Portovenere
Portovenere
4.5
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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
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
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Top ways to experience Portovenere
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
79 within 3 miles
Attractions
143 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,538 reviews
Excellent
2,772
Very good
651
Average
81
Poor
17
Terrible
17
beachlovernc2015
Leland, NC1,661 contributions
May 2022
We had a nice half day visit here. Arrived by boat and right away noticed the church. We walked to see the inside of San Pietro and then came back the same route as the shops had opened. Did a little shopping, got back to harbor and explored along it. There is a tiny little beach right next to a small park which was a nice place to sit and people watch. There is a very steep uphill walk with great views - so we are told- we were not up to it. Very pleasant place and worth the stop. Not too crowded either!
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
adascoli
Miami, FL45 contributions
Oct 2022
Having been to the Cinque Terre previously, we thought to go off the path a bit and visit Portovenere and Camogli instead and we were very glad we did. A beautiful fishing village with a decent small beach. Lots of restaurants to watch the boats come in with fresh catches. Easy to park.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom8,241 contributions
May 2022
With 5 nights in the area, we had time to explore a little further beyond the enormously popular Cinque Terre towns. A day trip to Portovenere was a highlight.
We had about 3 - 4 hours in Portovenere but it’s only a small town and is very walkable. You can easily see all the main sights.
The town itself is charming which you enter through the original 12th century gateway. Narrow streets are flanked by tall ‘tower houses’ in shades of pastel pink, peach and buttery yellow. A long promenade takes you along the boat-filled harbour and leads to the lonely, black and white Gothic church at the far headland.
The highlight of our day was doing the walk uphill to the ancient Doria Castle via the Church of San Lorenzo (see separate reviews). The views were jaw-dropping.
The only mistake we made was catching the bus from La Spezia. It was cheap but not particularly interesting and took about half an hour. In hindsight, we should have caught the ferry - it would have been a much better option and would have allowed us to see the coastline from another perspective.
We had about 3 - 4 hours in Portovenere but it’s only a small town and is very walkable. You can easily see all the main sights.
The town itself is charming which you enter through the original 12th century gateway. Narrow streets are flanked by tall ‘tower houses’ in shades of pastel pink, peach and buttery yellow. A long promenade takes you along the boat-filled harbour and leads to the lonely, black and white Gothic church at the far headland.
The highlight of our day was doing the walk uphill to the ancient Doria Castle via the Church of San Lorenzo (see separate reviews). The views were jaw-dropping.
The only mistake we made was catching the bus from La Spezia. It was cheap but not particularly interesting and took about half an hour. In hindsight, we should have caught the ferry - it would have been a much better option and would have allowed us to see the coastline from another perspective.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mafmaf
Singapore, Singapore12 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.
ellis6
County Down, UK128 contributions
Oct 2022
arrived by boat from Riomaggiore which is a great way to travel here. The walk up to the castle through the cobbled streets is superb with great views at every turn.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarieM1953
Saint Julian's, Malta38 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Worth visiting ! We took a boat tour around the island and peninsula- very relaxing and beautiful! We were well served inside the little shops and cafes!
