Portovenere: The Complete Guide

The best place to stay is in the town center, where charming boutique hotels and seaside accommodations offer stunning views of the Gulf of Poets. For a more tranquil experience, staying in nearby La Spezia provides more affordable options with easy ferry access to Portovenere.

A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for exploring the town’s medieval streets, visiting the Church of San Pietro, and taking a boat trip to Palmaria Island. A 4-day stay allows for visiting Cinque Terre, enjoying coastal hikes, and discovering hidden coves.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Portovenere. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Portovenere, located on the Ligurian coast of Italy, is a picturesque seaside town known for its colorful buildings, historic landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Portovenere:

1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a fantastic time to visit Portovenere as the weather starts to warm up, and the surrounding countryside comes alive with blooming flowers and lush vegetation. This season is ideal for exploring the town’s historic center, strolling along the waterfront promenade, and admiring the views of the rugged coastline and turquoise sea. Spring also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Cinque Terre National Park and boat trips to the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Portovenere, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy Portovenere’s beautiful beaches, including the rocky shores of Byron’s Grotto and the sandy coves of Sporting Beach. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Portovenere, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and food fairs. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Portovenere, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the town’s historic landmarks, such as the Church of San Pietro and the Doria Castle, without the long lines. Fall also offers opportunities for food and wine tasting, as well as olive oil tours, in the surrounding countryside.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Portovenere is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. While the weather may be cooler, winter still offers opportunities for scenic walks along the waterfront, exploring the town’s narrow streets, and enjoying cozy meals in local restaurants. Winter is also a great time to visit Portovenere’s museums, such as the Museo del Tesoro della Chiesa di San Lorenzo, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and artworks.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Portovenere depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in beach relaxation, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Portovenere has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Flying to Portovenere

Traveling to Portovenere by Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection to Portovenere. The nearest train stations are La Spezia Centrale and four of the Cinque Terre towns (except Corniglia). To reach Portovenere from La Spezia, you can use alternative means such as bus, taxi, or ferry boat. If coming from the Cinque Terre, the most convenient option is the ferry boat, although it’s essential to consider weather conditions, budget, and luggage.

Traveling to Portovenere by Bus

You can easily take the bus from La Spezia to Portovenere using the ATC bus line 11/P. This bus line operates along the scenic shore road (SS530) and departs approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day (please note that it doesn’t depart from the train station). The journey from La Spezia to Portovenere takes about 35 minutes, and a codice 3 ticket is required. The primary bus stop is Mercato Nord, located just north of La Spezia’s open market on Corso Cavour. Other bus stops are available, including one near the soccer stadium, which can be found using the blue bus icons on the map provided. By clicking on a bus icon, you can access information about the stop’s bus lines and schedules.

Traveling to Portovenere by Boat

Portovenere can be reached by boat, offering a scenic and delightful travel experience. The most common departure ports are La Spezia, Lerici, and four of the Cinque Terre towns (except Corniglia). While there is one round-trip daily from Levanto, it is recommended to take the train to Riomaggiore and then proceed to Portovenere by boat. Boat services typically operate from the end of March to the first weekend of November.

Traveling to Portovenere by Car

Traveling to Portovenere by car is a convenient option. Upon arrival, it’s important to note that parking in Portovenere is relatively straightforward. The town has a single one-way loop for driving, so you won’t encounter many choices. Additionally, there are no free parking options. Paid parking is required from 8 am to 9 pm during the high season (from March 15 to October 15) or until 7 pm in the low season.