Liguria offers a wide choice of activities that are ideal for team building outings, as well as great venues for corporate events. Last but not least, the beauty of this region also provides businessmen and employees with a relaxing and inspiring environment that can only make corporate travel a more pleasant and enriching experience.
The eastern Riviera – known as the Gulf of Poets or the Gulf of La Spezia, has quite a reputation for being an inspirational territory. In fact, many writers and artists chose to live here in the past – including writers David Herbert Lawrence and Percy Bysshe Shelley, writer and painter George Sand, and poet Lord Byron.
The Bay of Poets is home to some exquisite, little-known gems that are 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.
One such idyllic village is Portovenere, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Island of Palmaria and the Cinque Terre.
Its location is ideal for corporate travel because from Portovenere, you can reach the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto in 5 minutes; Lerici, La Spezia, Riomaggiore and Manarola within 30 minutes; Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Sarzana within 50 minutes; while Portofino and Versilia are 2 hours away. Boats depart frequently from Portovenere’s harbor, connecting it to other sea villages on the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre. The village can also be easily reached by bus or car. La Spezia Train Station is a 30-minute drive away.
Team building in Portovenere
Many activities can be organized for team-building outings in and around Portovenere. Cooking lessons are among the most popular options because they are a true catalyzer for creativity and teamwork. Groups can join local chefs and learn about seasonal food, gastronomic traditions, and genuine recipes. They can test newly acquired knowledge by putting their aprons on and preparing some homemade pasta and a delicious dessert. The culinary adventure ends around the table, where all participants can enjoy their creations.
Visiting wineries and vineyards is another rewarding experience at any time of the year. The visit – during which participants get to know about grape varieties, harvest techniques, production and traditions – ends with a wine-tasting session. Groups traveling during early fall can witness the ancient tradition of grape harvest on the terraced hills of the Ligurian Riviera.
Sports are the ultimate test for teamwork and leadership skills. 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. All of these protected areas offer the opportunity to enjoy orienteering, trekking and cycling itineraries, as well as diving and other water sports.
In addition – needless to say – the area is ideal for cultural, artistic & history-related activities. Groups can visit local castles, museums and churches. They can meet local artisans in their workshops and join them in crafting products while listening to their stories about heritage and traditional work methods. Unusual attractions include the Naval Museum at La Spezia, where visitors can learn about the Arsenal of the Italian Navy, or the marble caves in nearby Carrara, which provided the foundation for masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David.
Corporate Events in Portovenere
The Gulf of Poets offers some hotels with facilities for corporate meetings. One of them is the only 5-star boutique hotel in the Bay of La Spezia: Grand Hotel Portovenere.
The hotel’s historic building used to host the Saint Francis Convent in the XVII century, and was transformed into a hotel in 1970. In 2014, after careful renovations with special attention to maintaining the original architectural features and revisiting them in a modern way to ensure maximum comfort – the Grand Hotel reopened its doors with its new design and understated elegance.
Sala Lerici is the hotel’s events room. It can accommodate up to 120 guests and can be set up to suit the needs of events such as business briefings, product launches, exhibitions and seminars.
The hotel also features the panoramic Palmaria Restaurant, where the chef and his team are able to customize a selection of menus for business lunches, gala dinners, coffee breaks, and more.
Are you interested in organizing team-building outings and corporate events in Portovenere? Contact the Grand Hotel for customized quotations, ideas and assistance.
Grand Hotel Portovenere – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5 – 19025 Portovenere (SP)
Visit: portoveneregrand.com
