italy is small and will only need a couple of hours to explore the area.
- Obtain 24hr access to the internet in Europe for looking up maps and what to do in Italy.
- Go for a swim with the locals in the harbour before enjoying a spritzer or dinner in the afternoon.
- If you are in either Cinque Terre or Tuscany and have a spare day it is definitely worth a visit.
- The currency used in Tallero Italy is the Euro
- If you staying in Pisa or Florence, you can take a full-day full-day guided tour to Cinque Terre
- Have a drink at Bar La Marina down near the water in Tallero
Accommodation in Tellaro
I can recommend this lovely penthouse apartment available through Airbnb perfect view over Tellaro. There are no major hotels in Tellaro Italy but some small boutique hotels, B&B’s and apartments to rent. You can even stay at the campsite, which is only a kilometre away.
Camping
If you are on a budget there are two campsites available in the Tellaro area. Campeggio Gianna Golfo dei Poeti is located above the village and offers camping a swimming pool and small huts. Campeggio Maralunga is located in Fiascherino on the Lerici side. It is a smaller campsite that has a private path directly to sea access.
Staying in Lerici
If you are looking for a hotel or more options in regards to accommodation, then Lerici Italy is a great choice. Not only is it a bigger city but it is a great base for exploring the Italian Riviera and only 10minute ride on the bus to Tellaro. It is also where I stayed during my time in the area.
Would I recommend it?
You do not need an octopus festival as an excuse to visit Tellaro, Italy though – it’s a great side trip, especially if you are staying in Lerici, Cinque Terre or Tuscany. Not only is it full of some really interesting history but Tellaro definitely possesses its own charm that few other villages do. You can experience this yourself walking through the steep winding streets exploring and speaking to the locals.
It would be one of the most relaxing chilled places that I have been to especially when sitting with a spritzer, watching the locals and tourists alike mingling and enjoying a swim in the afternoon sun before dinner.
⇒ Here are some fantastic trip’s that you can do around Italian Riviera in Cinque Terre.
Explore other parts of Italy
Looking to explore other parts of Italy? Feel free to read the following articles for some inspiration. All are great options especially if you love the water and culture.
- Lake Garda: What to do in 48 hours
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Ultimate Ski Guide Italy
- Florence: Fun History Facts about Ponte Vecchio Bridge
- Monte Bondone: Things to do on a weekend Ski Trip
Thank you for reading this article ‘Tellaro Italy the local Italian secret’, I hope you enjoyed it. Tellaro Italy is such a charming and pretty seaside village to explore.
Have you been to Tellaro or any of the Italian Riviera before? Please feel free to share your experience in the comments below or if you know of any other places to see while in the surrounding area.
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I am always happy to help 🙂
Disclaimer: All views are my own based on my own experience.
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It looks so picturesque and how lovely to see it from a yacht. I like the story of the octopus!
Thanks, Suze. I am glad you like the story. Once I wrote the octopus story, I made sure I ran it by my friend to make sure I correct on all points he said 🙂
Looks great. I havent explored this coast at all – definitely something to plan for our next Italian jaunt! And how amazing to arrive by yacht!
To be honest, I would not have gone if my friends had not lived there. I am so glad that I did and I will definitely go back for sure. Let me know when you go, I will be happy to help
Stunning photos! Great read too. Often the best way is to visit with locals and great to see it from the sea too.
Thank you Sally, I struggled to decide on what pictures to use as I took so many of the area.
Beautiful village of Italy! It’s so worth going off the beaten path!
I concur Plushy, it definitely was worth it and I am so glad that I listened to my friends. I want to go back and explore the other villages around it.
I love little stories like the Octopus one, it’s enough to make me visit! I’m definitely including this when we visit cinque terre.
I love the little stories about places as well. I also wonder though how they come about and how close they are to the truth. Let me know when you go and I will be happy to give you tips on getting there etc.
I love little towns in Italy and this one looks so charming. Everyone always talks about the villages of Cinque Terre, but this one looks just as nice and from what I see there are hardly any tourists around. Bookmarking for our next trip to Italy.
I love Cinque Terre but it has gotten so busy over the years. It was so nice to go to a place just as beautiful and not have any of the crowds. The locals are also happy to chat away to you there as well which I loved.
