It is a hidden gem of Liguria, located in the municipality of Lerici, in the province of La Spezia. This small fishing village is famous for its breathtaking beauty and a truly fascinating legend: that of the bell-ringing octopus! Tellaro is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and it is easy to see why. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia, it is a true open-air museum. Its narrow streets, colorful houses, and sea views create a magical atmosphere that has attracted artists and writers from all over the world, such as Mario Soldati and Attilio Bertolucci.

But let's get to the legend! The story of the bell-ringing octopus is as fascinating as it is incredible. It is said that in the distant 1660, on a stormy night, Saracen pirates attempted a raid on the village. The Church of San Giorgio, located on a rocky spur overlooking the sea, had a sentinel in charge of ringing the bells in case of danger. That night, confident that no one would dare to challenge the stormy sea, the sentinel fell asleep. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, the church bells began to ring furiously. The inhabitants of Tellaro, awakened by the sound, rushed to defend the village, repelling the pirate attack. When they arrived at the church, they found the sentinel still blissfully asleep. And who was ringing the bells? A giant octopus, which had wrapped itself around the ropes and saved the village! In honor of this heroic octopus, there is a plaque on the facade of the Church of San Giorgio that reads: "Saraceni mare nostrum infestantes sunt noctu profligati quod polipus aer cirris suis sacrum pulsabat".

Isn't it fantastic? This legend has become an integral part of local culture. The octopus is everywhere in Tellaro: you find it depicted on house doors, on signs of local businesses, and even on walls. Every year, on the second Sunday of August, there is the Octopus Festival, a delightful celebration dedicated to this extraordinary animal. But Tellaro is not just legends and festivals. It is also an enchanting place to visit, with its Underwater Christmas, a unique celebration where the statue of Baby Jesus emerges from the waters brought by divers, illuminated by thousands of lights. Additionally, if you are a fan of competition, you can't miss the Palio del Golfo, a race between boats from various fishing villages in the Gulf of La Spezia, held every year at the beginning of August.

In short, Tellaro is a place where history, legend, and natural beauty blend into an irresistible mix. If you haven't visited it yet, put it on your wish list and book your "Sapore di Sale, Sapore di Lerici" boat tour with Polpara: a truly unique experience awaits you!