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 2023 between Portovenere and the province of La Spezia.
Live music: aperitif, dinner, experience
Portovenere – from 23 June to 8 September 2023
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 25 June to 30 July 2023
Different hamlets and fractions along the Gulf of Poets host the smaller regattas in preparation for the great Palio Del Golfo in August: Fezzano (25 June), Cadimare (2 July), San Terenzo (9 July), Venere Azzurra (16 July), Le Grazie (23 July), Muggiano (30 July).
Classicamente 4.0
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – 30 June and 7 July 2023
Musical reviews and intergenerational dialogues in the Roman Villa of Varignano.
Sarzana Opera Festival
Sarzana – from 4 to 12 July 2023
Various music events for opera lovers take place in July. Read more on the website of Sarzana Opera Festival.
U Dragun di Camogli and the Salting of Anchovies
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – from 7 to 9 July 2023
Admire the beautiful Dragun (both a sailboat and a rowboat with typical characteristics of the xebec and galley ships as it arrives at Le Grazie. There are also workshops to learn about one of the most ancient traditions of the local territory: salting anchovies!
Festa della Borgata di Fezzano
Fezzano (Portovenere) – from 14 to 16 July 2023
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Picasso Exhibition
Sarzana – until 16 July 2023
On the fiftieth anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, the town of Sarzana dedicates an exhibition to one of the greatest geniuses of the 20th century. Read the article about the remarkable Picasso – the origins of the Myth exhibit.
Festa della Borgata delle Grazie
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – from 21 to 23 July 2023
Food festival, music and entertainment!
Lerici Music Festival
Lerici – from 21 July to 6 August 2023
A classical music festival founded in 2017 by Gianluca Marcianò, the event’s artistic director. Read more here.
Coppa Byron
Portovenere and Lerici – 23 July 2023
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.
Festival Internazionale del Jazz La Spezia
La Spezia – from 25 July to 2 August 2023
The longest-running Italian jazz festival, directed by Maestro Lorenzo Cimino. Read more about the Spezia Jazz here.
Palio del Golfo
La Spezia – 6 August 2023
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 2023
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.
Francesco Musante Exhibit
Lerici – until 30 August 2023
The Castle of Lerici is home to an exciting exhibition with over one hundred works by the colorful Genoese artist Francesco Musante. Read more here.
Octopus Festival and Madonna delle Grazie
Le Grazie (Portovenere) – from 7 to 10 September 2023
Food festival, music and entertainment around town. The Patron Saint is celebrated on 8 September.
Festival della Mente a Sarzana
Sarzana – 1, 2 and 3 September 2023
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
