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 2026 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia.
Live music: aperitif, dinner, experience
Portovenere – from 26 June to 27 September 2026
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 24 May to 26 July 2026
Different hamlets and fractions along the Gulf of Poets host the smaller regattas in preparation for the great Palio Del Golfo in August: Canaletto (24 May), Fossamastra (31 May), Muggiano (7 June), Tellaro (21 June), Fezzano (28 June), San Terenzo (5 July), Le Grazie-Portovenere (19 July), Muggiano (26 July).
Liguria da Bere
La Spezia – from 26 to 28 June 2026
The 19th edition of this festival celebrates the region’s finest wine producers. It transforms the center of La Spezia — between Corso Cavour and Piazza Beverini — into an open-air sensory journey filled with wine tastings, meetings with producers, and experiences dedicated to Italian wine culture.
Festa della Borgata Le Grazie
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 2026 dates TBA
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Festa della Borgata di Fezzano
Fezzano (Portovenere) – 2026 dates TBA
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Salting of Anchovies
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 2026 dates TBA
Le Grazie hosts workshops to learn about one of the most ancient traditions of the local territory: salting anchovies!
Lerici Music Festival
Lerici – from 22 July to 2 August 2026
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 8 July to 4 August 2026
The longest-running Italian jazz festival, directed by Maestro Lorenzo Cimino. Read more about the Spezia Jazz here.
Coppa Byron
Portovenere and Lerici – 9 August 2026
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 – 2 August 2026
This historic race reaches its 102st edition! The regatta is 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 2026
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.
And don’t miss this beautiful show while dining on the panoramic terrace of Palmaria Restaurant with a menu conceived especially for this evening.
Festival della Mente a Sarzana
Sarzana – from 4 to 6 September 2026
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
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