When thinking of the Italian Riviera, the well-known Cinque Terre often come to mind first. These five villages deserve a spot on your list. But this part of Liguria keeps a sixth secret town. Portovenere, Italy, is the ideal destination for travelers who love the idea of going off the beaten path. This hidden gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features pristine nature, a gorgeous medieval town with colorful buildings, and lots of history. If you want to enjoy the essence of “la dolce vita” and explore a less touristy Italian Riviera destination, Portovenere is a fantastic alternative to Portofino and Cinque Terre.
Here is the ultimate travel guide with all you need to know about Portovenere, Italy.
Where is Portovenere?
Portovenere is a great base for exploring the part of the Italian Riviera that stretches between Portofino (Liguria) and Versilia (Tuscany). It overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets because of the numerous writers and artists that it attracted in the past (read the article History of Portovenere) and still today (see the post Portovenere: a celebrity vacation spot). Portovenere is the “gateway” to the five villages of Cinque Terre. This has led many travel experts to nickname Portovenere as Cinque Terre’s “Sixth Town”.
How to get to Portovenere
- By car: It’s really easy to get to Portovenere by car from La Spezia with a panoramic 20-minute drive. Unlike its Cinque Terre neighbors, you can access Portovenere by car and park right next to the historical center. There is no free parking unless you book directly with a hotel such as Grand Hotel Portovenere.
- By boat: You can get to Portovenere by boat from the ports of La Spezia, Lerici, Levanto and four of the Cinque Terre towns (Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore). The boat service generally begins towards the end of March and ends in early November. You can also opt for a taxi boat service or sail in your private boat.
- By airplane: The nearest airports are in Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport) and Genoa (Cristoforo Colombo Genova-Sestri Airport), respectively 80 km (50 mi) and 110 km (68 mi) away.
- By helicopter: You can get to Portovenere by helicopter with Cielo Aviation, which lands in nearby La Spezia.
- By bus: Take the 11/P bus that departs from the La Spezia Train Station to reach Portovenere in about 30 minutes.
By hiking: There are wonderful hiking trails that connect Portovenere to Cinque Terre, La Spezia and Levanto.
For more, read How to travel around the Bay of Poets.
What to do in Portovenere Italy?
Classic things to do in Portovenere include hiking up to the majestic Doria Castle and on Palmaria Island, strolling in the narrow carugio lined with craft and food shops, sipping an aperitivo or fine dining on the harbor, visiting the iconic churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo. Why is this bay known as the Gulf of Poets? Reach Byron’s Grotto to find the answer. It is said that this fantastic swimming spot was a favorite of the poet Lord Byron, who meditated and swam here in the 1800s.
If you are looking for more unusual things to do in Portovenere, don’t miss the oyster tour that takes you around the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto and includes a visit to the local oyster farms. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover why this exquisite, exclusive product has a unique green color and taste. Check out what to do in Portovenere in case of rain, Top 10 Things to do and our guide to the Best outdoor activities in Portovenere.
Best places to see near Portovenere
Portovenere is a fantastic base to explore Cinque Terre, the Gulf of Poets, and even nearby Tuscany. Riomaggiore, the nearest of the Cinque Terre, is a short boat ride away or you can also reach it by hiking along a panoramic trail. Lerici and Tellaro are the other hidden gems of the Italian Riviera that led this bay to be called the Gulf of Poets. Portovenere is only a one-hour drive away from Tuscany’s art cities of Pisa and Lucca, and from the wonderful marble caves that were used by Michelangelo.
What to eat in Portovenere?
Seafood reigns supreme, with delicacies such as ‘muscoli’ mussels and oysters that are cultivated right in front of Portovenere. Traditional dishes include fried fish, ‘scabeccio’ marinated fish, focaccia, the ‘mesciua’ legume soup, trofie pasta with pesto…
One of the best restaurants in Portovenere is called Palmaria Restaurant. Here you can try the local cuisine as well as creative dishes prepared with typical ingredients from nearby regions, such as Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.
Are there beaches in Portovenere?
Portovenere has some lovely beaches and bays where you can sunbathe from either the land or a boat. Check out the guides to the Best Beaches in Portovenere and, for more choices nearby, the Best Beaches in the Gulf of Poets.
Best time to visit Portovenere Italy
Like other popular destinations in Italy, Portovenere is the busiest summer, especially in July and August. The best times to visit are April-May-June and September-October. You can learn about seasonal activities in the following articles: Spring Activities and Autumn Activities in Portovenere.
Why is Portovenere a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO inscribed Portovenere Italy in its list of World Heritage Sites in 1997, along with Cinque Terre and the Islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. The reasons are the local cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. In particular, this territory captures the continuous history of human settlement over the past millennium, overcoming the disadvantages of the steep and uneven terrain. Learn more on why Portovenere and its islands are a World Heritage Site.
Portofino or Portovenere for a glamorous vacation?
Portofino and Portovenere are two Italian luxury destinations that are similar, yet different. Portofino became famous in the 1950s when rich actors, pop stars and jet setters started visiting it frequently for its luxurious atmosphere. Albeit lesser-known, Portovenere has been a destination for elite tourism for over a century. Discover the differences and similarities in the article “Portofino and Portovenere: comparing two glamorous destinations“.
Where to stay in Portovenere?
Portovenere is home to the only 5-star hotel in the area of Cinque Terre and La Spezia. Grand Hotel Portovenere is a boutique hotel full of charm and history. The building dates back to the 1600s, and it is recognized as a Dimora Storica. This title is given to ancient buildings that are part of Italy’s historic and cultural heritage. You can learn more about the history of Grand Hotel Portovenere here. Whether you’re visiting Portovenere for a short trip or enjoying an extended luxury vacation, don’t forget to book the best hotel with scenic views to double the enjoyment!
Is Portovenere worth visiting?
If you are still wondering whether it is worth a trip to see Portovenere, read this interview with Debra Levinson, founder of Mr. & Mrs. Italy. You can also discover 9 reasons to visit Portovenere according to Catherine Sabino at Forbes, and why Portovenere is a great alternative to Cinque Terre according to Lonely Planet.
