Another sight to see in Porto Venere is the Doria Castle, a formidable fortress with thick stone walls, towers, and battlements that has stood guard over the town since the 12th century. The castle was built by the powerful Doria family to protect the town from invasions and pirate attacks. Today, it serves as a fascinating historical site and a vantage point offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.   The climb to the top is well worth the effort, as the panoramic views from the castle are simply spectacular.

The waters of the Ligurian Sea are clear and blue just as you dream about when you think of the Med. There are plenty of places to get lost in, hidden coves to explore, and secluded beaches for sunbathing as well as sublime places to swim, kayak or,  SUP.

Porto Venere is often referred to as the “Bay of Poets” (Golfo dei Poeti).  This picturesque village, known for its dramatic cliffs and beguiling sea views, has long captivated the imagination of poets, writers, and artists.  One of the most prominent figures associated with Porto Venere is the English Romantic poet Lord Byron whose time there is deeply rooted in local lore. He famously swam across the bay from Porto Venere to Lerici to visit his friend and fellow poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.  In recognition of his ties to the town, a grotto in Porto Venere has been named “Byron’s Grotto,” serving as a lasting tribute to his enduring legacy.

Hiking the Cinque Terre Trail

The aforementioned glamorous sister to Porto Venere is Cinque Terre and boy is she a knockout. Five colorful villages are strung together by a rugged mountain trail that overlooks the Ligurian coastline. It is, in a word, incredible.  Be that as it may, you will not be alone by any means.

From Porto Venere, the first village is about an 18-minute ferry ride away. The villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore and all offer cobbled streets, colorful row buildings, and quaint boutiques, tourist shops, and cafes.  They also have medieval churches to explore along with beaches along the cove. To call them picturesque would be an understatement.

The Sentiero Azzurro, or Blue Trail, connects all five villages and takes about five or six hours to complete. It is the most scenic hiking trail in Italy where trekkers hike, visit the next village along the trail, and continue. Along the way, hikers will see the terraced vineyards that add to the picturesque landscape of the trail. But don’t be fooled, this is not a stroll, it is a hike up stairs and through undulations along the way but the journey is beyond worthwhile required exertion. The views alone are spectacular let alone the joy of being surrounded by such stunning nature while seeing the coves and rock formations along the coast.

Trekking in Palmaria Island

As mentioned, Cinque Terre is often overrun with tourists. For those looking to hike away from the masses, across the bay from Pontevenere via a 15-minute boat ride is Palmaria Island. Hikers can expect an island crisscrossed with hiking trails and rocky paths that lead through forested areas and coastal cliffs offering stunning vistas of the sea and, the mainland. A great way to explore the island is with a guided hiking tour led by experienced local guides who provide insights into the history, culture, and ecology of the island.

Boating in the Italian Riviera

There is so much to do in the area from hikes, days on the beach, or exploring the old cities. An unmissable experience is to charter a boat for an afternoon.  Typically these private boats are restored fishing vessels, with lacquered wood surfaces and brass fittings, as they were originally constructed over 50 years ago. Today instead of spending time at sea on a fishing mission, they take tourists around for a fun day on the water. Guests onboard see the rugged cliffs, and colorful villages from a different vantage point, or will perhaps go to a private cove for some sun and sea.

One of the highlights of the day trip is to have lunch complete with oysters fresh from the ocean. They are exquisite and taste as if you are eating a piece of the sea. To make the experience complete, guest savor the meal with delicious local wines. For the main course, guests enjoy pasta with mussels cooked before them onboard.  A sunny afternoon at sea spent with friends or loved ones simply does not get much better than this.

Ligurian Wines from Possa Winery

One of the aspects that you’ll love about this part of the world is the wine. Its fresh and crisp taste perfectly complements the local food but you’ll also be impressed by the way it is cultivated. Along the coast, as you’ll see while trekking, are sheer cliffs and rugged terrain that dramatically descend from mountains to the sea.  To think of farming in these conditions would be unfathomable. But that is just what the Ligurians have done over the millennium through terraces carved out of the cliff side and plots of land supported by rock walls. As you pass along the trails you’ll see them from afar. Some terraces are relatively wide while others may only have space for one row of vines.

One family that has been producing wines from this region for generations are the owners of the Possa Winery. The estate is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Ligurian hills and the Mediterranean Sea. As you stroll through the vineyards or relax on the terrace with a glass of wine, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that capture the natural beauty of the region.

Possa Winery specializes in producing wines from local grape varieties that are indigenous to the Ligurian region. Among these are Vermentino, Bosco, and Albarola for white wines, and Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo for reds. Their most notable wine is their award-winning Sciacchetrà a dessert wine made from late-harvested grapes, dried on racks to concentrate their sugars, and blended from regional varietals. The wine is known for its complex aromas of dried fruits, honey, and aromatic herbs, with a luscious sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity.