Spring is an excellent time to visit the charming coastal town of Portovenere and its beautiful neighbors in the province of La Spezia. The local territory comes to life with various colorful events and activities. From cultural festivals to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this season!
Check out some of the most exciting events in spring 2025 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia and beyond.
Morandi and Fontana. Invisible and Infinite.
La Spezia – From 12 April to 14 September 2025
CaMec (Centro d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea La Spezia) hosts the exhibition dedicated to two great protagonists of 20th-century Italian art. The exhibition is curated by Maria Cristina Bandera, one of the foremost scholars of 20th-century art and the curator of memorable Morandi anthologies at the Metropolitan Museum in New York and Palazzo Reale. More information on camec.sp.it.
Italian Oyster Festival
La Spezia – 16, 17 and 18 May 2025
Italy’s first-ever festival dedicated to the oyster, sustainable, delicious, for everyone. You can enjoy tastings, cooking shows, workshops and a rich program of events. Find more information on italianoysterfest.it.
Lemon Festival (Festival del Limone)
Monterosso – 17 May 2025
The town of Monterosso (one of the Cinque Terre villages) organizes a food and wine excursion enhanced by the scent of Monterosso lemons! The town will also host food stands and food competitions, such as “la torta più limonosa” (the most “lemony” cake).
Vele d’Epoca dell’Alto Tirreno
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 23, 24 and 25 May 2025
This regatta and gathering of vintage sailboats has become one of the sector’s most important early-season appointments. The docks of Portovenere’s fraction of Le Grazie will host beautiful boats and yachts, a delight for all participants and curious visitors. More information on velenelgolfo.com.
Vernazza Opera Festival
Oratory Chapel SS. Trinità in Vernazza – from May until October 2025
Directed by Maestro Cesare Goretta, pianist and composer, the Vernazza Opera Festival is the only show of this kind in the Cinque Terre. The event attracts opera lovers from all over the world and a magnificent cast of artists! More information and tickets on the website of Cinque Terre Riviera.
Other events in Liguria within 90 minutes of Portovenere
Riviera International Film Festival
Sestri Levante – from 6 to 11 May 2025
This independent film festival features many screenings, a competition for young directors from all over the world and much more. Sestri Levante is 65 km (40 mi) away from Portovenere, about a 1-hour drive away.
Fish Festival (Sagra del Pesce)
Camogli – 11 May 2025
The 73rd edition of this unique fish festival is on 11 May, the Sunday closest to the day of San Fortunato (14 May), the patron saint of fishermen. The event is famous for its enormous frying pan, which weighs 2.800 kilos (6.172 pounds), has a diameter of 4 meters and a handle of 6 metres. During the festival, 3 tons of fresh fish are fried! Camogli is 100 km (62 mi) from Portovenere, about a 90-minute drive away.
