Portovenere is a charming village that sits on the point connecting the spectacular Cinque Terre to the inspirational Gulf of the Poets. A destination for elite tourism for over a century, Portovenere offers a unique coastal experience.
While it is not a traditional beach resort like other towns in Liguria, it offers stunning beaches and bays perfect for sunbathing from land or boat. Here is your guide to the best beaches in Portovenere and its surroundings.
This article was first published in 2015 and last updated in 2026.
Portovenere Beach & Bathing Spots
As you enter the village, you will find a pebbly cove where you can swim in view of the traditional mitili (mussels) plantations of the Gulf of La Spezia.
Where to Swim in Town:
- Beach Clubs: Choose from the Royal Sporting Club or Arenella for full services.
- Free Beach: There are public areas available for free (scroll to the end of the article to learn more about the difference between free vs. paid beaches).
- The Jetty: Located along the seashore opposite the colorful historic buildings, the pier is a popular spot for sunbathing.
- Byron’s Grotto: For those looking for a more adventurous swim, head to the rocky area around this famous sea cave.
Local Tip
The Natural Swimming Pool During July or August, the channel (Le Bocche) between Portovenere and Palmaria Island is closed to boat traffic for one day, becoming a “natural swimming pool” for swimmers and divers.
Map of the best beaches in Portovenere and Palmaria Island
Beaches on Palmaria Island
Palmaria Island hosts the best beaches in Portovenere. You can reach this paradise via a quick public boat ride or a private taxi boat.
Spiaggia di Punta Secco (Spiaggia del Secco)
The main beach of the island is located directly opposite Portovenere.
- Features: A beautiful pebbly beach dotted with rocks emerging from the sea.
- Access: Walk along the path to the right after disembarking at Terrizzo, or take a direct boat service to Punta del Secco.
- Services: Offers both free areas and beach club services.
Cala del Pozzale
Located on the south-eastern shore, this beach offers a breathtaking natural panorama of cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation (Aleppo pines, myrtles, and holm oaks).
- Features: Smooth pebbles and a bar-restaurant on-site.
- Access: Reachable via direct maritime connections or a steep walking path if you are already on the island.
Cala della Fornace (La Maiella)
This small, evocative cove is only reachable by sea.
- Features: Fringed by cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
- Important Note: Because of the tall rocks and its eastern position, the sun does not hit this beach all day long.
Other Bathing Spots:
- Località Carlo Alberto: A pebbly and stony beach.
- Boat-Only Access: Cala dell’Ammiraglio, Cala Piccola, and Cala Grande.
Scuba Diving in Portovenere
For those interested in exploring beneath the surface, Portovenere is home to various dive sites and grottos. Learn more in our dedicated articles on “Dive Sites in Portovenere” and “A plunge in the Protected Marine Area of Portovenere.
Need Accommodation? Experience Grand Hotel Portovenere
For those seeking an elite stay, Grand Hotel Portovenere is located on the most panoramic point of Portovenere, directly overlooking the sea and Palmaria Island. Originally a 17th-century Franciscan monastery, this boutique hotel now offers luxury sea-view rooms and a fine-dining restaurant.
Sea lovers can take advantage of the hotel’s partner beach club or explore the Gulf of Poets exclusively by renting a private motorboat directly through the hotel.
Exclusive Portovenere Summer Special
Experience the magic of summer in the Gulf of Poets with Grand Hotel Portovenere’s exclusive offer: stay 4 nights and save 15%!
Plus, enjoy one day of complimentary access to the partner Beach Club if you stay 4 nights, or two days of complimentary access if you stay 5 nights or more.
Book on the official website and your rate also includes buffet breakfast, 25-euro credit at Palmaria Restaurant, parking space in the garage; and more perks.
The offer is valid for stays between 26 July and 3 September 2026.
FAQ: Beach Culture in Italy
In Italy, you generally have two choices:
-Free Beach (Spiaggia Libera): Identifiable by the absence of infrastructure. Bring your own towel. Some may have nearby stalls or public showers.
-Private Beach Club: Here you can hire sunbeds and parasols. These usually include bars, restaurants, and sometimes parking.
Generally, the channel (Le Bocche) is reserved for boat traffic. However, on specific days in July or August, or during events like the Portovenere Triathlon, the channel is closed to boats and opened exclusively for swimmers.
Most visitors use the public boat transport or a private taxi boat from the Portovenere pier. Certain coves, like Cala della Fornace, are only accessible by private boat.
No, the beaches in this area are primarily pebbly, stony, or rocky. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear and watching for rocks in the shallow water.
Discover more from Discover Portovenere Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
2 Comments