La Spezia / Gulf of Poets - along the West coast

The city of La Spezia overlooks a small gulf of wonderful landscape value, at a latitude that has allowed it to be a hinge between European culture and the more typically Mediterranean and maritime culture. This has been reflected in the gastronomic culture, in the forms of architecture and the colors of the paintings created by frequently passing artists, engaged in the "Grand Tour" journey from the continent to southern Italy, seeking inspiration from the wonders of classicism. That's where the nickname "Gulf of Poets" comes from, and rightly so, as it is embellished by the presence of many small but precious villages, often of medieval origin. There are plenty of options to explore and admire this land, and here's one . With a private driver, we'll discover the West side of the bay, heading Portovenere and stopping along the way to walk around some of the villages, less crowded than other spots, and therefore precious / "Seeking a vernacular beauty, along the coast".