Portovenere

After checking out the church and the bay we wandered back into Portovenere to explore the town. Portovenere is the first stop on the ferry going from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre villages and while it is not part of the Cinque Terre it is still a beautiful place to visit and spend a few hours.

We enjoyed a bit of sightseeing via the sea front and then strolled through the back streets admiring the many beautiful doors and decorations. Such a pretty town to stroll through.

We used just enough energy to warrant a refreshing drink by the sea before returning to Riomaggiore. I loved the coloured buildings, the quirky touches (a curtain made out of pasta for the pasta shop), the fishing references, the men selling hats (and yes it worked because I bought one), the many cafes and restaurants that were beautifully laid out, and the general vibe of the place. An easy day to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.Read more