Experience Grand Hotel Portovenere: Liguria’s Hidden Gem

Where the sea takes centre stage, the Italian Riviera is teeming with charming villages and a slower pace of life. And just a stone’s throw from the bustling crowds of Cinque Terre lies a hidden gem: Portovenere.

This sleepy medieval town may surprise you. At first glance, it seems to be simply an enchanting fishing village of brightly coloured houses perched on a picturesque rocky outcrop. Yet Portovenere is also home to many inspiring artisan boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars along with a rather elegant yacht-lined marina.

Many European aristocrats of the 17th century stopped here during their Grand Tour. English poets, writers and artists passed by the captivating Portovenere on their travels. Just a short boat ride away along the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, you’ll find the Bay of Poets, named for the literary crowd who stopped here for long periods to soak up the region’s inspiration, including D.H. Lawrence, Lord Byron, and Percy and Mary Shelley.

Portovenere offers a unique taste of authentic Italy and lies near the border of Tuscany and Liguria both known for their excellent cuisine and stunning coastal areas. At the very heart of Portovenere lies a hotel with breathtaking views across the waters to Palmaria island. At Grand Hotel Portovenere you can enjoy watching the variety of Italian life go by, from tiny fishing boats to luxurious superyachts, the vistas here are truly unbeatable.

There’s arguably nowhere better to stay than in the five-star boutique Grand Hotel Portovenere. It’s oozing with history, as it was both a 17th-century Franciscan convent and a marine military hospital. 

The hotel was sensitively restored so you’ll still see some original Renaissance-era features, including red-brick vaulted ceilings, sitting harmoniously within the smart, contemporary decor. Grand Hotel Portovenere possesses picture-scape windows and a grand terrace overlooking the charming village and harbour, while the rooms are modern in design with restful pastel tones that reflect the surrounding coastal environment. The junior suites have panoramic terraces that sit under the arches that once belonged to the cloister of the ancient convent. Some of the suites look directly over Portovenere’s historic landmarks, such as the ancient fortress Castello Doria, which is what provides the town with its UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Portovenere itself boasts some stunning historic architecture, ancient churches, and museums along with many charming cafes and trattorias for a truly local lunch. Grand Hotel Portovenere also offers an exciting selection of seasonal and regional activities and experiences that celebrate the natural environment and especially the local cuisine.

Head out on the flora-rich hiking trails on Isola Palmaria, the largest of several nearby islands, or enjoy snorkelling a leisurely swim, and even diving in the surrounding crystal-clear waters.

Why not hop aboard a boat to a local oyster farm and tuck into an oyster-based aperitivo accompanied by homemade focaccia and crisp white wine from Cinque Terre? Speaking of wine, the hotel can arrange a visit to a dynamic vineyard and winery in Riomaggiore, where you can meet an artisan producer who produces Sciacchetrà, a passito (sweet raisin) wine that dates back to ancient Roman times. Or, simply stay and savour a private wine-tasting experience with the hotel sommelier.

Grand Hotel Portovenere also boasts an elegant motorboat, the Soleil 33, and you can take one of the daily boat excursions to explore nearby hidden coves and beautiful beaches.

Grand Hotel Portovenere is just an hour’s drive from Pisa International Airport and there are plenty of direct train connections from Genoa, Parma, and Pisa to the nearby train station of La Spezia Central Station. The hotel can also arrange private transfers for you.