Grand Hotel Portovenere

When choosing Grand Hotel Portovenere you will be staying in a Dimora Storica, an ancient building that has been recognized as part of Italy’s historic and cultural heritage.

Our building dates back to the 1600s, when it hosted the monastery called “Convento di San Francesco” under its elegant vaults and simple interiors. Towards the mid-1800s, the monastery was transformed into the Hospital of the Marine Military, and later still into the headquarters of the Municipality of Porto Venere.

In 1975, the historic complex was transformed into a hotel that eventually closed in the 2000s. In 2014 it reopened under new management and impressive refurbishment to become the only 5-star boutique hotel in the Cinque Terre – Gulf of Poets area.

The careful restoration at Grand Hotel Portovenere brought back to life beautiful details of the original convent, including red-brick vaulted ceilings. The rooms are equipped with modern luxuries and amenities, yet retain a sober and elegant style that is reminiscent of the Renaissance-era monastery.

In addition to all the details that take you back in time, you will enjoy an unforgettable stay thanks to the large windows and the grand terrace overlooking the charming village and harbor of Portovenere; by the Mediterranean flavors and aromas that ignite your senses at Palmaria Restaurant; and by the inimitable landscapes of the Gulf of Poets.

ROOMS & SUITES
The contours, materials and furnishings of your accommodation in Portovenere reflect the utmost attention to detail. Simplicity and linearity create a relaxing atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the building, while offering modern comforts along with a mix of contemporary and classic styles.

Modern and relaxing colors recall the tones of the surrounding natural environment and reflect the light. Many rooms are also enriched with terraces, balconies and French windows overlooking the bay and the village, offering views of incomparable beauty.

SUITE DEI POETI
The Suite overlooks the Gulf that has enchanted poets and painters from all over the world and from which it takes its name. Its uniqueness consists of a series of continuous horizontal windows, whose view embraces the beautiful landscape framed by Palmaria Island, the Apuan Alps and the villages of Lerici and Tellaro.

The view is not lost even from the two bathrooms that make up the Suite, along with a bedroom and a separate living room. The bedroom has a free-standing tub sculpted in an asymmetrical shape, while the living area has a glass-walled shower with chromotherapy.

The furniture in Italian walnut, the brushed oak flooring and the transparent glass walls that were custom-made by local artisans – all enhance the concept of craftsmanship.

SUITE DEL CASTELLO
This luxury suite gets its name from the Doria Castle, which sits majestically overlooking the village of Portovenere. Composed of one bedroom, a living area and two bathrooms, our suite offers guests the chance to bask in the warm Mediterranean sun on the private 75m² terrace while sipping an aperitif.

The colors of Portovenere blend in perfectly with the warm colors of the suite and the hand-made furnishings of the bathrooms. The terrace has wooden floors that bring back memories of the old wooden boardwalks of the Gulf of Poets, while the palm trees give it an exotic touch like Palmaria Island, which is just across the strait.

CLOISTER TERRACE JUNIOR SUITE
Featuring a panoramic terrace under the arches that belonged to the cloister of the ancient convent, our Junior Suites showcase the beauty and history of Portovenere. Take a seat under the cross vaults of the terrace and enjoy the view of the seaside village and its canal…

The wardrobes, desks and bedside tables were designed following the lines of the Sixties, a period that was particularly fruitful for all things Made in Italy. Although their carved motif is reminiscent of the sea waves, the furnishings differ between the junior suites. The headboards were also custom made, with a hexagonal pattern and a woven fabric in shades of sea blue.

STUDIO BOTANICUS
Completely refurbished in 2023, this spacious room is composed of a bedroom with a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom, and a separate sitting area with a courtesy bathroom. The room’s balcony overlooks our peaceful internal courtyard, embellished by majestic and fragrant pepper trees, tangerine and lemon trees.

Studio Botanicus is furnished in a contemporary style, offering a warm atmosphere that pays tribute to our building’s history as the Convent of St. Francis in the 17th century. You will find hints of the monks’ botanical cards in the room, from the motif of the wallpapers to the custom-made furniture to the balcony’s themed grit.