Gosh what an absolutely beautiful place I love discovering new places in Italy
Thanks Mini Travellers, is definitely worth the adventure even for a couple of hours to explore.
wow very cool…this looks almost medieval. its quaint, cool, hidden…like a less tourist Cinque Terre
I never thought about it like that but so true on the medieval. I went to Cinque Terre years ago but I understand it is really busy now, which is a shame.
Love the pictures in your post. It really brings the town to life!
Thank you very much Cristal, I love taking pictures. I also share them on IG 🙂
I really do love reading your posts & looking at your pictures. I enjoyed the Octopus story too. Another one for the bucketlist.
Thank you very much Kim, I appreciate your kind words and it is really nice to know your enjoying posts.
Great pictures
Thanks, Troy 🙂
Tellaro is so lovely…All of Italy, each little village is so picturesque, isn’t it? One cannot decide which place to leave out. We are going to Italy next month, and I wish we could include Tellaro too, but already so full!
I concur Punita 🙂 Where are you going to? I love Italy in general and I have been so many times now. I am always finding new places to explore and see 🙂
That looks gorgeous! I love the pictures!
Thank you very much, Vicky. I took so many pictures it was hard to decide which ones to use 🙂
Wow what a beautiful place! We are planning a trip to Italy next year! I am going to keep this in mind when making our plans!
It is a little of the beaten track but definitely worth a visit and as it is beautiful and does not have the crowds. Have a great trip and definitely top me a line when you go and I will be happy to give you some tips, if you like.
Been there several times. Be sure to climb the trail above Tellaro for some spectacular views.
I wish I knew this when I was there. I am going back next year so I will definitely keep in mind as I love hiking.
What a beautiful place, I haven’t heard of this area in Italy before. The pictures capture the place well too.
I’ve been to Italy numerous times and really did try and find some of the most out of the way places although if I’m honest, I’ve never heard of Tellaro or the Octopus festival. It will unfortunately be quite some time before I’m back in Italy but I’ll definitely pass this tip along to my European friends as some of these shots are really spectacular. Such a quintessentially Italian slice of life
To be honest, I would haven never known about this place either if it was not for my friends taking me there. They are based in Lerici which is only a 10min bus ride away from Tellaro, also definitely worth a visit. You could do the both in a day without a problem. Hope your travels are going well and looking forward to more of your fun posts.
I could have guesses that Tellaro must be somewhere around Cinque Terre. It looks so similar with Manarola and Riomaggiore. I’ve spent about 4 days in the area and I absolutely loved it! What a great part of Italy to live in!
Cinque Terre is about a 30minute boat ride away from Porto Venere. I loved the area to and I hope to get back again next year. I did tell my friends that they are lucky to live in such a beautiful area 🙂
What a beautiful town! I had never heard of Tellaro before, but something to consider next time I go to Italy! I’ve never been to Cinqueterre before, so if they’re close, I might include this in my itinerary as well. Thanks for sharing this great post and photos
It is only about a 30min boat ride from Porto Venere, which is the last village around the Cinque Terre coastline. It is a little out of the way but worth the visit if you get the chance. Btw thank you in regards to my pictures too.
Never heard about it, and I lived close to there for more than 30 years, trust me! 😀
I’ll give it a try next time I’m back on the coast 🙂
You lived in Italy, wow lucky you. Don’t worry I am from Australia and there is still plenty of places there I have not been too.
The perks of having local friends! I only visited Italy for the first time last month and spent a few days in Rome. One day I was to hire a car and drive the coasts. Tellaro looks so quaint and I love that there’s an octopus festival!
The problem now is that once you have visited Rome then you get addicted and want to keep going back for more 🙂 I hope that you had a wonder time in Rome. Definitely, let me know when you go back and I will be happy to give you some tips.
Thank you for sharing this great secret spot with us! I’ve wanted to visit Cinque Terre for a while now and I’ve been looking around for some awesome things to see and do and this seems like the perfect day trip. Probably wouldn’t have found this gem without you!
You are more than welcome 🙂 You can catch the local ferry to Lerici and then it is a 10minute bus ride from there. Definitely, check at Lerici and go up to the castle for some great views. You can definitely be able to do both in a day.
