Top 7 Things to do in Portovenere, Italy
We’ve put together some unique things to do in Portovenere to help you plan your perfect trip. Located in the Liguria region of Italy, Portovenere is a gorgeous seaside town that most tourists who visit the country never see.
Instead, they are drawn to famous cities like Rome and Florence, littered with tourist traps and overpriced restaurants that aren’t worth the trip. If you plan a trip to Italy, include Portovenere in your itinerary!
Once you visit Portovenere, you’ll wonder why more people don’t know about it and discover that this is a great little vacation spot!
History of Portovenere
Portovenere is a small fishing village on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. Its name is derived from the Latin Portus Vinarium, which means harbor for wine. Etruscans and later Romans inhabited the town; it was also an important port for the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice during medieval times.
The town is also famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture with elements of both Romanesque and Gothic styles, and for its natural beauty. In 1997, Portovenere got an all-natural entry onto the Protected World Heritage Sites listing.
Our Recommended Things to do in Portovenere
There are multiple things to do in Portovenere which will make your day. Here, we’ll discuss only seven of them.
You can also check out some amazing things to do in La Spezia here.
Explore the Picturesque Harbor of Portovenere
Chances are high that you will first visit Portovenere by boat. The moment your eyes fall on the picturesque harbor bordered by a wall surface of striking buildings, you will undoubtedly fall for this old fishermen’s town.
The little harbor is an attractive place, as beautiful as the neighboring Palmaria Island. This is a terrific spot to have lunch or visit one of the many coffee shops. Stop by at the very special Le Bocche restaurant, then sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing sight of the ferries passing by on their way to Cinque Terre.
Church of San Lorenzo – Things to do in Portovenere
The Church of San Lorenzo is one of the most photographed churches on the peninsula. The church was built on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple and it has a breathtaking view of the bay.
The church houses a revered statue called Madonna Delle Grazie, which is said to have miraculous powers. You can still find pilgrims coming worldwide to pray before her.
Annually in August, the day of the White Madonna is commemorated here. The inside of this church is well worth a glimpse, but if you don’t have enough time to properly view the inside, the outside is also gorgeous.
Church of San Pietro – Things to do in Portovenere
The Church of San Pietro, with an alluring view over the Gulf of Poets, is one of Portovenere’s most famous religious landmarks. The exterior is austere, but the interior is painted with various rich colors.
The church was founded by Saint Peter and contained some fragments of his bones. It also has a statue called L’Addolorata, which depicts Mary grieving after Jesus’s death on the cross.
The building practically resembles a fortified castle at a distance, as it is the first thing you see regarding Portovenere if you travel there by ferry. The church is tranquil and also straightforward both outdoors and inside. In 1198, this church was officially declared a holy place.
Visit Doria Castle
Visiting Doria Castle is one of the more exciting things to do in Portovenere. The Doria family built the castle and still retains much of its original architecture. The castle offers a significant view of the town.
This military fortress dates back to the 12th and 14th centuries and was of immense importance because of its strategic location. It’s quite a climb to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. The sights from the top are unique and validate the small entryway cost. Do not miss it!
If you’re looking for a less touristy experience, head down to the fishing harbor and take your time exploring it. You’ll be able to see how locals go about their daily lives and get an insider’s perspective on their culture.
Regional Natural Park Portovenere
Portovenere Regional Natural Park has several trekking routes. We did not go hiking here, but if you have the time, it could be well worth exploring this area on foot. It’s also possible to trek from Portovenere to Riomaggiore. It’s said to be a lovely seaside walk.
You may want to inquire beforehand at the visitors’ office about the different routes to find out which are less or more demanding. You also have the option to go to the park on foot and return by boat or vice versa.
Lord Byron’s Grotto – Things to do in Portovenere
Alongside St. Peter Church, you’ll observe a sign for Lord Byron’s Grotto, known as Grotta Arpaia.
The Bay of Poets obtained its name because the area was so precious to English poets. The poet Lord Byron commonly stayed here, and he used to swim across the bay to visit his fellow poet, Shelley. Therefore, the name of the Grotto.
The cave has a small entrance leading to an underground tunnel that gets gradually bigger as you venture further inside. You can see stalactites and stalagmites everywhere you look. Once you get to the end of the tunnel, there is a massive opening with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Go Hiking
One of the trendiest things to do in Portovenere is to go hiking. On a crystal clear day, you can see all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea!
One path in particular that runs from Portovenere to Riomaggiore is really worth the adventure. It’s a bit harder than some of the other trails, but the views are magnificent. The track is around 13 km long and takes between four and five hours to complete a single way.
An additional route will take you to the Forte de Muzzerone. You’ll need to take the stairways from Portovenere’s central piazza to a location behind the town wall. After a high climb and walking along a path on the hill, you’ll reach an area where you’ll see the castle and surrounding views.
Be sure to bring lots of water because there are no restaurants nearby where you can stop and get something to eat. You’ll also want some sturdy shoes with good traction, as the terrain can be steep in some areas. For a more relaxing outing, take a stroll around town, exploring all its beautiful architecture, fountains, statues and churches.
Conclusion
With so many things to do in Portovenere, it will be your new favorite place! Explore the charming city and witness the beauty of Italy through the eyes of its inhabitants, or try one of the above places on our list. Remember, it’s always better to visit here when fewer people are around!
Also keep in mind that besides visiting all these beautiful locations, you can enjoy swimming as well as hiking through lush green landscapes.
