Summer is an excellent time to visit the charming coastal town of Portovenere and its beautiful neighbors in the province of La Spezia, especially for travellers looking for more tranquil destinations on the Italian Riviera. 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 summer 2024 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia.
Live music: aperitif, dinner, experience
Portovenere – from 21 June to 8 September 2024
Venus Bar and Palmaria Restaurant host various live music evenings with great artists and musicians throughout the summer. The concerts occur on Portovenere’s most beautiful terrace overlooking the harbor, Doria Castle and Palmaria Island. You can enjoy the music and views while sipping original cocktails and excellent wines and tasting local delicacies during the aperitivo or for dinner.
Prepalio
Gulf Of La Spezia – from 5 May to 28 July 2024
Different hamlets and fractions along the Gulf of Poets host the smaller regattas in preparation for the great Palio Del Golfo in August: Fossamastra (5 May), Portovenere (19 May), La Spezia (26 May), Lerici (9 June), Marola (16 June), Fezzano (30 June), Cadimare (7 July), Venere Azzurra (21 July), Muggiano (28 July).
Lerici LibrAria
Lerici – from 21 June to 20 July 2024
Open-air literature review that promotes Italian authors, presents new books, organises debates on various literary genres. Ten events will take place outdoors in Rotonda Vassallo, at 9.30 pm.
Sarzana Opera Festival
Sarzana – dates to be announced
Various music events for opera lovers take place in July. Read more on the website of Sarzana Opera Festival.
Festa della Borgata di Fezzano
Fezzano (Portovenere) – from 28 to 30 June 2024
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Un mare di discorsi
Portovenere – 29, 30 June 2024
Popular festival under the artistic direction of Dario Vergassola.
More information on www.eventiportovenere.com.
Salting of Anchovies
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 13 July 2024
Le Grazie hosts workshops to learn about one of the most ancient traditions of the local territory: salting anchovies!
Festa della Borgata delle Grazie
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – from 19 to 21 July 2024
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Lerici Music Festival
Lerici – from 26 July to 11 August 2024
A classical music festival founded in 2017 by Gianluca Marcianò, the event’s artistic director. Read more here.
Festival Internazionale del Jazz La Spezia
La Spezia – from 24 to 30 July 2024
The longest-running Italian jazz festival, directed by Maestro Lorenzo Cimino. Read more about the Spezia Jazz here.
Coppa Byron
Portovenere and Lerici – 28 July 2024
This swimming race pays tribute to the story of Lord George Byron swimming from Porto Venere to San Terenzo to visit his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley. Competitors swim across the Gulf of Poets for about 8 kilometers, departing from Portovenere and arriving in Lerici.
Palio del Golfo
La Spezia – 4 August 2024
A historic race among 13 handmade boats, each representing a village located on the bay: Portovenere, Le Grazie, Fezzano, Cadimare, Marola, La Spezia Centro, Canaletto, Fossamastra, Muggiano, San Terenzo, Venere Azzurra, Lerici and Tellaro. Read more about the Palio del Golfo regatta here.
Madonna Bianca
Portovenere – 17 August 2024
The village celebrates its Patron Saint. The Roman torches scattered throughout Portovenere create a splendid and unique show! Read more about the White Madonna event here.
Festival della Mente a Sarzana
Sarzana – from 30 August to 1 September 2024
The first European festival dedicated to creativity and the birth of ideas takes place in the imposing fortress of Firmafede and other venues in the historic village of Sarzana. Learn more on the website of Festival Della Mente.
Useful resources for more events and information:
eventiportovenere.com
lericicoast.it