Tellaro looks so beautiful and postcard-pretty destination. Though I’ve never heard about it before!
You will definitely have to add this to your list, Ana.
What a lovely place??? Have u gone fishing? This is the kind of place I wanna see and visit when Im on vacation. Looks very peaceful
I did not go fishing, I was sailing and relaxing. Definitely worth a visit.
This cute little place looks amazing! But then again everything in Italy is absolutely adorable! I love the octopus story. I am planning a trip to Italy and still thinking of itineraries.
Definitely just to pop passed here if you are in the area. The best way is catching the 10minute bus ride from Lerici, which is worth a visit too. Both villages can easily been done in a day. Drop me a line if you need anymore tips or have questions
Whoa!
How can one not be bewitched by Tellaro!
The castles, the medieval houses, the general aura of the place seems godly!
Thanks a ton for this post!
Thanks, Vibhav. It really was a beautiful little place and I hope to go back next year sometime. 🙂
This is a picturesque town. I would not want to be in a hotel when I am there because I would love to experience staying in one of those apartments. Lovely 🙂
You will be glad to know there are no big hotels there but little B&B and apartments with balconies. It is really quiet there too which I loved.
Your photos are breathtaking! This shows why it’s good to go beyond the big cities and popular tourist destinations. I found a “secret” village in Italy too, not far from Pompeii. I don’t remember the name but it was beautiful. Your article made me want to take a road trip around Italy!
Thank you very much, Olena I appreciate your kind feedback. Oh really, it is a shame you don’t remember the name of the place as I would have loved to look it up and check it out myself. How about you take me on your road trip next time 🙂
The fascinating land of Italy has a plenitude of well-kept secrets. The vibrant town Tellaro perched on the cliff looks so alluring. Would definitely plan a visit when in Italy.
Your best way to get there via Lerici which is only a 10minute bus ride away. Both places are definitely worth a visit when you go to Italy. Thanks for your comment
That’smthe best part of travel blogging…
introducing people to best kept secrets..
And the views are great here, almost caught in a time warp…
I concur on all points, it is great being able to find such gems of places to explore.
Thanks for letting the world in on a beautiful secret called Tellaro. The place is really something straight out of a picture postcard. The local legend of the Octopus is really fascinating. We would like to to explore the Tuscany next time and would love to get to this lovely place.
You are more thank welcome Vyjay 🙂 and I am glad that you like the story behind it. Let me know if you want any more tips and I will be happy to share.
It doesn’t seem to matter where I go, but the places I’ve been where I have some type of friend who is a local I always have a better time because of the cool secret places they take me. Photos look great. Thanks for sharing!
I concur, I love visiting friends and seeing an area from a different point of view. Thank you for your comment.
I love this story, it these beautiful little towns that I love, not overran by tourist. The octopus story is awesome to x
Thank you very much Mel, I appreciate your kind words and don’t worry I love a good story or two 🙂
I have never visited this part of Italy, but it looks stunning. I will add it to my list for when I visit Cinque Terre. I bet this place is more amazing though with less tourists. Am going to try and work in a few days here on my next trip to Italy 🙂
This place is definitely worth a visit, I only knew about it because my friends live there and showed me. It is about a 25min boat ride from the last village in Cinque Terre. Let me know how you go and if you need anymore information.
wow, what a beautiful place that looks like the houses on a fairy tale that hanging on a cliff with a beautiful design. It must be hard to put a house on a cliff near the seacoast, but it looks so awesome. Thank you so much for sharing!
This was stunning place to visit, I loved it so much especially wondering around the little streets exploring.
Tellaro looks like a toy town. Cute rustic colored buildings on the rock beside the sea is picture perfect for any photographer. Going to Cinque Terre through ferry would be very lovely voyage. I would prefer Air B & B stay.
This place was so pretty and I highly recommend it. This place does not have any hotels and everything is air bnb 🙂
Hi, we have just booked our vacation, 10 days pure relaxing, in this little gem of an Italian town. We never visited the place before and very much like to get all the tips for a great vacation. We are a family of four (tee children 5 and 7 years) and are giono to stay at the camping place. Hope you will share.