Portovenere
Portovenere
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Portovenere
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
91 within 3 miles
Attractions
165 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- lynnee46Ludlow, United Kingdom33 contributionsPortovenere and Palmaria Island hikeI stayed 5 nights in La Spezia and decided to take a trip to Portovenere in order to hike round Palmaria Island. Took the P or 11 bus around the coast road, which takes about 30 minutes. From there got the ferry over to the Island. The hike is about 6km, and there is a bit of a climb at the beginning of the walk. It is so worth the trip, not only are there stunning views but it is much quieter than the hiking routes in the neighbouring Cinque Terre.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 28, 2024
- natycruzccsBogota, Colombia10 contributionsPortovenere is magicalWe arrived in Portovenere taking a bus from La Spezia and we met a magical audience, we walked through its old and charming streets that transport you back in time. In the end we find a postcard landscape, without hesitation we have to go up to the Church and its viewpoint to enjoy the sunset. Contemplate Mother Nature and her nostalgic look at the sea. Walk through each of its cobbled streets. Definitely a gem worth visiting.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 4, 2024
- M&MLockerbie, United Kingdom35 contributionsBest Cinque Terre base.Probably the best place to stay when exploring the area (a half hour bus ride from the main La Spezia town) as all the Cinque Terre villages have a slightly odd level of being cut-off coupled with the huge numbers of people arriving and departing by ferries. Portovenere has a good vibe with a traditional harbour with spectacular views and a great choice of places to eat and drink. Will definitely return.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- GOSBuenos Aires, Argentina4,342 contributionsWonderful placeA wonderful and little publicized place. We took a small boat from La Spezia and in 20 minutes we were there. You can also go from any of the small towns in the Cinque Terre. If you have the opportunity to be nearby, don't miss out on getting to know him.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 5, 2024
- Anuj_MithaniMumbai, India4,699 contributionsThe glorious 6th village of the Cinque TerrePortovenere is popular (we arrived on a Sunday) but not remotely as crowded as its Cinque Terre brethren, possibly because access is harder (no train station). The name of this sailor’s village is derived from the temple dedicated to the Goddess Venere (Venus) that stood where the Church of San Pietro stands today -an interesting visit, as is the castle. Portovenere is tiny with one pedestrain path through town, and a promenade with ibrantly coloured buildings cascading down to a lively waterfront.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 22, 2024
- Kevin G3 contributionsThe port baptized by Venus... but with some flawsThe Port of Venus is beautiful... nothing to say. So... I gave 4 stars because of the man who now continues and continues to dirty everywhere. The colorful houses are now very old, and for this reason some houses have lost a bit of color. However, we are talking about Portovenere, a beautiful sea, with many boats and ships, near the port there is also the church of San Pietro, with a beautiful view of the sea and the mountains... near the church there are very beautiful caves... unfortunately I could not go close because there was a risk of falling boulders... but this is not a big problem. I think I'm done... I hope you understand how beautiful Portovenere is... unfortunately there is a lot of dirt and the houses a bit 'discolored... I highly Recommendation and if you have the chance go there when there are no clouds and in the evening... so you see all the colors of nature. Promoted!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,591 reviews
Excellent
2,813
Very good
661
Average
81
Poor
18
Terrible
18
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Chenini46
Rome, Italy183 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I reached Portovenere by boat, starting from Levanto. In just under two hours, the boat stops first in each of the Cinque Terre, allowing passengers to get off wherever they want (daily ticket 39 euros). The view from the sea on the church of San Pietro and on the "palazzata" of a thousand colors already fills the heart and eyes with emotion. The landscape is so beautiful that you almost don't notice the thousands of tourists who fill this magical place. As soon as you get off the boat, I advise you not to immediately go towards the church of San Pietro. I rather recommend taking the central street of the village (accessible through the entrance arch) and, having reached a small square on the right, begin to climb the steps of S. Venerio following the signs for the medieval castle. You arrive in a few minutes, passing through the church of San Lorenzo, the Doria castle and the cemetery from where you can enjoy an incomparable view of the church of San Pietro. On the way back down, you can appreciate the various little shops inside the village (special mention for the Focacceria) and, finally, the church of San Pietro. The latter, which everyone appreciates for its position and external architecture, is no exception when it comes to its interiors. Truly the most beautiful place I have ever visited.

Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean-Emmanuel R
La Louviere, Belgium1,024 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Small town in Liguria located between Riomaggiore and La Spezzia. It is accessible directly by boat from the villages of the five lands or by bus from La Spezzia. For us, we went to Porto Venere as part of a day trip by boat from the port of Monterosso (€39 per pass). It takes 1 hour 20 minutes from the port of Monterosso, 30 minutes from that of Riomaggiore.
The city is not huge but it offers several activities, including boat trips to beaches or a panoramic tour of the 3 islands of its archipelago (the largest of the islands is located right in front of the marina).
It is very pleasant to walk along the main street, very colorful and very lively. The waterfront and views of the castle are also worth the trip. In all objectivity, Porto Venere has absolutely nothing to envy of the villages of the five lands: the architecture, the landscapes and the atmosphere are just as good (with a less dense crowd, which is very pleasant in this high season)
The city is not huge but it offers several activities, including boat trips to beaches or a panoramic tour of the 3 islands of its archipelago (the largest of the islands is located right in front of the marina).
It is very pleasant to walk along the main street, very colorful and very lively. The waterfront and views of the castle are also worth the trip. In all objectivity, Porto Venere has absolutely nothing to envy of the villages of the five lands: the architecture, the landscapes and the atmosphere are just as good (with a less dense crowd, which is very pleasant in this high season)

Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna B
Gladwyne, PA432 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The Cinque Terre used to be our favorite place in Italy but it has become too overcrowded to be enjoyable. This trip, we traveled from Riomaggiore by ferry to see the towns from the water and after stopping in Monterosso we went to Portovenere for the first time. It was such a lovely town that I would stay here if I ever decided to return as you can take the ferry in season to visit the other towns. I highly recommend the short cruise to see the islands near Portovenere that we added to our ferry ticket.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bibiveg
Turin, Italy103 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I do not recommend to many dog owners to go on holiday to Portovenere.
The municipality does not even allow our four-legged friends to stay on the rocks (delegating foresters to make reports! ) ;
has not set up a dog area (where it could very well allocate one of the flower beds for this purpose, but no, better a small lawn forbidden to all , than one useful to many ) ;
has not earmarked even one of Palmaria's abandoned pebble beaches, better the trash of humans than the hated dogs.
In short, friends of dogs went rather to nearby and beautiful Tuscany, in particular Orbetello, Punta Ala , Elba Island where another type of sensitivity has prepared splendid bau Beach while we wait for Portovenere to be elected a city council more attentive to the needs of people with animals.
The municipality does not even allow our four-legged friends to stay on the rocks (delegating foresters to make reports! ) ;
has not set up a dog area (where it could very well allocate one of the flower beds for this purpose, but no, better a small lawn forbidden to all , than one useful to many ) ;
has not earmarked even one of Palmaria's abandoned pebble beaches, better the trash of humans than the hated dogs.
In short, friends of dogs went rather to nearby and beautiful Tuscany, in particular Orbetello, Punta Ala , Elba Island where another type of sensitivity has prepared splendid bau Beach while we wait for Portovenere to be elected a city council more attentive to the needs of people with animals.
Automatically translated
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan U
Milpitas, CA9 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Beautiful! Truly a sight. More beautiful than all of the cinque terre areas in opinion….manora being the next most beautiful in my opinion. The stones that make up the steps can be a bit slippery but it is a must see.
The trouble is that people usually access it by bus or taxi…obviously taxi is more expensive. But BEWARE if you are a tourist. We bought round trip bus tickets to Porto Venere from Le Spezia and hopped on the bus like everyone else and took a seat. Some men approached us with their handheld credit card POS after about 5 mins after, and asked to see our tickets. We showed them our tickets and he said we were supposed to scan them through a machine on the bus when we got on. We apologized because we did not know but he said they had to charge us a “fine” for not scanning the ticket when we got on…Stating that the fine was €35 a person….pretty ridiculous! I would understand if we hopped on the bus without having paid/bought a ticket….but because we did not know we had to scan it?
They then proceeded to the next obvious tourist couple and did the same thing to them, stating that they should have asked the driver (in which case she did when she got on). Of course same statement. They, however did not check anyone else’s tickets on the bus, and when we got on we didn’t see anyone scan their tickets.
Of course they used the foot in the door strategy….”oh..,,well, since it’s your first offense , my friend here said we can just charge you the fee for one person instead of two…so just €35.
