By Catherine Sabino

Cinque Terre’s fame has brought Italy’s southern Riviera new attention, with travelers seeking out neighboring villages in search of extra helpings of rustic coastal charm. Portovenere, although an outstanding destination in its own right, has sometimes been dubbed the “sixth” of the five famed hamlets because of its proximity to the southernmost Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore.

Like Portovenere, the town of Lerici sits with tantalizing allure on the Gulf of La Spezia (”Gulf of Poets”), although on its lesser-known eastern shores. As with Portovenere, it has been attracting notice from Cinque Terre fans, but also from a cohort of privileged visitors, the type who tends to turn up at international hot spots like Capri and Forte dei Marmi. They’ve been coming not just to visit, but for extended stays in secluded vacation homes (or to look at buying one) in the hills along the coast, known for its ethereal views … continue reading

Catherine Sabino has worked for magazines in Italy and the US, and was editor-in-chief of Forbes Special Interest Publications, Gotham Magazine and Four Seasons Magazine, a travel and lifestyle publication. In addition to living and going to school in Italy, she has written two books on Italian design, published by Crown/Clarkson Potter, and has produced features from many regions in Italy and countries in Europe. Her focus is on travel in Italy and Western Europe.