This small village, standing at approximately 300 metres above sea level, was initially founded in the early medieval age with the name of Roccanera, most likely dealing with the core activity of local crafts, the sandstone manufacture. In the 13th century, the village moved its seat slightly, around the defensive fortress built by the Genovese government; when this castle lost its military importance, in the 16th century, the inhabitants moved the settlement on the current site. Today, Biassa is well known for the vine cultivation and the production of Sciacchetrà, a well known white wine.

This small village earned its importance through the centuries by s main activities: fishing, boat building and marble caves. These caves, some of which re still active, provide the precious and well known "Portoro" marble, characterized by its golden shades on a black surround. Today, Le Grazie is also well known for being the only Italian seat of a specialized academy for underwater sports.

A UNESCO heritage site since 1997, together with the Cinque Terre and the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, this small village may have existed even six centuries before Christ. It was an important harbor in the Medieval age, hosting the Bizantine fleet before the 7th century and being the commercial outpost of St. Columban's monks from Bobbio. Later, it became a military settlement under the government of the Genovese Republic. Its main attractions are the gothic church of St. Peter and the impressive Doria castle, symbol of the Genovese supremacy on Eastern Liguria. On the Western edge of the village lies the so-called Byron's cave, a rocky cove flanked by a sea cave.