Porto Venere or Portovenere is a little medieval town in Liguria Italy just a stones throw away from the famous Cinque Terre. Proximity and beauty made it a must on my tour of the region. Beloved by poets and artists, Portovenere is a feast for the eyes. A place to swim, sunbathe, and stroll among natural wonders, while taking in the impressive historical structures that surround you. The main street, Via Giovanni Capellini, is a narrow passage flanked by gelatarias, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Keep walking past the San Lorenzo Church and you’ll inevitably find yourself looking up at the Castello Doria. An impressive structure that frames the village below, it has stood in this spot since the 12th century, but has undergone many transformations since. Porto Venere has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
