La Spezia to Portovenere

A Trip from La Spezia to Porto Venere

Whether traveling from La Spezia to Porto Venere or to La Spezia, this scenic route will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Northern Italy.

With views of the Ligurian Sea, three national parks, and multiple cities, it’s no wonder that the European Commission has recognized this route as one of the most important tourist destinations in Europe.

It’s about 14 km from La Spezia to Porto Venere, and the trip takes less than an hour by all available options that we’ll discuss in this article later.

The two cities are connected by road or ferry, and both can be visited on a day trip from one another. Porto Venere sits on top of rocks along the water, while La Spezia sits low to the ground, surrounded by mountains that separate it from the ocean.

La Spezia to Portovenere map

Both cities are charming, but they have very different personalities and aesthetics that make each unique and fun to visit.

Best Options to Get from La Spezia to Porto Venere

Three available options will get you from La Spezia to Porto Venere, and they are:

  1. Bus
  2. Boat
  3. Taxi

A chart to understand these options one by one.

OptionDistanceAverage DurationAverage Cost
Bus9 km22-min$1- $3
Boat7.9 km45-min$10- $12
Taxi14.6 km17-min$21- $25

We hope this chart has cleared some of your confusion. We’ll discuss them in detail.

There is no railway station in Porto Venere, so you can’t use a train to get there. The train is not a problem getting from La Spezia to Porto Venere as it’s not too far, and the other available options are affordable and time-saving.

The trains operate from La Spezia to Cinque Terre; if you plan to visit Cinque Terre, then the train is our recommended option.

From La Spezia to Porto Venere by Bus

A bus is one of the most affordable modes of transportation to Porto Venere, and the fare is simply three bucks. You must purchase a ticket before your journey; tickets are typically available in tobacco stores and specifically devoted stands.

If you cannot acquire tickets beforehand, you can purchase them directly from the driver; however, the cost will certainly be twice as expensive. Within 30 minutes, you will be there.

reach portovenere by bus

Buses run regularly to Porto Venere, concerning every 20 minutes daily. After 8 pm, only 50% of buses operate, 1 per hour. You can promptly get to the bus and quit walking from the train station.

Remember that the roadway to Porto Venere is zigzag, so if you experience travel sickness, it is much better to select various other travel options, like a boat.

From La Spezia to Porto Venere by Boat

The second option for getting from La Spezia to Porto Venere is to take a boat. Yet do keep in mind that the service operates from March to November. Boats depart from the terminal behind the general public yards. 

Boats are arranged to depart at regular periods throughout the early morning, starting at 9:15 am. The last return boat departs for Porto Venere at 6.20 pm. If you’re planning on spending someday in Porto Venere, we advise taking the earliest boat of the day.

arrive at portovenere by boat

All the return tickets will cost you $13 per ticket, or you can acquire a full-day Cinque Terre boat pass for $35, which allows you to check out the towns likewise.

From La Spezia to Porto Venere by Car

If you arrange a car in Italy, driving from La Spezia to Porto Venere is an uncomplicated alternative. Make sure to show up early if visiting in the summer to ensure a parking lot.

Porto Venere Parking

As Porto Venere is a less crowded town than others, you will get a parking space without any problem.

There is a streetside car park within the town itself, but you can additionally find it less complicated (as well as less stressful) to drive in through the SP-530 and also park on the side of the roadway. You can stroll down a steep staircase to the main road.

parking map of porto venere

However, another parking option called Parcheggio Muzzerone is also available. This space is free of cost but limited. If you’re feeling energized, drive into the hills and stroll to the town from above. You will be amazed to see the unbelievable sights on this route. Bear in mind to save some power for the climb back up!

Many other paid parking places are also available, ranging from $1-$3 per hour.

FAQs

As there are no trains to get from La Spezia to Portovenere, but there are three other great options are available:

  1. Bus
  2. Boat
  3. Taxi

Their modes of transportation are elementary and affordable. You can get the tickets from the nearby shops and start your journey.

No, you can’t get to Portovenere by train as there is no train terminal in Portovenere. The only option to reach Portovenere from La Spezia is by Bus, Boat, and taxi. The distance between these two destinations is almost 13km, so you can also get there on foot (if you want).

Portovenere is a picturesque little fishing village located on the west coast of Italy. It’s famous for its dramatic cliff-top setting and medieval castle, as well as its spectacular views of the Cinque Terre. The surrounding area also boasts lovely beaches, quaint villages, and beautiful hiking trails.

If you are looking for a unique Mediterranean experience, then Portovenere should be high on your list.

The charming sea village of Portovenere is not part of the Cinque Terre. Yet it delights in a calculated panoramic placement on the Gulf of Poets; it is just 30 minutes away by ferry from Riomaggiore and about 70 minutes away from Monterosso, specifically the closest as well as farthest of the Cinque Terre.

Conclusion

Now that you know the different options available and how to get from La Spezia to Porto Venere, it’s time to make a decision. Keep in mind some of the stops can be crowded. With a suitable mode of transportation, your journey will be smooth and less stressful.

To make your journey even more exciting, you should leave early to beat the crowds and get a parking spot at Porto Venere’s beaches. Always remember to cover yourself and your loved ones with suitable travel insurance. A small or major injury on your trip can ruin your much-deserved holiday if you don’t have the necessary insurance.

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