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 2026 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia and beyond.
Rethinking Romanticism in Contemporary Art
La Spezia – From 11 April to 13 September 2026
The exhibition at CaMec (Centro d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea La Spezia) offers an in-depth exploration of the spiritual and visual legacy of three masters of painting, Caspar David Friedrich, John Constable and J.M.W. Turner, revealing their echoes in the work of seven leading figures on the international art scene, Giovanni Anselmo, Massimo Bertolini, Ian Kiaer, David Shutter, Linda Fregni Nagler, Pesce Khete and Michele Tocca. More information on camec.sp.it.
Easter Lunch at Palmaria Restaurant
Portovenere – 5 April 2026
Looking for a nice spot by the sea this Easter Sunday? Palmaria Restaurant has a special menu for the occasion. To reserve your table, call +39 0187790570, email info@palmariarestaurant.com or visit palmariarestaurant.com/en/.
Italian Oyster Festival
La Spezia – 22, 23 and 24 May 2026
Italy’s first-ever festival dedicated to the oyster reached its 4th edition. 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 – 16-17 May 2026
The town of Monterosso (one of the Cinque Terre villages) organizes a food and wine excursion enhanced by the scent of Monterosso lemons!
Vele d’Epoca dell’Alto Tirreno
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 14, 15 and 16 May 2026
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 29 April until 15 October 2026
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 5 to 10 May 2026
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 – 10 May 2026
The 74th edition of this unique fish festival is on 10 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.
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