DINING
Enjoy our evocative restaurant and bar, where you can let yourself be carried away by sensations, breathe informal sobriety and tranquility, and admire an enchanting scenery.

PALMARIA RESTAURANT 
Palmaria Restaurant sits on a spectacular veranda overlooking Portovenere. You will find yourself inside a sort of contemporary sailing ship that is about to sail towards the horizon: the choice of rubberized teak wood flooring, in a nautical style, recalls the ancient technique of caulking, i.e. the waterproofing of the hulls by the numerous master caulkers of the Gulf of Poets. The cushions, made by a local upholsterer, are yellow, pink and green just like the colors of the houses in the village of Portovenere.

Here nothing is left to chance: a refined atmosphere and candlelit dinners, first-class service, an original menu entrusted to the professionalism of our Executive Chef whose team will know how to satisfy even the most demanding of palates.

At lunch we propose light and well-balanced dishes and salads while still keeping a selection of more eclectic and refined dishes on the menu. The menu is inspired by the “Grand Tour”, or the long journey in continental Europe (particularly in Italy) that was undertaken by the European aristocracy in the 17th century.

VENUS BAR
Venus Bar is located under the high-vaulted brick ceilings of the historic building that once hosted the San Francesco Convent. This is an ideal place to have a drink and relax at any point throughout the day.

During the warmer months, you can sit on the sea-view terrace and gaze at the beauty of Portovenere and Palmaria Island while enjoying a cocktail prepared by our bartenders.

Not only does it have the most beautiful terrace in the Gulf of Poets, but Venus Bar Portovenere also offers one of the most dynamic and delicious cocktail menus between Cinque Terre and La Spezia!

On the terrace embracing the view from the wild Palmaria Island to the colourful historic buildings of Portovenere, you can sip both classic drinks, innovative mocktails and original cocktails conceived by the bartenders of Venus Bar. Here are some of our favourite cocktails…

TASTING & COOKING LESSONS
Refined, panoramic and elegant: Sala Magnolia (10 guests) and Sala Moby Dick (20 guests) can host tastings, private dinners and small business meetings. Also, in the Moby Dick Room you can unleash your culinary creativity and passion by joining a cooking course held by Palmaria Restaurant’s Executive Chef.

THE BREAKFAST
Our breakfast is always complimentary for direct bookings! We have carefully selected a variety of local, organic and gluten-free products to start your day in a delicious way.

MEETINGS & EVENTS 
The beautiful Ligurian Sea and the untouched coastline have lured writers and poets to the area for generations, inspiring them to write and sing about Portovenere and its enchanted gulf.

Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks and embraces the surrounding natural beauty, and is the perfect setting for those wanting to select a location for intimate ceremonies, small meetings or events that will remain cherished in the memories of all in attendance.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS 
Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets offer a dream wedding venue in the Italian Riviera. The lush vegetation on Palmaria Island and the bright turquoise waters are the backdrop to the unique and sophisticated style of Grand Hotel Portovenere.

We will be happy to assist you in the organization of your intimate event, creating personally tailored proposals and assisting you in finding qualified figures such as wedding planners, photographers, florists, bakers and makeup artists. Finally, it is our great pleasure to organize rooms for your guests’ stay, with special consideration for the occasion.

In this ideal destination for your Italian honeymoon, you can spend your time exploring the ancient narrow streets, colorful boutiques and charming cafes that characterize Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets.

Relax in the sunshine on one of the small beaches, or explore the coast with a picturesque boat ride. Enjoy wine tastings and cooking lessons, cultural excursions, eco-tourism and wellness experiences. The choice of activities is vast!

MEET THE VISUAL ARTISTS
Grand Hotel Portovenere is an art hub for local artists and young creatives hailing from the territories between Liguria and Tuscany. While admiring the original XVII-century features that were maintained throughout our hotel and rooms, you will also notice a series of contemporary visual elements.

As you walk into our hall, you cannot help but notice the unlikely tropical jungle and the amusing seabed installation by the innovative Tuscan artist Stefano Pilato. His works of art are created by assembling recycled materials and objects found on the beach of nearby territories.

