On the Italian Riviera, just east from Sanremo, lies San Lorenzo al Mare, a perfect seaside resort town. Its a well-known destination for Italians and other Europeans looking for that ideal Ligurian beach experience. (You can see Riviera Route's video introduction to San Lorenzo here).
But just a few kilometres inland from San Lorenzo lies the little-known treasure of Lecchiore village and its "little lakes" ("laghetti" in Italian). More accurately, these should be translated in this case as "rock pools". The spring mountain waters from the Ligurian Alps cascade down the valley, creating several dozen little pools of crystal-clear mineral water. The pools can be reached on foot from Lecchiore village by following the clearly-marked pathway. Surrounded by a dense oak and chestnut forest, the 20-minute gentle hike is a pleasure in itself.
The pools are the perfect spot for those looking to relax outdoors this summer, away from the sometimes crowded beaches of the coast. The spring water is cool, as you might expect, but on a hot summer's day, alternating between a cool dip and sunbathing on a warm sunny rock is the perfect way to stay refreshed.
Avoiding crowds and socialising safely outdoors has become a priority for many of us over the last year. Lecchiore's natural garden is perfect for this. Pack a picnic, a pair of good hiking boots, some drinks to chill in the natural pools, and get ready to discover one of the Italian Riviera's best-kept secrets.
Note: Italy began relaxing travel restrictions between regions on 26 April 2021, and international borders are expected to open to visitors in the early summer.
Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.
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