Autumn in the Bay of Poets

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Are you planning a fall break in Italy? After all, this colorful season is just around the corner! If you are looking for a charming destination full of character and entertaining activities, consider enjoying autumn in Liguria – particularly in the Bay of Poets (or the Bay of La Spezia).

The fantastic scenery here is a feast for your eyes and soul. The name stems from the inspiration and impact that the area had on poets and artists. Among them: were writers David Herbert Lawrence and Percy Bysshe Shelley, writer and painter George Sand, and poet Lord Byron.

As one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ligurian Riviera, the Bay of Poets is famous for its idyllic sea landscapes and beaches. However, the local territory offers more than just summer beach tourism. Small villages with ancient traditions, local artistic legacy, delicious wine & food, and the strategic location between the Cinque Terre and Tuscany are some of the features that make the Bay of La Spezia a great destination even for a visit in off-peak seasons like autumn.

Village Hopping

The Bay of Poets is home to some exquisite, little-known gems ideally located next to each other and near world-famous destinations like Cinque Terre and Portofino in Liguria, the Versilia Riviera in Tuscany, and Milan in Lombardy.

SELECT A GUIDE:

click to read the dedicated guide with attractions and activities (links open in a new window).

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fall trip bay of poets autumn holidays

From Portovenere and La Spezia you can catch the ferryboat that takes you directly to the Cinque Terre (La Spezia also offers train service from its central station to each village) or taxi boats for any destination of your choice.

The importance and uniqueness of this part of the Ligurian Coast were recognized by UNESCO, which listed Portovenere and the Cinque Terre as a World Heritage Site.

Are you in the area only for a short break? Here are some tips for enjoying “48 Hours in Portovenere and Cinque Terre”.

Nature Sports & Eco-Tourism

The Gulf of La Spezia is home to the beautiful Island of Palmaria and the Islets of Tino and Tinetto, as well as to the Regional Nature Park of Portovenere and its Protected Marine Area. The neighboring territory is also another safeguarded sanctuary thanks to the Cinque Terre National Park and its Marine Protected Area.

These protected areas offer the opportunity to enjoy trekking and cycling itineraries, diving and other water sports, and even eno-gastronomic routes. One of them is the Sciacchetrail – a unique path that mixes trail running among the vineyards and getting to know the Sciacchetrà and other local wines.

SELECT A GUIDE:

Click on each thumbnail to learn more about each nature reserve, local fauna and flora, and activities (links open in a new window).

PORTOVENERE FALL TRIP CINQUE TERRE (2)
PORTOVENERE FALL TRIP CINQUE TERRE
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PORTOVENERE FALL TRIP CINQUE TERRE (2)
PORTOVENERE FALL TRIP CINQUE TERRE
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Foodie Fall: wine and seasonal cuisine

With the picturesque colors and that particular feeling that is unique to autumn, visiting vineyards and wineries during fall is an enriching experience. Foodies can indulge in wine-tasting sessions and guided tastings of local products and recipes.

A fun activity for adults and children alike is to get your aprons on and join a cooking lesson with local chefs. The experience usually ends at the table, where participants enjoy their culinary creations.

Autumn Events in and around Portovenere

Portovenere will host the Navy Caiman Race on 30 September and 1 October, and the International Poetry Festival on 7 and 8 October 2023.

La Spezia will host the first Italian Oyster Festival on 6, 7 and 8 October 2023.

From Portovenere you can easily organize day trips around the region and even in neighboring Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.

Two unusual and fantastic events that take place in places less than 2 hours’ drive away from Portovenere are:

  • Raduno Vele Storiche Viareggio – The meeting of Vintage Sailboats in Viareggio has become one of the most attended events in the sailing world. It takes place from 12 to 15 October 2023.
  • Lucca Comics and Games – This is an internationally acclaimed event dedicated to comics, cartoons, games and video games. In 2023, the main festival takes place from 1 to 5 November, while a series of exhibitions are displayed from 14 October to 5 November.

What are your fall travel plans? Would you consider enjoying autumn in Liguria?

Share your thoughts below!


Photo credits: cover image byArgyrios Gerentes (genovagerry on Flickr).

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