The colorful frontages of the jumbled buildings along the coast are what characterize the enchanting town of Portovenere. Surrounded by small islands, the town has a quaint and scenic setting, which has earned it a UNESCO status. Walk through the labyrinth of narrow alleys in the midst of the diverse hues of painted façades.
Expect a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn can be fairly wet and unpredictable. Relax on the Sporting Beach along Olivo Bay on a pleasant day. It has beach huts, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and a pier for mooring boats.
Take a boat across to Palmaria islet and sunbathe on Gabbiano Beach or hike along tall cliffs. Walk out on one of the piers and snap photos of the spectacular views of the mainland and the rest of the island. Stay at a luxury resort here and dine on seafood at a restaurant. You can also visit the tiny landmasses of Tino Island and its smaller neighbor, Tinetto Island.
Back on the mainland, wander through the rest of picturesque Porto Venere Regional Natural Park. Here, admire the black-and-white striped Church of St. Peter, which stands atop a hill on a rocky promontory and dates back to the 1200s. Nearby is the Doria Castle, some of which was constructed in 1458. Appreciate the Genoan military design of this important defensive structure.
Travel north from the historic center for about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) to reach the Varignano Vecchio Villa Romana, a majestic mansion from the 1st century B.C. Admire its mosaic floors and spa room.
Find the town on the Ligurian Coast in the arch of northwestern Italy. Fly to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and drive east along the coast for about 80 miles (125 kilometers) or arrive at the Pisa International Airport, which is a little closer. Visit nearby La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
View the historic structures and painted façades in Portovenere, a town of exceptional beauty and renown.
