If you’re staying in the charming coastal town of Portovenere, you have the perfect base for exploring some of Tuscany’s most captivating destinations, such as Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.
Instead of rushing through each location, consider embracing the concept of slow travel, allowing yourself to truly experience and appreciate each place.
Here’s how to plan a rewarding day trip to Florence from Portovenere while making the most of your time between Liguria and Tuscany!
Why Slow Travel and Why Portovenere?
Slow travel emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, cuisine, and atmosphere.
By choosing Portovenere as your base, you can explore nearby cities and attractions at a leisurely pace, avoiding the stress and superficiality of hit-and-run tourism.
“Italy has so many gifts to offer the intrepid traveler that it’s hard to figure out which one to unwrap next. In the Italian Riviera, in a peninsula that juts out into the Ligurian Sea, is where you’ll find one of those gifts. Porto Venere is an idyllic coastal village complete with an old town and picture perfect views into the endless horizon. There is no access by train and with little parking, it is one of the few places along the sea shielded from mass tourism”.
Glenn Harris @ Beau Monde Traveler Magazine
Getting to Florence from Portovenere
Florence is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Portovenere, and there are a few ways to get there.
- You can get there by train from La Spezia station. Take a bus, taxi or private transfer from Portovenere to La Spezia Centrale station (approx. 30 minutes). There, board a train to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station. The journey takes about 2-2.5 hours with direct and connecting options.
- If you prefer driving, the trip between Portovenere and Florence takes around 2 hours. Be prepared for traffic and parking challenges in Florence. You can enjoy free garage parking in Portovenere when booking your stay directly with Grand Hotel Portovenere.
Enjoying Florence
Once in Florence, take it slow if you can.
- Stroll through the charming streets and stop for a coffee or a gelato in a piazza.
- Visit smaller, lesser-known sites like the Bardini Gardens or Santo Spirito Church to escape the crowds.
- Once in Florence, you cannot miss iconic landmarks like The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria, but remember that they might be very crowded.
- If you want to visit famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, make sure to buy tickets well in advance to avoid long lines or no availability.
- Lunch break? Stop at a local trattoria and indulge in traditional dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Other Tuscany day trips from Portovenere
Portovenere’s strategic location makes it easy to explore other Tuscan gems that are even closer.
- Famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is just 90 minutes from Portovenere by car or one hour from La Spezia by train. Spend a few hours exploring the Piazza dei Miracoli and its other stunning buildings.
- It takes about the same time to reach Lucca, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls. Rent a bike, ride around the city walls, visit the Guinigi Tower, and don’t miss its unique Mint Museum.
- With a one-hour drive in a private transfer from Portovenere, you can reach Carrara and explore its famous marble quarries. The team at Grand Hotel Portovenere can assist you in organizing your marble quarry experience, complete with a visit to a sculpture workshop and a light lunch at Colonnata.
Pisa, Lucca and Carrara caves – photos by serge gualini, Saverio Giusti and Gianluca on Pixabay
An authentic break between Liguria and Tuscany
In conclusion, Portovenere is a hidden gem on the Italian Riviera that perfectly blends history, natural beauty, and seaside charm.
Thanks to its location in the Gulf of Poets, it serves as an idyllic base for exploring the wonders of both Liguria and Tuscany.
By embracing slow travel, you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and savor the unique charm of each destination!
