The Italian Riviera is one of Italy’s most glamorous and picturesque city break destinations. It offers a mix of quaint fishing hamlets, lush nature, chic seaside towns, authentic experiences and amazing views. If you are looking for an alternative weekend getaway in Liguria, a city break in Portovenere might be just what you are look for. Let’s find out why.
Porto Venere is easy to reach by Airplane, Car, Train or Boat
The closest airports to Portovenere are in Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport) and Genoa (Cristoforo Colombo Genova-Sestri Airport), respectively 95 km (59 mi) and 125 km (77 mi) away. There are many low-cost flights that connect these airports with destinations in Italy and abroad – especially Europe. For more international flights, you can also choose the larger airports of Milan, Bologna and Parma, about 2-3 hours away by car from Portovenere. From the airports, you can reach Portovenere by car or by taking the train to La Spezia and then a car, bus or (depending the season) a boat.
Unlike the neighboring towns of Cinque Terre, Portovenere is accessible by car. Parking is available along the shore road and in one underground garage at the entrance of the historic center. There is no free parking here, unless you book a stay directly with Grand Hotel Portovenere, in which case you can park for free in the central garage.
La Spezia Centrale is the closest train station to Portovenere, just 14 km (8 mi) away. It is well connected with Italy’s largest cities. For example, you can catch a fast train (Frecciabianca) from Roma Termini and reach La Spezia in less than 4 hours. From there, you can reach Portovenere by car, bus or boat.
The ATC bus line 11/P leaves from La Spezia every 15 minutes and takes you on a trip that is about 35 minutes long.
Between spring and autumn, scheduled boats connect Portovenere with La Spezia, Lerici, Levanto and the towns of Cinque Terre except for Corniglia. You can also rent a motorboat or a yacht to explore Portovenere and Gulf of Poets at your own pace.
For more on this topic, read “How to get to & travel around the Bay of Poets”.
Sightseeing & Activities in Portovenere
There are several things to do during your city break in Portovenere. You can experience the Dolce Vita by strolling along the picturesque harbor and sitting at a seafront cocktail bar or restaurant. Visit the Church of San Pietro, which almost looks like a fortified castle on the iconic promontory, and the Church of San Lorenzo, where you can learn about the legend of the Madonna Bianca. Explore the majestic Doria Castle, built between the XII and XIV centuries, and the evocative Grotta Arpaia (or Byron’s Grotto), where the English poet loved to meditate and relax. For an adventurous hike, cross Portovenere’s sea channel and reach the wild Palmaria Island.
Do you love made-in-Italy shopping? Walk along the carugio that crosses the historic center and is full of artisanal workshops and food shops. Seasonal activities in Porto Venere include diving, swimming, sailing and being at the beach, wine tasting, visiting wine cellars and vineyards, cooking lessons, attending local traditional events, relaxing at a spa like Portovenere Wellness.
Authentic Experiences in the Gulf of Poets
Located right halfway between the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre, Portovenere is the perfect base to visit both the lesser-known and the famous destinations.
There are some great tours that depart from Portovenere and allow you to discover the bay that inspired several artists and writers throughout the centuries. One of such experiences is the “Oyster Tour” which includes a tour around the Islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, a stop at the local oyster farms and even oyster tasting with white wine.
The famous five: Cinque Terre
Portovenere is the neighbor of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare – the world-famous Cinque Terre. You can reach them with the ferryboat that departs from the port of Portovenere or get there with the frequent train services from La Spezia Station. See our top tips for Visiting Portovenere and the Cinque Terre in 48 Hours.
Luxury City Break in Portovenere
Portovenere is home to the only luxury hotel in the eastern Italian Riviera between La Spezia and Cinque Terre. Set in an ancient convent that has been beautifully restored, Grand Hotel Portovenere offers panoramic views of the colorful harbor, the Doria Castle, Palmaria Island and the Gulf of Poets towards Lerici.
From this boutique hotel, which features its own private motorboat and a garage, you can easily reach glamorous destinations during your weekend escape between Liguria and Tuscany, such as Portofino and Pietrasanta. Discover the hotel’s special offers for your next city break in the Italian Riviera.
