October Day Trips near Portovenere

October is a great month to visit the Gulf of Poets: the weather is still mild, the natural landscape delights our eyes with the distinctive autumn colors, the flavors of fall are celebrated with wine and food festivals. On top of this, there are less tourists around meaning that – with less queues and cheaper prices – you can probably do a lot more during your break on the Italian Riviera.

If you are staying in Portovenere as your base for visiting Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets, we have some articles with tips on how to enjoy your time in the area, for example: Top 10 Things to do in Portovenere, Castles of the Riviera Spezzina, Exploring Lunigiana, Tour in La Spezia’s Oyster Farms, Wine Tasting in Portovenere, What to do on a Rainy Day.

Autumn 2026 cultural events and art exhibits in the Gulf of Poets include:

• Caselli 50 (10 October – 29 November 2026 | Lerici Castle): An exhibition dedicated to the life and work of master artist Giuseppe Umberto Caselli, marking the 50th anniversary of his death. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 50 works representing different aspects of the artist’s creative output.
• The Eternity of the Moment (Until 11 October 2026 | Fortezza Firmafede, Sarzana): The exhibition features 25 marble sculptures by Beatrice Taponecco and Piergiorgio Balocchi. The two artists live and work in the heart of the Apuan Alps, where marble lies at the centre of their artistic research. Staged in the underground spaces of the Firmafede Fortress, the exhibition culminates in a new work created jointly by the two artists, which will be donated to the city of Sarzana.
• Soglia by Marcela Gutiérrez (Until 8 November 2026 | CAMeC, La Spezia): The museum’s Project Room hosts a project by Marcela Gutiérrez, developed during an artist residency at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore in the Cinque Terre National Park. In her paintings, water, gravity and time become integral parts of the creative process.

If you have more days available and want to make the most out of your Italian vacation, in October you can easily organize day trips in Liguria and even in the neighboring regions of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. In this article, Discover Portovenere Blog suggests some events and sightseeing that you can enjoy with less than 2 hours’ drive away from Portovenere.

Marble Tour & Art Exhibits in Carrara (Tuscany)

Carrara, the city in Tuscany that is famous for its marble, is only one hour away by car from Portovenere. There you can enjoy an interesting tour in the marble quarries, complete with a visit at a sculpture workshop and a light lunch at Colonnata.

The team at Grand Hotel Portovenere will be glad to assist you in organizing your marble quarry experience across the border in Tuscany. By the way, did you know that Portovenere’s territory also has its own marble? It’s the exclusive Portoro, a fine-grained, black marble, with strong white and gold veining that resembles the ripples in a stream.

Carrara is also home to the Museo CARMI – a museum dedicated to marble and Michelangelo, definitely worth a visit. [NOTE: As of September 2026, it is closed for renovation works.]

Vintage Sailboats in Viareggio (Tuscany)

Raduno Vele Storiche Viareggio has become one of the most attended events in the sailing world. It takes place from 14 to 18 October 2026, when Viareggio will welcome the fleet of vintage, classic and traditional boats. In addition to competing in exciting regattas at sea, these boats will give life to the first floating museum of Versilia.

The boats can be admired for free by the public, who will have the opportunity to find out about their history and characteristics indicated on special panels placed in front of each hull.

Cosplay in Lucca (Tuscany)

In autumn, Lucca becomes the colorful set of Lucca Comics and Games, an internationally acclaimed event dedicated to comics, cartoons, games and video games. In 2026, the festival takes place from 28 October to 1 November.

Walking around Lucca during these days is a great experience for children, adults and even spectators who know nothing about the world of comics and games. You’ll feel like being catapulted in a fantasy world, where you will find people wearing beautiful costumes and detailed accessories around every corner.

Food experience in Parma (Emilia Romagna)

Cross Liguria’s border to reach one of Italy’s top food regions – Emilia Romagna. Find a foodie paradise in Parma, which is a 2-hour drive away. Here you visit a variety of Food Museums, including the Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, of Pasta, of Wine and Museum of Prosciutto – among others.

If you are looking for food festivals: the village of Calestano hosts the Fragno Black Truffle National Fair every Sunday between 18 Octoer and 8 November 2026.

Art in Genoa (Liguria)

Liguria’s capital, Genoa, is a fantastic hub for art lovers. Among the exhibits not to miss in October 2026 are:

• Science Festival (22 October – 1 November 2026 | Palazzo Ducale, Genoa): More than 300 science communicators, including university students and young researchers from across Italy, will guide visitors of all ages through the latest scientific discoveries.
• World Press Photo 2026 (25 September – 8 December 2026 | Palazzo Ducale, Genoa): The winning photographs from the 69th edition of the prestigious World Press Photo Contest were announced on 9 April 2026. The works then embarked on their traditional international tour. Since 1955, the competition has celebrated the world’s best professional photojournalism, helping shape the history of contemporary visual journalism.
• Renoir, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne (16 October 2026 – 2 May 2027 | Palazzo Ducale, Genoa): 200 Years of Art from the Scharf Collection brings more than 140 masterpieces to Italy for the first time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a remarkable collection that remained largely private for many years.

October in the Gulf of Poets

Are you looking for a hotel that is located between Liguria, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna for your Italian fall break? Visit the website of Grand Hotel Portovenere to discover its ideal location and special offers for direct bookings.