a romantic seaside village in the italian countryside
Portovenere oozes romance. Pretty as a picture and set on the Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti), it is famed for its connection to the English romantic poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley who spent much time soaking up its inspiration.
The village harbor is full of small boats and its promenade lined with brightly painted houses. Narrow medieval lanes wind up the hillside to a castle looming protectively on high.
Portovenere is also a take off point for trips to the Cinque Terre, that rugged stretch of Italian Riviera coastline that features five quaint villages terracing down steep hillsides overlooking the sea.
Featured Voyages
- Departing: May 14, 2015
- Starting at: $2,999.00 USD
- Port Fees: $125.00 USD
- Departing: September 08, 2015
- Starting at: $2,699.00 USD
- Port Fees: $133.43 USD
DORIA CASTLE
DORIA CASTLE
Constructed to appear to be looming over Portovenere like a dark and dangerous storm cloud, the castle was once the town’s defense. The view of the town and surrounding seascape are fantastic and remain largely unchanged from when soldiers and locals alike sought shelter within its high stone walls.
CHURCH OF ST. PETER
CHURCH OF ST. PETER
Dedicated in 1198, the church sits on the foundation of what is thought to have been an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Venus. The church was a gift from the Republic of Genoa to the citizens of Portovenere for their vigorous defense of the town.
GROTTA DELL’ARPAIA
GROTTA DELL’ARPAIA
Though much of this ancient grotto is in ruins, with jagged cliffs and the turquoise Ligurian Sea, Lord Byron’s Grotto remains a beautiful site. At the end of Portoverne’s peninsula, this site was named for the famed English poet who loved to swim and relax here in the 1820’s.
Portovenere, Italy At a glance
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- 1.40
- 0.73
- 1.43
- 69.03
- 3.28
- 16.76
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