Porto Venere
An orderly line of colorful buildings watching the Mediterranean Sea.Colorful houses line the narrow streets of this coastal Italian town, built on limestone cliffs above the Mediterranean. A natural deep-water port sits beneath steep rock walls.
Porto Venere sits on a rocky peninsula along northern Italy's Ligurian coast. The medieval village's small harbor has a row of yellow, pink, and orange houses rising five stories high. From the harbor, you can walk to the black-and-white striped Church of St. Peter perched on cliffs 30 meters above the Mediterranean, explore the sea caves where Lord Byron once swam, or climb to the 12th-century Doria Castle. Three islands - Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto - lie just offshore, accessible by regular boat service.
Getting to Porto Venere
From La Spezia, take bus 11/P from Via Garibaldi - the journey takes 35 minutes and costs €3. Between March and November, boats run regularly from La Spezia's port to Porto Venere, taking 30 minutes. There's no direct train connection to Porto Venere.
Walking Through the Medieval Center
Enter through the Porta del Borgo, the old city gate, and follow Via Capellini - the main street with buildings dating from the 12th century. Stone staircases branch off to either side, leading to viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia. The five-story houses along the waterfront, called the Palazzata, form part of the original medieval fortifications.
Church of St. Peter and Doria Castle
The Church of St. Peter, built in 1277, stands on a rocky promontory with its distinctive black and white marble stripes. The site was once home to a temple dedicated to Venus, which gave the town its name. The Doria Castle, constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, sits 100 meters above sea level. From the castle walls, you'll see the entire Gulf of La Spezia and the Apuan Alps in the distance.
Exploring the Islands
Boats leave the harbor every hour for Palmaria Island, the largest of Porto Venere's three islands. A 5-kilometer walking trail circles the island through pine forests and past limestone cliffs. The Blue Grotto sea cave opens directly onto the water - local boats run tours inside. While Tino and Tinetto islands remain closed to the public most of the year, you can sail around them.
Local Food and Restaurants
Restaurants around the harbor serve Ligurian seafood dishes. Try the local mussels from the Gulf of La Spezia's farms, handmade trofie pasta with fresh basil pesto, and marinated anchovies. Every Monday morning, local vendors sell regional wines, olive oil, and seasonal produce in the town center market.