Seriously, did we just get scammed or what? They then called the bus driver the stop the bus and then hopped off and got on another bus. Were they really bus security? Who knows. We paid and the next couple also paid them…which tainted our experience to Porto Venere.
Also keep in mind that the bus gets pretty packed between 4:30pm-6pm on a weekday so plan accordingly. Hope this helps! A boat may have been the best option but I don’t think they run very often.
The trouble is that people usually access it by bus or taxi…obviously taxi is more expensive. But BEWARE if you are a tourist. We bought round trip bus tickets to Porto Venere from Le Spezia and hopped on the bus like everyone else and took a seat. Some men approached us with their handheld credit card POS after about 5 mins after, and asked to see our tickets. We showed them our tickets and he said we were supposed to scan them through a machine on the bus when we got on. We apologized because we did not know but he said they had to charge us a “fine” for not scanning the ticket when we got on…Stating that the fine was €35 a person….pretty ridiculous! I would understand if we hopped on the bus without having paid/bought a ticket….but because we did not know we had to scan it?
They then proceeded to the next obvious tourist couple and did the same thing to them, stating that they should have asked the driver (in which case she did when she got on). Of course same statement. They, however did not check anyone else’s tickets on the bus, and when we got on we didn’t see anyone scan their tickets.
Of course they used the foot in the door strategy….”oh..,,well, since it’s your first offense , my friend here said we can just charge you the fee for one person instead of two…so just €35.
Seriously, did we just get scammed or what? They then called the bus driver the stop the bus and then hopped off and got on another bus. Were they really bus security? Who knows. We paid and the next couple also paid them…which tainted our experience to Porto Venere.
Also keep in mind that the bus gets pretty packed between 4:30pm-6pm on a weekday so plan accordingly. Hope this helps! A boat may have been the best option but I don’t think they run very often.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drmader
Orinda, CA3,000 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Beautiful breezy weather..clear and sunny but not hot.clear water that’s refreshing. Views of palmaria , tono and tonitto. Easy ferry to CT and Lerici … 28€ each and leaves each hour, more frequently in summer. Rent your own boat, dine easily abs shop is cute small
Artisan shops that line the main drag and few small cobblestone streets. drive around la spezia harbor is laborious w construction and traffic.. but the water views w mountains in back..are enough to keep you going.. the entire valley down from
Parma to the coast is a beautiful
Green drive. The church and fort are short up hill climbs with huge payoff in terms of view, sunsets. Harbor is clean and easy. Everything is close and there is no lack of things to do. Nearby islands or towns offer beaches or other spots to enjoy as well. Everything is close. Love to come again as the weather was lovely and the people kind.. Liked how few tourists.. mostly Italians ..some French and German ..few English speaking people.
Artisan shops that line the main drag and few small cobblestone streets. drive around la spezia harbor is laborious w construction and traffic.. but the water views w mountains in back..are enough to keep you going.. the entire valley down from
Parma to the coast is a beautiful
Green drive. The church and fort are short up hill climbs with huge payoff in terms of view, sunsets. Harbor is clean and easy. Everything is close and there is no lack of things to do. Nearby islands or towns offer beaches or other spots to enjoy as well. Everything is close. Love to come again as the weather was lovely and the people kind.. Liked how few tourists.. mostly Italians ..some French and German ..few English speaking people.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip C
York, ME581 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
After "doing" Cinque Terre the prior day (or did CT do us?), we had a solid half day to enjoy La Spezia and other surrounds. After strolling to the harbor through the lovely garden we decided to hop on the water ferry for a $15 round trip boat ride. We had plenty of time to stroll about (mostly Cruise ship type shops), have a really delightful lunch, visit the church with the incredible views from different points, and, as it turned out, check out about 30 vintage cars that somehow appeared in the town square from the time we landed to the time we returned. Thoroughly enjoyable day without the crush increasing this of the formally hidden gem of Cinque Terre.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mafmaf
Singapore, Singapore97 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Beautiful village… like what many tourists mentioned, it should be included in the cinque terres.
Only problem is transport. After oct, there is very limited ferry to this village, so either drive or take the bus. The journey to the village is about 30mins on a winding narrow road. So bus is the best option.
However the bus stop can be a bit tricky to find.
There is a website where there is a map indicating where to take the bus.
However you cannot buy ticket on the bus, go to the Carrefour supermarket or tobacco shop nearby the bus stop to get the ticket.