Outdoors, we have transformed the underpass that connects pedestrians to Portovenere’s historical center into an open-air art gallery. It features paintings and sculptures by artists that come from the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti di Genova (Liguria) and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara (Tuscany).

Artists involved include the Ligurian painter Davide Tavino, the Tuscan collective of sculptors called Bedrock, and Ligurian artist Sabrina Davì. In the common spaces of the Grand Hotel, you will find paintings and photographs by various distinguished artists.

Examples are Francesco Vaccarone and Carlo Giovannoni, both of whom are versatile painters and sculptors from La Spezia (Gulf of Poets). Grand Hotel Portovenere also has a wide collection of works by renowned Tuscan photographer Claudio Barontini. You will find his beautiful photographs exposed in common areas and in some rooms.

The common thread of all our art installations is the history and the landscape of the Gulf of Poets, seen and interpreted by different artists and with various materials and techniques.

DISCOVER THE SECRET ITALIAN RIVIERA
Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks the Gulf of Poets, a deep and wide bay on the eastern tip of Liguria’s coast. This destination is a feast for your eyes and soul, as suggested by its name, which stems from the inspiration that the area has had on poets and artists over the centuries.

Among them: writers David Herbert Lawrence and Percy Bysshe Shelley, writer and painter George Sand, and poet Lord Byron. Portovenere is the perfect base for a tranquil stay off the beaten path, yet close to famous destinations like the villages of Cinque Terre, glamorous Portofino, and Tuscany’s Riviera and art cities.

PORTOVENERE & THE GULF OF POETS
Portovenere is a charming village that sits on the point connecting the spectacular Cinque Terre to the inspirational Gulf of the Poets. From Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is easy to visit nearby attractions such as the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Lerici and Tuscany – by boat, car or train.

Our 5-star Grand Hotel Portovenere sits right in front of the harbor where ferry boats run daily to the villages of the Cinque Terre. Each village has a train station making travel between the towns quick and easy.

You can reach La Spezia Train Station either with our hotel’s transfer service, or by car. Our hotel offers you parking right in the center of Portovenere, for a stress-free vacation and easy way to explore the Italian Riviera!

• HISTORIC CENTER: Portovenere features an ancient port with tall, narrow and brightly colored buildings that give you the sensation of stepping back in time. The town center offers a range of shops, restaurants and bars.
• ST. PETER’S CHURCH: Built in 1198 A.D., this spectacular church sits atop the cliffs that jet out into the sea, creating the most dramatic and recognizable attraction in Portovenere.
• BYRON’S GROTTO: This breathtaking inlet is very popular with local sunbathers as its shape creates a protected pool for swimming. It is the perfect example of why this area has become known as the Gulf of the Poets.
• DORIA CASTLE: Built in the XII-XIV centuries, the castle originally housed the Doria Family, who had a very important role during the era of the Republic of Genoa. This jewel offers a unique panorama of Portovenere and the Gulf of the Poets.
• ST. LORENZO’S CHURCH: Built between 1118 and 1130 A.D., this church is the site of the festival celebrating ‘Madonna Bianca,’ the patron saint of Portovenere, which is held annually on August 17th.
• THE ISLANDS: With an area of almost 2 square kilometers, Palmaria Island is by far the largest of the chain of islands in Gulf of La Spezia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Portovenere, Cinque Terre and the smaller islands of Tino and Tinetto. Easily accessible by boat or ferry, Palmaria is an ideal place for nature and sea lovers to pass the day.
• RIOMAGGIORE: The southernmost village of the Cinque Terre is ideal for adventure lovers, offering the opportunity to take guided tours diving in the clear waters of the Marine Reserve. Riomaggiore is also an excellent starting point for hiking trails along the Cinque Terre.
• MANAROLA: Throughout the many terraces laced along the hillside, you can see a variety of olive groves and vineyards. Manarola has been considered an important center for the cultivation of these products since ancient times.
• CORNIGLIA: Corniglia sits on top of a hill about three hundred feet high and for this reason the only way to reach it is by the famous staircase called “Lardarina.” Among the points of interest of this village are the parish of St. Peter and the Belvedere terrace of Santa Maria.
• VERNAZZA: Often referred to as the most charming village of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza may be the smallest in size, but is overwhelming in its beauty. The Doria Castle is one of its most striking historical landmarks.
• MONTEROSSO: Perhaps the most famous among the Cinque Terre, Monterosso is certainly the most suitable for beach lovers. It also has several places of historical and cultural interest, such as the statue of the Giant and the Church Saint John the Baptist.
• LERICI: This quaint and charming village of Roman origin features a medieval castle (now a natural history museum), and a romantic promenade flanked by a multitude of bars and restaurants.
• LA SPEZIA: The capital of the province, La Spezia is a typical port town, home to many historical points of interest, one of the most interesting being the Naval Museum.
• SARZANA: This medieval town at the border with Tuscany is surrounded by fortified walls. You can admire the Fortresses of Sarzanello and of Firmafede. During summer, it hosts a variety of cultural and historical events.
• TELLARO AND FIASCHERINO: Two picturesque villages with splendid sea views, renowned for their crystal clear waters with small cove beaches and some exclusive beach resorts.
• PORTOFINO: Famous for its elite tourism, Portofino is also a park of considerable ecological importance due to the peculiarity of its marine habitat. It is an ideal destination for those who love shopping and nightlife.
• SAN FRUTTUOSO: This bay is accessible only by sea or by foot and offers a truly unique experience to its visitors. The main protagonist is the floating bronze statue known as ‘Christ of the Abyss’.

