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 2024 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia and beyond.
Terre di Canossa International Classic Car Challenge
Different cities between Liguria and Tuscany – 18-21 April 2024 (Portovenere on 20 April)
Every year, vintage cars travel along the ‘Canossa lands’, the thousand-year-old roads of Countess Matilda, Queen of Italy in the 12th Century. This fabulous road trip runs around Forte dei Marmi, Portovenere-Cinque Terre, the Apuan Alps, Pisa and Garfagnana. The cars will stop in Portovenere on 20 April.
Giro d’Italia
Padivarma, Borghetto Vara, Carrodano, Sarzana – 18 May 2024
The Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) is one of cycling’s prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours and one of the world’s most important stage races. On 18 May, cyclists will whiz in Liguria, speeding through the following cities in the province of La Spezia: Padivarma, Borghetto Vara, Carrodano, and Sarzana.
Lemon Festival (Festival del Limone)
Monterosso – 18 May 2024
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).
Vintage Sailboats in the Gulf (Vele d’Epoca del Golfo)
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 24, 25 and 26 May 2024
This regatta and gathering of vintage sailboats celebrates its 6th year in 2024 and 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.
Vernazza Opera Festival
Oratory Chapel SS. Trinità in Vernazza – from May until October 2024
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 7 to 12 May 2024
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 – 12 May 2024
The 72nd edition of this unique fish festival is on 12 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.
Le Avanguardie. Paintings and sculptures from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Pisa – until 7 April 2024
Paintings and sculptures from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including works by Matisse, Mondrian, Klee, Ernst and Gris, as well as those by Chagall, Dalí, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Miró and Picasso. Learn more on the website of Palazzo Blu. Pisa is 90 km (55 mi) from Portovenere, less than 90 minutes drive away.
Cover image photo credits: Regate Veleggiate e Trofei Velici nel Golfo della Spezia @ccvgspezia