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Khashayar V
4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We were planning to see Chinqu Terre, therefore we were in the area. Porto Venere, much more beautiful, less people, and more reasonable prices. Beautiful church.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wegotlife
11 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We planned to visit Cinque Terre the following day since only had the afternoon. We went by boat from La Spezzia snd had a wonderful time. In the end preferred this to the Cinque Terre which although pretty was just too busy. Portovenere was more comfortable and relaxing.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ScottishConnection
Hampshire, UK96 contributions
May 2022
Spent 10 days (end May) in the very magical and wonderful Portovenere - the jewel in the crown of the Italian Riveria. Spectacular views at every turn, steeped in history and culture and the most beautiful serene church of S. Pietro above the azure waters of the Gulf of Poets, the focal point of the harbour entrance. The Cinque Terre are also stunning and pretty to visit ( and easily accessible from Portovenere) but we were so glad we had made our base in the quieter and most beautifully charming of villages that is Portovenere. Our wonderful accommodation ( and kindest of hosts) at L/Ancora provided us with the most breathtaking, panoramic views 24/7. The local population of Portovenere are warm, friendly and welcoming and it was a pleasure trying to chat to them in our Italian as they were always encouraging of our efforts. The shops are a delight of very high quality artisan crafts ceramics linens and jewellery / authentic food and drink but at extremely competitive, reasonable prices and we loved every second of our time there. The village is so easy to get around / a plethora of cafes and restaurants exist to choose from. Simply cannot wait to return to this magical haven of beauty and tranquility - beyond spectacular We have found our new "happy place" and hope to return many times in future years - Portovenere is like a well guarded secret and long may that continue - a dazzling diamond in the Ligurian riviera - we have left a little of our hearts in Portovenere.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tototny@
Rhondda Cynon Taf, UK1,128 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Vista mozzafiato was nice day and back to normal tourist everywhere so have to tale time to get nice photos overall was a glod day
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LittleBritain
West Sussex, UK574 contributions
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
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.
jaybeeFL
Palm Harbor, FL3,122 contributions
I suppose you could take a cab using Route SPS30 which connects the two towns. Might be expensive but convenient.You might want to look into a ferry or private boat transfer as well. Didn't see a beach in Portovenere but the harbor front and surrounding area had a lot to do. You might want to take a day trip to Monterossa a Mare, one of the Cinque Terre, as they have a nice beach. You can get there from Portovenere via ferry which picks you up right on the harbor. Good Luck!
Sue C
Maidstone, UK44 contributions
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?
Sue C
Maidstone, UK44 contributions
I will be driving from Pisa on a day trip. Where is the best place to leave the car?
Margherita A
Florence, Italy73 contributions
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.
Melissa E
5 contributions
Hi, Melissa. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Is parking readily available in Portovenere?
Janet G
Coventry, UK12 contributions
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
Margherita A
Florence, Italy73 contributions
Many of the Ferries start in La Spezia before coming to Portovenere so careful you don’t take the bus then to get on the same ferry.
Check the ‘incinqueterre’ website, it’s also in English for the schedule of stops.
Loreto Felli
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Can you park at Porto Venere ?
Could be a hopeful question
kiwiandpom
New Zealand15 contributions
Not a lot of parking. There are no roads in the township, lots of steps though. Take the ferry much more to see.
Can you recommend a couple of restaurants with good food at reasonable prices? :)
Tangaroa
Greenville, SC300 contributions
Eletra is also good, reasonable but more expensive than El Gabbiano. If you go to Fezzano which is a town near Portovenere don't miss La Bitta the best! More expensive but a gastronomic delight!
Portovenere (Porto Venere) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Portovenere
- Portovenere is open:
- Sun - Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Tue 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Mon - Tue 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Portovenere tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 42 Portovenere tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Portovenere:
- Walking towards Portovenere and the secrets of the ancient olives roman mill (From $32.97)
- Cinque Terre Sailing Day Trip from La Spezia (From $181.31)
- Half Day Small Group Hike to Portovenere with Local Guide (From $192.30)
- Riding to Portovenere: an e-bike tour across the magic of "Golfo dei Poeti" (From $252.74)
- Daily Tour 5 Terre (From $208.78)
- Hotels near Portovenere:
- (0.13 mi) Affittacamere L'Ancora
- (0.15 mi) Colonna 24
- (0.15 mi) Affittacamere La Lanterna
- (0.13 mi) La Casa Sulla Calata
- (0.28 mi) Grand Hotel Portovenere
- Restaurants near Portovenere:
- (0.03 mi) Torre di Venere
- (0.11 mi) Ristorante Portivene
- (0.08 mi) Ristorante Le Bocche
- (0.15 mi) Ristorante Miramare
- (0.16 mi) La Medusa
- Attractions near Portovenere:
- (0.04 mi) Grotta di Byron
- (0.13 mi) San Pietro Church
- (0.07 mi) Statua Mater Naturae
- (0.14 mi) Santuario della Madonna Bianca - Chiesa di San Lorenzo
- (0.13 mi) Palazzata a Mare