Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the front line with Genoa's maritime feud with Pisa. There are magnificent views from its
ornate terraced gardens.
Chiesa di San Pietro
This wind- and wave-lashed church, built in 1198 in Gothic style, stands on the ruins of a
5th-century palaeo-Christian church. Before that it was a Roman temple dedicated to the
goddess Venus (born from the foam of the sea), from whom Porto Venere takes its name.
CHURCH
Grotta Arpaia
At the end of the quay, a Cinque Terre panorama unfolds from the rocky terraces of Grotta
Arpaia, a former haunt of Lord Byron, who once swam across the gulf from Porto Venere
to Lerici to visit his mate Shelley. Traces of a pagan temple have been uncovered on the
quay, inside the black-and-white-marble Chiesa di San Pietro , which was built in 1277.
Just off the promontory lie the tiny islands of Palmaria , Tino and Tinetto .
CAVE
Sleeping & Eating
A half-dozen or so restaurants line Calata Doria, by the sea. A block inland, Porto
Venere's main old-town street, Via Cappellini, has several tasty choices.
Albergo Genio
( 0187 79 06 11; www.hotelgenioportovenere.com ; Piazza Bastreri 8; s €80-95, d €100-125; mid-
Feb-mid-Jan; ) From Piazza Bastreri, scale the spiral stairs in the round tower to reach
this charming seven-room hotel. In summer breakfast is served alfresco beneath the vines.
Some rooms are equipped with air-conditioning.
HOTEL €€
La Lanterna
( 0187 79 22 91; www.lalanterna-portovenere.it ; Via Capellini 109; d €75-100; ) Down by Porto
Venere's picturesque harbourfront, this little guesthouse has just two airy rooms (there's
also an option of a four-person apartment on request). Breakfast isn't included, but can be
arranged; otherwise stroll to a nearby cafe.
B&B
Information
Tourist Office ( www.portovenere.it ; Piazza Bastreri 7; 10am-noon & 3-8pm Jun-Aug, to 6pm Thu-Tue
Sep-May) Sells a couple of useful maps and walking guides in English.
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