Guide to the most beautiful spots, bays, and beaches of Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Portovenere, Gulf of Poets, and Cinque Terre: a coastline of a thousand shades among the most picturesque spots in Liguria and in Italy. A succession of suggestive landscapes to admire from the bow of a sailboat.
The Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets with Portovenere are Italian treasures that must be seen at least once in a lifetime. A sailing vacation is definitely the best way to enjoy all the enchantment of these places. A unique landscape that enchants not only for its natural features but also for its history, the signs of which are still preserved.
A coastline of a thousand shades where charming seaside villages perched on the cliffs alternate with vineyard-covered slopes; a collection of views that seems to have sprung from a painter's brush, framed by a beautiful azure sea, among the cleanest in Italy.
A day or a weekend on a sailboat will allow you to savor moments of relaxation and fun. During the navigation, you can try your hand at maneuvers, sunbathe, sip a drink, or be lulled by the waves crashing against the boat. Every now and then, you can dive into the sea, free to swim in crystal-clear waters! You can go ashore to visit small beaches, eat at some typical local restaurant, and perhaps venture along one of the many scenic trails.
The best period
The best time to sail in this gem of the Ligurian Riviera is between spring and summer, from April to October. August is definitely the month with the highest tourist influx; if you're looking for a relaxing and peaceful experience, you can take advantage of bridge days and weekends between April and June. During the winter months, you can find sailing courses and educational outings.
Sea color
What shade of blue prevails around the coast
Blue
Beach type
Fine sand, small pebbles, shells or rocks?
Rocks
Wind strength
How much wind is there in the peak season?
Moderate breeze
Liguria Vacation Highlights
Portovenere, Gulf of Poets, and Cinque Terre are the perfect destination for
Art & culture
Coastal villages rich in history and culture, where time seems to have stood still.
Activity
Panoramic trails with breathtaking views connecting one village to another.
Beaches
Small exclusive coves nestled between one cliff and another, all waiting to be discovered.
Portovenere and Cinque Terre: day trips, weekends and spring bridges on a sailing boat
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The most beautiful landscapes of the Gulf of La Spezia
A day sailing around the Portovenere archipelago: Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto
Admiring the islands that make up the small archipelago of Portovenere from the sea is a unique and evocative spectacle. These three islands are the beating heart of the Portovenere Regional Natural Park. Palmaria, the most visited and well-known, is covered on one side by rich Mediterranean vegetation, while the other side features steep cliffs. It hosts the Grotta del Rocci and the Pozzale cove where, in addition to a beach, there are some Portoro quarries, a characteristic black marble with light veins, which were active until a few years ago. Another sandy beach is Punta Secco, offering an unusual perspective of Portovenere. The island of Tino, on the other hand, is a military zone, so it won't be possible to disembark unless on a specific day of the year during the patron saint's festival. The inability to access it freely has preserved its lush vegetation and enchanted landscapes. Tinetto, finally, more of an islet than an island, devoid of vegetation, but with great historical charm, hosts several relics of religious communities.
The Gulf of Poets and La Spezia, a charm of the Ligurian Riviera.
It is precisely in this evocative stretch of Liguria that artists and poets such as Shelley, Lord Byron, and Lawrence stayed, among small bays and coves. It is said that their works were also influenced by the charm and atmosphere of these places. A destination for both Italian and international visitors, the Gulf of Poets includes the municipalities of La Spezia, Lerici, and Portovenere. Tourists are attracted not only by the crystalline sea but also by the easily accessible hiking trails, artistic beauties, history, and events organized throughout the year. Last, but not least, Visitors are also drawn to the local cuisine featuring typical Ligurian products such as pesto, focaccia, and mussels (typical mussels cultivated in this area). There are several ports from which you can conveniently embark for your weekend in the Gulf of Poets: Lerici Port, Porto Lotti, Mirabello in La Spezia, Marina del Fezzano, and Porto delle Grazie.
Lerici e Tellaro: breathtaking views sul Golfo dei Poeti
Sailing in the Gulf of La Spezia, you can make a stop in the wonderful villages of Lerici and Tellaro. Lerici is located at the center of a small natural inlet, on the opposite side of the gulf from Portovenere. Recognizable from several miles away, thanks to the imposing castle that stands out on the promontory. The municipality is part of the Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park and it is composed of several hamlets, such as Venere Azzurra and San Terenzo.
Tellaro is the easternmost hamlet of the municipality of Lerici, in the province of La Spezia, and has been named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A small seaside village perched on a cliff overlooking the gulf that definitely deserves a visit. For those who want to take a stroll, they can reach Montemarcello Magra and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Poets, especially at sunset. In this area, you will also find several coves waiting to be discovered aboard your sailboat.
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Portovenere: A romantic gem waiting to be discovered
Portovenere is one of the most appreciated places in Liguria and one of the most visited in Italy. Located within the Gulf of Poets, it is strategically positioned between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre. Its captivating views have attracted artists like Montale, Wagner, and Lord Byron over the centuries, who chose it as a destination for their stays.
When you think of Portovenere, the first image that comes to mind is the Church of San Pietro with its black and white stripes, perched precariously on the edge of the sea. It's a mesmerizing sight, especially when admired from a sailboat.
Beyond this iconic view, as you approach from the sea, the second thing you notice about Portovenere is the long wall of tall, narrow houses nestled closely together, painted in pastel colors, overlooking the sea. It's a vibrant reflection of color, history, and tradition, and certainly one of the most Instagrammable spots on the Ligurian Riviera.
Arriving by boat, you can't miss Byron's Cave, located in a cove on the western side beneath the Church of San Pietro. It's named after the poet Lord Byron, who had a special fondness for this place and is said to have come here to meditate.
Portovenere is a gem waiting to be discovered and admired, the perfect destination in any season of the year.
Cinque Terre: 5 magnificent villages on the Ligurian Sea
The Cinque Terre is a rugged stretch of coastline on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, located within the territory of the province of La Spezia between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero. Along this coastline lie five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Embarking in the Gulf of La Spezia, during a weekend, you can admire them one after the other from the sea. The first one you will spot is Riomaggiore, the southernmos,t and considered one of the most tranquil, with its narrow, tall houses of various watercolor hues that make it unique and unmistakable. Manarola stands out for its small harbor surrounded by houses in light green, yellow, and pink. Next, you will find Corniglia, the only one not directly overlooking the sea. Vernazza, a unique jewel waiting to be discovered, stands out for its typical overlook of the bay and its Doria castle that dominates the seafront. Finally, Monterosso, the largest and the only one with sandy beaches.
The Cinque Terre have been established as a Marine Protected Area, requiring authorization for access and mooring. Recreational vessels can only moor at designated "gavitelli" marked with a white color. Each gavitello can accommodate only one vessel, and mooring is allowed only in favorable weather conditions. It's important to note that fishing is not permitted, and during the stop, keeping the engine running, including any power generators, is prohibited. Overnight mooring of unattended recreational vessels is not allowed.
During the stop, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules to avoid causing disturbance and damage to the surrounding area.
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Liguria by sailboat
Easter Bridge on a sailing boat
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Whale watching sailing cruises with WWF
Day sailing trips and excursions
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