Portovenere: The Complete Guide
Porto Venere, a hidden gem in the heart of Liguria, Italy, sits just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Cinque Terre. Despite its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site designation and its position as a scenic marvel on the Gulf of the Poets, this enchanting town remains somewhat undiscovered by the multitude of global travellers converging on the Cinque Terre. Nestled between the captivating Cinque Terre villages and the charming Versilia, Portovenere stands as another radiant jewel along the eastern Ligurian Riviera.
The town’s ambiance carries the essence of the Cinque Terre villages, with its traditional tower-houses adorned in vibrant hues, narrow carruggi (alleys), a quaint fishing port, and splendid medieval churches. To truly experience Portovenere’s charm, wandering aimlessly through the labyrinthine alleys in pursuit of characteristic sights and quaint eateries is highly recommended—a voyage for both the senses and the soul.
Portovenere’s allure extends beyond its romantic appeal for couples seeking a captivating getaway. It beckons to the intrepid adventurers and sports enthusiasts, promising a treasure trove of exploration and excitement.
In essence, Portovenere is a haven for those seeking a romantic escapade or an immersive experience in both nature and history. Its serene beaches, captivating architecture, and proximity to the Gulf of the Poets’ spellbinding beauty make it a destination that caters to diverse tastes and desires.
Visiting Portovenere for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Portovenere on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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6 Best places to See in Portovenere
This complete guide to Portovenere not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Portovenere and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Castello Doria
Location: Via dei Mulini, 19025 Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Hours: Daily 10:00 to 17:30 | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Castello Doria
Palazzata a Mare, Portovenere
Visiting Palazzata a Mare, Portovenere
Lord Byron's Grotto
Location: Grotta di Lord Byron, SP530, Porto Venere, Portovenere SP, Liguria, Italy | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Lord Byron's Grotto
Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere)
Location: Chiesa di San Pietro in Portovenere, Piazza Lazzaro Spallanzani, Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.70km
Visiting Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere)
Roman villa of Varignano
Location: Varignano Roman Villa, Via Varignano Vecchio, Le Grazie, Portovenere, SP, Italy | Distance: 1.10km
Visiting Roman villa of Varignano
Porto Venere Regional Natural Park
Location: Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Website | Distance: 1.30km
Visiting Porto Venere Regional Natural Park
Best Time to Visit Portovenere
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Average Temperatures in Portovenere
- January 12°C 54°F 17
- February 13°C 55°F 19
- March 15°C 59°F 15
- April 18°C 64°F 12
- May 21°C 70°F 12
- June 26°C 79°F 8
- July 30°C 86°F 4
- August 29°C 84°F 7
- September 25°C 77°F 13
- October 21°C 70°F 24
- November 16°C 61°F 28
- December 13°C 55°F 22
How to get to Portovenere
Flying to Portovenere
The nearest airport to Portovenere is Pisa (PSA). However, there are better options for getting to Portovenere. You can take a bus from Milan Linate (LIN) to Portovenere via Genoa, La Spezia, and La Spezia – Questura in around 5h 59m.
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.
