How to Get to Portovenere & Gulf of Poets

Portovenere is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site in Liguria, nestled between the rugged Cinque Terre and La Spezia, on the idyllic Bay of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti). Whether you are wondering how to get to Portovenere or looking for the best way to move between Lerici, La Spezia and Cinque Terre, this guide provides the direct answers you need to plan your journey.

Note: Originally published in 2019; fully updated and fact-checked for 2026.

What is the best base for exploring the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre?

The best way to experience both the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre is to use Portovenere as your home base. It is a hidden gem off the beaten path, yet, geographically, Portovenere sits conveniently between the two areas. From here, you are at the gateway between the famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso to the northwest, and the lively hubs of La Spezia and Lerici to the east.

How to get to Portovenere

Which are the nearest airports to Portovenere and La Spezia?

The two closest airports to Portovenere are:

• Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport – PSA): 95 km (59 mi) away.
• Genoa (Cristoforo Colombo Airport – GOA): 120 km (75 mi) away.

For international long-distance travelers, the major hubs of Milan and Bologna are viable options, located roughly 2–3 hours away by train or car.

How do I get to Portovenere from La Spezia by bus?

You can reach Portovenere by taking the ATC bus line 11/P.

• Duration: Approximately 35 minutes.
• Route: This scenic bus ride departs from Viale Garibaldi (about 8-10 minutes’ walk from La Spezia Centrale train station) and drops you directly at the Portovenere waterfront.

How do I get to Portovenere by car and where can I park?

Driving from La Spezia to Portovenere takes about 25 minutes via the “Via Napoleonica” (SP530 on your GPS). This road was commissioned by Napoleon in 1812 with the aim of connecting La Spezia with Portovenere.

Parking in Portovenere:

• There is no free parking in the town center.
• Paid parking is available along the shore road and in an underground garage.
• Pro Tip: Guests staying at the Grand Hotel Portovenere have access to complimentary garage parking if they book on its official website portoveneregrand.com or directly by telephone or email.

How do I move around the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre?

Can I travel between Portovenere, Lerici, and Cinque Terre by boat?

Yes, renting a private boat or taking the ferry (battello) is the most scenic way to travel.

Opting for a private boat rental offers ultimate flexibility and exclusivity, allowing you to set your own pace and explore hidden coves away from the crowds.

The battello ferry is the cheapest option between the two.

• Season: Service runs from late March to early November.
• Destinations: Boats connect Portovenere, La Spezia, Lerici, Levanto, and four of the Cinque Terre villages. In fact, the exception is Corniglia, which has no pier capable of docking the commercial ferry boats. But the ferry route passes very close to the cliffside village, providing one of the best photo opportunities of the trip!
• Schedules: Check navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it for the exact seasonal ferry times.

How do I get to the Cinque Terre by train?

While Portovenere and Lerici do not have train stations, the rail system is the backbone of the Cinque Terre.

• Route: Use La Spezia Centrale as your hub. From there, the Cinque Terre Express connects all five villages in minutes.
• Connection: If staying in Portovenere during the low season (when boats aren’t running), take the 11 bus or a taxi to La Spezia Centrale to catch the train.

What is the best way to visit Lerici?

You can reach Lerici from Portovenere via car or boat tour, or from La Spezia via ATC bus or ferry.

• Driving Note: In high season, Lerici’s center is a Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL). Non-residents must park in the Vallata (Lerici) or Bagnara (San Terenzo) parking lots and use the shuttle bus.

Can I hike from Portovenere to the Cinque Terre?

Yes. Portovenere is the starting point for the Sentiero n. 1 (AV5T), a high-altitude ridge trail.

• Portovenere to Riomaggiore: Approx. 6 hours. This is a demanding trek with a steep initial ascent; expect rugged terrain and spectacular views.
• Portovenere to Monterosso: The full ridge trail takes 10–12 hours, so ideal for a multi-day route.

Be aware that some coastal sections could be closed due to maintenance. Before setting out, always check the official Cinque Terre National Park website for real-time trail openings.

Also keep in mind that if you plan to walk the famous Via dell’Amore (the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Manarola), you must pre-book a timed entry slot and pay a supplemental fee at viadellamore.info, in addition to purchasing the Cinque Terre Card.

Private and Luxury Transfers

Moving around the Bay of Poets in Taxi and Taxi Boat

You can book private car transfers via Radio Taxi La Spezia or water taxis via Cooperativa Barcaioli. This is the fastest but most expensive transit method.

Reaching La Spezia in Helicopter

Cielo Aviation provides transfers to La Spezia, while Monacair offers connections from France/Monaco to Massa Cinquale airport. Helicopter services are available on request and are private, bespoke solutions rather than regular or commonly used transport options for Portovenere.