Grand Hotel Portovenere

06/09/2026

One island. Three days. A rare chance to step ashore. ⚓

Set in the Gulf of Poets, this fascinating island is a military zone and remains closed to the public throughout the year—with one very special exception.

Each September, for the Festa di San Venerio, the island opens for just a few days. In 2026, visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 11, 12 and 13, with boats departing from Portovenere and La Spezia.

It’s a chance to discover a place where nature and history have remained beautifully preserved: holm oaks and Mediterranean vegetation, falcons circling overhead, the ruins of an ancient monastery and the island’s 19th-century lighthouse.

And, above all, to learn the story of San Venerio—the hermit monk who once lived here and, according to tradition, lit fires to help guide sailors safely through the Gulf.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it!

Read more about Tino Island and the Festa di San Venerio on our blog https://discoverportovenere.com/san-venerio-tino-island/.

Get your tickets at Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti

Photos by Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti 📸

03/09/2026

What if your next weekend away took you to the Italian Riviera? ⚓

Portovenere is made for a memorable weekend escape: mornings wandering through the historic caruggi, lunch overlooking the harbour, walks to San Pietro and Byron’s Grotto, boat trips across the Gulf of Poets, and perhaps a day exploring the nearby Cinque Terre.

Easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace and surrounded by some of Liguria’s most beautiful scenery, it’s a wonderful destination when just a few days are all you need to feel away from it all.

Planning a weekend in Portovenere? Find our tips, experiences and ideas for your stay on our blog at https://discoverportovenere.com/portovenere-city-break-liguria-weekend-getaway/

01/09/2026

Glimpses of Portovenere by Hallee Bathard ⚓️

30/08/2026

Wine tasting or cooking lesson... which experience would you sign up for? 🍷👩‍🍳

For wine lovers, our sommelier will guide you through a private tasting of three Italian wines, accompanied by delicious appetizers.

Or learn to prepare some much-loved Italian classics with our Chefs: potato gnocchi, Ligurian pesto and tiramisù — before enjoying your creations at Palmaria Restaurant Portovenere.

And since you’re on holiday… why choose only one? Book both and take a little taste of Portovenere home with you!

Choose your favorite experiences at https://www.portoveneregrand.com/experiences

28/08/2026

October is a wonderful time to experience Portovenere.

The Ligurian coast takes on a quieter charm — perfect for scenic walks, discovering local flavours and exploring the Gulf of Poets at a more relaxed rhythm.

And when you plan ahead, there’s even more reason to escape to Portovenere.
Book your stay at least 45 days in advance and enjoy 15% off with our Advance Booking offer.

Your October getaway starts here https://www.portoveneregrand.com/ ✨

27/08/2026

“Sometimes the best travel moments are the ones you could never plan.

Portovenere welcomed us to the Italian coast with bright colorful buildings, the bluest water, and incredible energy.

By chance, we happened to be there the night the town won the historic Palio del Golfo boat race for the first time in 49 years. The all-night celebration in the harbor was so much fun!

Located just south of Cinque Terre, this town is charming, has amazing seafood, and gorgeous views. Now, I am so ready to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and just soak in the beauty of this place 🍷”

Repost Lori Foster✨Luxury Travel - thank you for sharing your Portovenere experience!

25/08/2026

Postcards from Portovenere 💌🍸

A creative cocktail with limoncello, basil and Prosecco at Terrazza Venus Bar Portovenere, a few postcards to send home, and the blue of the Gulf of Poets stretching out before you.

Thank you for sharing ✨

23/08/2026

Palmaria moments… ✨

A table overlooking Portovenere, a glass of wine, and dishes inspired by the flavours of Liguria and the Mediterranean.

From the first taste to the final espresso, dining at Palmaria Restaurant Portovenere is about taking your time and enjoying the simple pleasure of good food, good company and a beautiful view.

20/08/2026

A garden that grows between history and the sea. 🌿

Designed by architect Virginia Neri, our hanging garden reinterprets the former convent's historic orchard in a contemporary way, creating a natural bridge between the Grand Hotel Portovenere and the surrounding landscape.

Native Mediterranean plants, chosen for their resilience and seasonal beauty, blend with the colours and scents of Portovenere, while supporting local biodiversity and improving the building's environmental performance.

More than a rooftop garden, it's a place where architecture, nature and history come together—inviting every guest to experience the landscape with fresh eyes.

19/08/2026

During her stay in Portovenere, Lisa Gerard-Sharp also ventured into Lunigiana — a land of medieval castles, dramatic mountains, marble quarries and vineyards shaped by the meeting of sea and mountain breezes.

Her article is a wonderful reminder of how much there is to discover beyond the coastline, and of Portovenere’s unique position as a gateway not only to the Cinque Terre, but also to the lesser-known landscapes of northern Tuscany.

We are delighted to see Grand Hotel Portovenere mentioned as a base from which to combine the Cinque Terre coast with the authentic hinterland of Lunigiana.

Thank you Consorzio GEMS Experience for organising the press trip.

👉 Read “Unsung Italy – Lunigiana – Tuscany’s Beguiling Borderlands”

Don't miss Tuscany's borderlands close to the mountains, the sea and wineries.