"Under-rated a must see in Italy" Portovenere by matcrazy1

Portovenere Travel Guide: 182 reviews and 376 photos

Amazing coastline

Portovenere is a medieval sea village at the gateway to the Cinque Terre . This enchanting and naturally beautiful town dates back to the Roman era. The lovely view admired from the Church of San Pietro located at the edge of the cliff, inspired famous poets such as Shelley and Byron and from whom took the name Golfo dei Poeti (The Poets' Gulf).

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Romantic harbor

HOUSES AT THE SEASIDE

Portovenere is one the most romantic spots on the Italian Riviera, an ancient small harbor of nostalgic beauty between Cinque Terre ad the Gulf of Poets. The mild climate makes Portovenere a preferred destination in every season.

Fortress

THE FORTRESS

Important fortress of the Genoese Marine Republic, Porto Venere has a long story of corsairs and sailors, of sieges and local traditions going back to ancient Rome which has imbued its castle, its walls, its churches and its little narrow streets.

MORE about Portovenere:
Tourist Promotion Agency Cinque Terre and Gult of the Poets
City of Portovenere Official Website

MORE pages about Cinque Terre region:
- Riomaggiore - click here
- La Spezia - click here

You are welcome :-)))

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Pros and Cons

Pros:Amazing coastline, ancient fortress, lovely narrow streets, romantic harbour
Cons:Over-crowded in weekends
In a nutshell:Under-rated a must see

Last visit to Portovenere: Sep 1994
Intro Updated Aug 2, 2003
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Reviews (54)

CINQUE TERRE ROCKY FORMATIONS - Portovenere

Rocky formations Off The Beaten Path (10)

. Look at amazing rocky formations of the Cinque Terre coastline including Grotta (cave) Arpaia. . more travel advice

Cinque Terre coastline Off The Beaten Path (10)

. And look westwards at rocky coastline of Cinque Terre. The Ligurian coastal region between Cinque Terre and... more travel advice

Magical bay Off The Beaten Path (10)

. Admire the authentic beauty of the amazing small rocky bay on the northern side of the peninsula. . more travel advice

Rocks Off The Beaten Path (10)

. Look at terraced rocks (is it correct in English? he?) of Cinque Terre just behind a church. . more travel advice

Things to Do (10)
See All Boat trip to 3 islands
Favorites (10)
See All On the hill
Transportation (7)
See All By plane
Hotels (1)
I didn't sleep in Portovenere but...
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Sporting Beach

Shopping (4)
See All Ligurian food and drinks
Restaurants (2)
See All When I... will eat next time :-)
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
The September sun
Tourist Traps (1)
Toilets (loos)
Local Customs (6)
See All They love to speak loudly

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (71)

Maurizioago Mar 29, 2010 at 10:04 AM Report Abuse

I have to visit this area. Ciao!
BruceDunning Jun 19, 2009 at 3:52 PM Report Abuse

The first picture shows the real good camera work from you-great comments and pictures.
evaanna Feb 10, 2007 at 10:56 PM Report Abuse

What a lovely spot! The sea, the castle, the ancient church, the boats, the interesting narrow streets and the great scenery all around. It's high time I visited Italy, never mind my budget.
kyoub Feb 4, 2007 at 4:13 AM Report Abuse

This is another great place to visit in Italy, it seems. Great tips and photos.
MalenaN Jan 12, 2007 at 11:47 AM Report Abuse

The location of the church S. Pietro on the peninsula is great! Portovenere looks like a lovely place to visit, with the sea and colourful houses!
whitecliff62 Jan 2, 2007 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

My mother took me here in the 1960's because she is Italian, trouble is i was only 2 years old at the time lol, i think its time to go back. THANKS MAT
JLBG Nov 15, 2005 at 9:00 PM Report Abuse

Thalassa, Thalassa ! I have finally found not only the sea but also a Matt's page I had not yet visited. The later was the most difficult to find. I feel I should visit this part of Italy !
effeti Apr 15, 2005 at 8:21 AM Report Abuse

Lovely place that i had the privilege to visist more than once arriving and anchoring here with a friend's boat, usually moored 1 NMile away
easyoar Mar 3, 2005 at 3:11 PM Report Abuse

Hi Matt! Hey, what's this all about? "If you are white like flour (attention Brits)"??? Seriously though the Spanish call us "gambas" (= prawns) because we go pink and white in the sun! Nice page!
LoriPori Feb 28, 2005 at 5:35 AM Report Abuse

I think -- I know I would love it here. The harbour reminds me of Honfleur in France. Scenic views, narrow streets, castles, picturesque harbour -- Portovenere has it all. Well done Matt. Lori.