Portovenere, Cinque Terre, Italy travel and vacation packages

Custom Trip Plan

The five villages that make up nearby Cinque Terre might get all the attention and crowds, but Portovenere is a lovely laid-back alternative. Portovenere is one of the three villages in the Bay of Poets, so named because Lord Byron used to swim across to San Terenzo, where his friend and fellow English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was living. But its history goes back even further than that. The ancient Roman name of the place was Portus Veneris, as it once hosted a temple to Venus.

The Jewel of Italy's Bay of Poets.

You can take in the main sights of Portovenere in a half day, with the striped Genovese Gothic church of St Peter the most prominent of them. Nature lovers will enjoy walking in the Natural Park of Porto Venere, and a short boat trip to tiny island of Palmaria that faces Portovenere is a must. Although there is no train station in Portovenere, you can reach the Cinque Terre villages by ferry or taking a boat tour, or by taxi to La Spezia followed by a train.

Things to do in Portovenere

We don't have any set excursions or tours in or around Portovenere but there are plenty of excursions and day trips we can arrange that start in nearby La Spezia. If you're staying in other places nearby already we suggest simply taking in the scenery or if you're up for the challenge, go for a hike, to make the most of this quiet, scenic location.

Where to stay in Portovenere

With accommodations in an elegant 4-star hotel located directly on the sea, we're sure you'll love your stay in Portovenere. Get in touch with us for a free travel consultation. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to choose from.

Luxury Seaside Hotel

Beautiful luxury hotel set on the seafront.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Portovenere

What are Portovenere's prices like?

A quick lunch with a drink costs around 25 euros. Museums and landmarks generally cost 10-20 euros. For a full dinner, budget at least 30-40 euros.

How can I get around Portovenere?

The best way to get around Portovenere is by foot. It's also the only way. If you wish to visit a neighboring town, we recommend taking a ferry.

Is Monterosso safe?

Monterosso is very safe.

Does Portovenere have options for people with dietary restrictions?

Although Portovenere is quite small, some of its pizzerias and restaurants offer gluten-free options, and you can also find many vegetarian dishes in most restaurants.

How long should I stay in Portovenere?

We suggest spending at least two nights in Portovenere, in order to being able to enjoy both the town and its beautiful beaches, and other parts of Cinque Terre. We also recommend considering at third night, to make room for a day trip.

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