It is worth making the trip. It is one of my favorite villages.
Only problem is transport. After oct, there is very limited ferry to this village, so either drive or take the bus. The journey to the village is about 30mins on a winding narrow road. So bus is the best option.
However the bus stop can be a bit tricky to find.
There is a website where there is a map indicating where to take the bus.
However you cannot buy ticket on the bus, go to the Carrefour supermarket or tobacco shop nearby the bus stop to get the ticket.
It is worth making the trip. It is one of my favorite villages.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explore762370
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Stepping into Porto Venere was like entering a world of wonder and enchantment. Every moment spent in this picturesque Italian haven was a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
From the very first glimpse, Porto Venere's charm was utterly captivating. Every corner I turned seemed to reveal a new facet of its beauty. The harmonious blend of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking coastal vistas created a scene straight out of a dream.
Everywhere you look, there's something that fascinates you.
The sense of history and culture that permeates the air is truly remarkable. Reflecting on my time in Porto Venere, I can confidently say that every aspect of this journey was amazing. Thank you Italy !
From the very first glimpse, Porto Venere's charm was utterly captivating. Every corner I turned seemed to reveal a new facet of its beauty. The harmonious blend of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking coastal vistas created a scene straight out of a dream.
Everywhere you look, there's something that fascinates you.
The sense of history and culture that permeates the air is truly remarkable. Reflecting on my time in Porto Venere, I can confidently say that every aspect of this journey was amazing. Thank you Italy !
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbob1
New Windsor, NY1,131 contributions
Mar 2023
Really enjoyed our visit to this walk able and less crowded village. There were less crowds and more of a village experience seeing the locals going about their daily lives. The shops are well stocked with typical touristy stuff to well made artistic treasures. Take a walk up the stairways to see the residential sections off the main narrow street.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you book a taxi to Cinque Terra.?
Written September 17, 2024
If we stay in portovenure is it possible to do a day trip to Portofino?
Written April 26, 2023
Is it still possible to catch a bus from via XXIV Maggio to Portovenere- and if so, what number bus. How frequently do they run. With thanks
Written August 16, 2022
Hello! Is there an option to take a cab from La Spezia Centrale to one's hotel in Portovenere? We're going there from Rome, then on to Venice and Vienna, so we'll have a bit of luggage. Also: are beaches feasible for swimming and sunbathing, or just boating? Thank you.
Written July 9, 2019
There is a taxi stand outside the La Spezia train station. The fare is 35€ all included (2019 summer)
This is the best way to get to Portovenere.
Written August 15, 2019
באילו שעות יוצאת מעבורת מלה ספציה לפורטוונרה?
Written June 14, 2019
I will be driving from Pisa to Portobenere just on a day trip. Not staying over the night. Where is the best place to park the car while we explore the area?
Written May 17, 2019
I will be driving from Pisa on a day trip. Where is the best place to leave the car?
Written May 17, 2019
Best not to try to enter Portovenere with a car. It’s just a small town with one way road all the way around. Better to take train to La Spezia and take the bus 11p.
If you must come by car, There is parking lot at the town entrance, go left at the roundabout and then immediately left into the parking lot entrance on the left. Careful not to go past the entrance or you will be going the wrong way.
Then take the GiroBus (goes around Portovenere) or walk if you have comfortable shoes as you are a good 15-20 walk to the main center/port area, but it’s all downhill. Price should be 1.50€ per hour 8:00 to 21:00.
There may be spots on the street if you can find it but it’s 1.50€ close to top then 2.50€ when you get closer to the main town center area.
Written May 21, 2019
Hi, Melissa. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Is parking readily available in Portovenere?
Written April 16, 2019
Is it possible to get a boat trip along the coast of the villages or is there only the ferry boat. We are in la specia for one day but think the ferry from there maybe full from the Cruise ships so thinking of taking the bus to Portovenere and getting a boat trip from there, would appreciate any suggestions
Written April 15, 2019
Yes there is a boat service living Portovenere to the Cinque Terre, every hour or so from 10:00 to 5:00. And the last boat leaving Monterosso( the best village from the Cinque Terre) is at 3:00 or 4:00 directly to La Spezia, in 1:45.
Company’s name “giro delle 3 isole” but do also the Cinque Terre.
Have fun!
Written April 16, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 41
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing