Curling around the Gulf of Poets, just along the coast from La Spezia, Porto Venere is often dubbed the sixth town of Cinque Terre. It’s recognised as a part of the same Unesco World Heritage Site and boasts the trademark row of colourful houses lining the harbour, winding cobblestone streets and charming restaurants. To see it from the water, the impressive Doria Castle perched on the cliff face above, it’s certainly just as picturesque. But, being off the 5 Terre Express, it enjoys fewer crowds, and also boasts one of the area’s best 5-star hotels.
Grand Hotel Portovenere was a convent many centuries ago, and through careful restoration, was transformed into this modern boutique hotel – dressed in all the traditional trimmings of the Italian Riviera. Many of the luxurious rooms have terraces or balconies with views over the marina and across the water towards the island of Palmaria – the namesake of their highly acclaimed rooftop restaurant. Drenched in sunlight, with a veranda and panoramic views, the refined Palmaria serves up Ligurian seafood and other local delights in elegant dishes. Then, for cocktails in the sea breeze, there’s the striking Venus Bar spilling out of the old stone vaults onto the terrace. After a day of exploring the town, lounging on the beach, or touring nearby oyster farms and wineries, there’s no more welcoming place to return to.
Highs
- The location is superb, with all the beauty of the Cinque Terre in a quieter and less crowded package
- This is one of the only 5-star hotels in the area
- The spectacular views from the restaurant and many of the rooms will leave you speechless
- We love that this building has been restored with respect to its storied history and heritage
- We've heard great things about their food
Lows
- Luxury and location like this doesn't come cheap
- The restaurant and bar have a dress code to keep out the flip flop-wearing riff-raff
- Children of all ages are welcome, but only a couple of the rooms can sleep three, and children over three are charged adult rates
Best time to go
Grand Hotel Portovenere is open from April to October. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with balmy days, colourful blooms, and temperatures ideal for hiking the coastal paths and exploring the nearby islands. The Cinque Terre can be inundated with tourists in July and August, but being off the 5 Terre Express means that Portovenere tends to be slightly quieter.
Our top tips
On the 17th of August, Portovenere is lit up with 2000 torches and candles for the annual festival of The Madonna Bianca. While not the best time to come to avoid the heat and crowds, this is a beautiful event. It's especially wonderful to see from the restaurant or terrace at Grand Hotel Portovenere - though do make sure to book well in advance.
- Luxury Hotel
- 46 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Closed: November - early April
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Walk to beach
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
All of the rooms have laid parquet floors and are furnished with calming colours that mirror the marine blue, limestone and terracotta outside. Some of the rooms, mostly the Doubles, have views over the peaceful internal courtyard embellished with pepper, lemon and tangerine trees. Others have views of the marina and across the sea, and most have terraces or balconies – though you should request this in advance. The bathrooms are modern and sleek, some decked out in full marble, with either bathtubs or standing showers, depending on your preference and the room type.
The only rooms that have space for an extra guest are the Botanicus Studio, which has a separate sitting area and a balcony, and the Scriptorium Studio. The Cloister Terrace Junior Suites feature a terrace under the arches that once belonged to the cloister of the ancient convent, with breathtaking views. But if you’re a sunseeker looking to splash out on a really special experience, the Suite del Castello is second to none.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Tumble dryer
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
A generous complimentary breakfast buffet is spread out every morning to be enjoyed on the terrace or in the sunlit restaurant. This includes fresh fruit, meats and cheeses, pancakes and pastries and a bounty of cakes to accompany coffee and tea.
People travel from all over for dinner and lunch at Palmaria, the hotel's highly acclaimed restaurant. Settle in on the terrace or inside the light and airy dining room and take in the panoramic views while you feast on fresh Ligurian seafood – said to be some of the best in town.
For an aperitivo or nightcap, head down to the old monastary's ancient vaults, where you'll find Venus Lounge and Wine Bar, perfect for a pre-dinner drink or post-dinner revelry, they serve bar snacks until late too.
Make sure to check the dress code. While it's far from fussy, Grand Hotel Portovenere creates an elevated atmosphere to dine and drink in style.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Stroll around Portovenere and take in the Church of St Peter, Doria Castle, and Byron's Grotto
- The hotel has reserved places in three beach clubs, two in Portovenere and one on the island of Palmaria (a 5-minute ferry ride). There are other lovely beaches just along the coast
- Explore the rugged and spectacular Cinque Terre coastline by car or on foot. The five Unesco-listed villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) are just to the north of Portovenere
- Take a boat trip around the Gulf of Poets, either 3 hours or a full day; spy hidden coves, dive in, and keep an eye out for cetaceans and birdlife
- Discover the Ligurian region's many family-owned wineries; the hotel can arrange a 4-hour wine experience in Riomaggiore
- Palmaria Island, just opposite the hotel, is the largest of the three in the gulf and a nature reserve. It's a marvellous spot for hiking in natural beauty and for wonderful views along the coast. There's good snorkelling here too
- La Spezia is renowned for its oyster farms; tours are available
- Learn some Ligurian culinary classics on a cooking class with the chef, and eat your creations at dinner
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Caves
- Cooking classes
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Snorkelling
- Spa treatments
- Swimming
- Vineyard tours
- Walking
- Wildlife
- Wine tasting
Kids
All ages are welcome at Grand Hotel Portovenere, and baby cots can be provided on request. This is an adult-focused hotel, however, with not much for children at the property: kids are charged as adults from 3 years of age, and there is no swimming pool. Teenagers would enjoy the cooking classes and boat trips.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The only rooms that can fit a third guest are the Botanicus Studio, which has a separate sitting area and a balcony, and the Scriptorium Studio. Families of four will need to book adjacent rooms.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Distances:
- Airport: 1hr20-30m
- Hospital: 1 hour
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Grand Hotel Portovenere is in Porto Venere, on the tip of a peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Poets, on the Ligurian coast. Portovenere, along with the famous five Cinque Terre villages of the Italian Riviera just to the north, is Unesco-listed.
By Air:
Fly to Pisa or to Genoa, the former has more flights and connections. The hotel can arrange a transfer from Pisa or Milan.
By Car:
Most people hire a car to explore this famous coastline and its very wiggly roads (allow extra time).
By Train:
If you plan to mostly explore by foot you can catch a train to La Spezia and take a taxi from there (30 mins).
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.
Airports:
- Pisa Airport 75.0 km PSA
- Genoa Airport 125.0 km GOA
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
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