Italian Riviera: Things to Do in Portovenere
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Portovenere (aka Port Venere) is sometimes called the “gateway” to the Cinque Terre. Located on the Italian Riviera, the UNESCO World Heritage site has a gorgeous castle, Gothic church, and medieval Old Town. The community also boasts a nature preserve that is dotted with beaches, caves, and spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea. Read on to learn about the many things to do in Portovenere.
Located next to the Cinque Terre town of Riomaggiore, Portovenere shares much of what makes the five villages so special. It has a sunny Mediterranean seaport, medieval ruins, great hiking, and colorful local piazzas. A little off the beaten path, Portovenere is quieter than the Cinque Terre villages, though.
The spectacular scenery, heritage sites, and a laid-back vibe make Portovenere a must-see destination on the Italian Riviera.
This post contains information on things to see in Portovenere including ideas for day trips and recommended excursions. For information on how to get to Portovenere, hotels, the weather, and the best time to visit read our “Italian Riviera – Portovenere” post.
PORTOVENERE HOTELS
Portovenere makes a great Cinque Terre day trip, but it is also a wonderful stand alone destination.
Overnight visitors can choose to stay along the waterfront or in Old Town. Portovenere is walkable and easy to navigate (although there are cobblestones, hills, and stairs - like most towns on the Italian Riviera). Here are a few well-reviewed Portovenere hotels to consider:
Grand Hotel Portovenere: 5 star boutique hotel. Built in the 1600s, the building has been recognized for its historic and cultural heritage.
Colonna 24: Charming B&B accommodations in the heart of Portovenere.
Hotel Della Baia; Waterfront hotel with pool, free breakfast and wifi.
Hotel Belvedere: Mid-priced hotel in good location with free breakfast and air conditioning.
PORTOVENERE TOURS & EXCURSIONS
When you are short on time, or want to leave the planning to someone else, book an organized tour. Here is a sampling of tours and excursions in Portovenere and the nearby Cinque Terre towns:
THINGS TO DO IN PORTOVENERE
Explore the Waterfront
Stroll Portovenere’s stunning and unusual harbor. Similar to other ports on the Mediterranean Sea, you will find fishing boats and yacht-filled marinas. You will also find a row of tower houses lining the harbor. The tall, thin connected buildings are called “La Palazzata.” The wall of residences was designed to protect the village from marauding pirates.
As you wander Portovenere harbor trek past bars, restaurants, tour operators, and the ferry port. In the distance admire the majestic Chiesa di San Pietro keeping watch over the harbor.
Discover Old Town
Enter the village of Portovenere through Porta del Borgo, an imposing city gate. From here, you can spy the 12th century Capitolare Tower. Follow Old Town’s main street, Via Giovanni Capellini, through the medieval heart of the village. Take time to explore the pastry, olive oil, gelato, textile, and craft shops that dot the lanes.
As you ramble, delve into the maze of narrow ‘carruggi’ (alleys) that are linked together by stone staircases. Off of the main drag, there are fewer people. Linger in the pretty courtyards and cafes. If you prefer to explore with a guide, book the Walking Tour Around Portovenere & Gulf of Poets.
Tour the Chiesa di San Pietro
The Chiesa di San Pietro (Church of Saint Peter) rests on a rocky promenade overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The castle-like Genoan-Gothic church was erected in 1277. The church was built over a Pegan temple for which the town is named. The temple was dedicated to the Goddess Venus, or “Venere” in Italian. Combining “Porto” (meaning harbor), with Venere, comes the name Portovenere / Porto Venere.
The loggia approaching the black and white striped Chiesa di San Pietro has outstanding views of the harbor (be careful – the worn stones can be slippery). Inside, the church is quite stark. There is a narrow staircase that leads to the roof for even better views.
Climb to Doria Castle
Climb above the village of Portovenere to tour Doria Castle. Along the way, stop at the Portovenere Communal Cemetery. When you are finished at the lovely burial ground, continue on to the ruins of Doria Castle (Castello Doria).
Built between the 12th to 17th centuries, Doria Castle was an important part of the town’s medieval defenses. For a small fee (we paid $5 Euros each), you can explore the Genoan military fortress including ramparts, terraced gardens, and breathtaking views of the village and Ligurian Sea.
Leaving the castle grounds, stop by the nearby Church of San Lorenzo (aka Santuario della Madonna Biance). The church is well-known for its celebration of the White Madonna each August.
Cruise the Islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto
Take a speed boat or catamaran excursion from Portovenere around the neighboring islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. The three islands, along with the village of Portovenere, achieved UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1997 for exceptional historical, natural, and cultural value.
Excursions leave from the waterfront throughout the day. Cruise routes take in the many cliffs, caves, and beaches that ring the islands. Palmaria’s Blue Grotto is a highlight of many trips (it can only be seen by boat). Try this excursion: Portovenere: Isola Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Boat Tour.
Explore Palmaria Island
Take a 5 minute ferry ride from town to the Porto Venere Natural Park on Palmaria Island for a day of hiking and beach hopping. Palmaria is full of little villages and gorgeous beaches. While on Palamaria, stop by the famous Locanda Lorena Inn & Restaurant for lunch after a hike around the coastal path that rims the island.
For a guided tour experience, try a Portovenere Natual Park Snorkeling Trip.
Swim in Byron’s Grotto
The Grotto di Lord Byron (Byron’s Cave) is a rocky expanse of coast above the turquoise sea where the poet Lord Byron used to swim with Keats Shelley (this is how the Gulf of Spezia came to be known as the “Bay of Poets”). Byron’s cave is popular place to sunbathe and snorkel. There is a staircase close to Chiesa di San Pietro that leads to the bay.
To see the grotto in the evening, book the Palmariaa Island & Lord Byron Cave Sunset Tour.
Hike from Portovenere to Riomaggiore
For serious trekkers, an 8 mile (13km) hiking trail runs between Portovenere and Riomaggiore through portions of the Porto Venere Natural Park and the Cinque Terre National Park. Highlights of the hike include a cliff side ridge trek with panoramic coastal views of the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is rated as difficult and take around 5 hours to complete.
For a guided excursion, schedule the Hiking from Riomaggiore to Portovenere tour.
Cinque Terre Day Trip
Don’t leave the Italian Riviera without a trip to the Cinque Terre. Take the ferry from Portovenere to Monterosso al Mare. Chugging along the beautiful Ligurian Sea, you will pass all five of the villages; Riomaggiore, Manarola, cliff-top Corniglia, Vernazza, and finally Monterosso. Disembark at one or more of the coastal villages. Our favorites are Vernazza and Manarola.
Or, opt for a private boat tour on a Porto Venere: Cinque Terre Villages Boat Tour.
Travel to Tuscany and Visit Pisa or Lucca
The Tuscan cities of Pisa and Lucca are both about a 75 minute drive from Portovenere. In Pisa, see the iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistry. In Lucca, travelers can explore a well-preserved Renaissance city with cobblestone streets and massive ramparts atop ancient city walls that are popular to walk and cycle along.
If you would prefer not to rent a car or take the train, try the La Spezia; Round Trip to Pisa Excursion.
Alla prossima (Till next time), Laura & Randy
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