BETWEEN LIGURIA & TUSCANY
Portovenere is tied to both Liguria and Tuscany in many ways, and not only from a geographical point of view thanks to its privileged location near the borders of the two famous Italian regions.

The connection also has to do with history, for Portovenere was a strategic territory that Genoa (Liguria) needed in its war against Pisa (Tuscany) for the domination of the Ligurian Sea. Over the centuries, Portovenere changed hands many times between the Genoese and the Pisans. Perhaps this is why this territory has influences from both sides.

The relationship continues today through art, as a constructive dialogue between artists that come from the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti di Genova (Liguria) and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara (Tuscany). Their works of art are exhibited in Portovenere, thanks to the Grand Hotel’s own ‘Between Liguria & Tuscany’ open-air exhibition.

And finally, one of the characteristics that makes Portovenere so unique is the harmonious combination of the landscapes that surround it, ranging from the wild sea cliffs of the Ligurian Riviera all the way to the snowy peaks of the Apuan Alps in Tuscany.

• LUNI: This ancient town was founded by the Romans in 177 B.C. Archaeological excavations have brought to light the famous statue of Lunae, testifying to its glorious past and the multiplicity of local divine cults. The findings are on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Luni.
• BOCCA DI MAGRA: This small town is located right where the Magra Rivers flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Equipped with a small marina, it offers a really impressive sight.
• VERSILIA: This area of Tuscany borders with Liguria, and is famous mainly for the towns of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. It is a destination for elite tourism with five-star beach clubs and luxury shopping.
• CARRARA: Famous for its fine marble, Carrara offers beautiful beaches on the coast and an impressive historic center with a museum dedicated to the history of the marble quarries.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Breath-taking landscapes, flavors from the sea and from the land, ancient trades, a territory that transmits unique emotions: the Gulf of Poets, in the Italian Riviera, is a destination that you must experience with your five senses.

Choose among our proposals to create your dynamic or relaxing vacation between Liguria and Tuscany. Our hotel is easily accessible by sea and by land: it is located right in front of the embarkation point of the ferryboat that connects Portovenere with Cinque Terre, and offers a garage for your car.

EMOTIONS FROM THE SEA
You will discover hidden coves in full relaxation, surrounded by the calm sea and the silence of nature. The perfect experience to appreciate the Gulf of Poets and spend a few hours of sunshine in the middle of the sea, admiring the surrounding panoramas. You will have the chance to stop and dive into the crystal-clear water!

HIKING ON PALMARIA ISLAND
Palmaria Island, right in front of Portovenere, is the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Poets. Crossed by various hiking trails, it is the ideal place for short or long walks in the midst of unspoiled nature.

Your guide will take you to discover the island and its beautiful views over Torre Scola and Tino Island, walking along paths surrounded by the Mediterranean vegetation. You will appreciate the island’s natural beauty also once you reach the top, from where you can observe the dizzying cliffs with small sea caves.

You will also stop at the ancient quarries of the famous Portoro marble and in some of the many fortifications on the island. The route will be adapted according to the guests’ needs. On Palmaria Island, the slopes facing the gulf descend gently towards the sea, and they are covered by Mediterranean vegetation that alternates with small olive groves.

Instead, the side of the island that faces the open sea, consists of high dramatic cliffs overlooking the blue waters. Fossil bones of Pleistocene animals and remains of human burials dating back to 5000 years ago have been found in its caves and limestone rocks.

OYSTER TOUR
This unique and exclusive boat excursion includes sailing around the Islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, and a visit to the oyster farms in La Spezia. An expert guide will illustrate how the cultivation works take place at sea. Later, an oyster-based aperitif with white wine from Cinque Terre and local focaccia will be served on board.

Some say that the oysters have returned to the Gulf of Poets, but in reality, they had never left. Officially, the modern farming of oysters began in the 1890s, when mussel-farming pioneers also decided to make efforts to breed oysters in the Bay of La Spezia.

WINE OF CINQUE TERRE
A unique experience of Liguria’s typicality: discover the dynamic vineyards of Azienda Agricola Possa, a farm in Riomaggiore, where you will meet Samuele Heydi Bonanini, artisan producer of natural wines and artist of heroic viticulture.

Following the visit of the beautiful sea-view vineyard on the steep slope, the tour continues with a tasting of the renowned Sciacchetrà, the classic white wines from Cinque Terre, and also surprising reds and rosés.

Terraces perched above the sea like the ones set up for winemaking in Cinque Terre cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This territory is known for viticulture since Roman times.

The vines’ ancient history was put to the test during the 1900s due to calamities and the phenomenon of globalization. Nonetheless, the determination and passion of local micro- entrepreneurs has re-launched viticulture with full respect for nature and traditions.

CARRARA MARBLE
Visit the spectacular Apuan Alps to get to know one of the most precious marbles in the world. The experience includes a guided tour of a quarry where ancient and modern methods for the extraction of marble will be explained, more than 2000 years of history of the quarries where Michelangelo would personally choose the blocks for his masterpieces.

Afterwards, stop in Colonnata to taste and learn the secrets of the production of the famous local lardo. Finally, visit a sculpture workshop where a craftsman will explain “the art of removing” to give life to marble objects and statues.

The use of marble quarries of the Apuan Alps dates back as far as the Iron Age. This area is something incredible, no photo can fully make you feel what you experience when you are surrounded by these tall, white and gleaming mountains.

Carrara Marble is found in all the most important museums, palaces and churches in Italy, and it was sculpted by the greatest artists of history, such as Donatello, Michelangelo and Bernini.

THE BEACHES
Portovenere enjoys a unique seafront location with few but beautiful beaches overlooking Palmaria Island and the typically pastel-colored buildings.

Between Portovenere and Lerici there are secluded bathing spots that can only be reached by boat or hiking. Palmaria Island also has snorkeling spots for a leisurely swim, while expert divers can explore the lively seabed of the Arcipelago Spezzino.

The Gulf of Poets offers some of the best beaches in La Spezia province, alternating pebbly coves, cliffs and sandy shores. One example is the beach of Punta Corvo on the opposite side of the Gulf of Poets from Portovenere.

The beach is reachable only from the sea or with a steep path with about 700 natural steps from the town of Montemarcello. The dark grey sand, which originates from the crumbling of the surrounding rocks, offers a beautiful contrast with the Mediterranean vegetation, the cliffs and the blue sea.

Rooms: 47

Price: from 325 EUR per night

Source: www.portoveneregrand.com