The first time I visited Porto Venere we took the boat from La Spezia to Monterosso and stopped  for coffee at Porto Venere.

It is just so wonderful viewing this stunning coast-line from the water and then arriving by boat.  It is only a short trip by boat or if you wish there is the option of a half day tour of the area.

Porto Venere is a town on the Ligurian coast in the province of La Spezia and another one of my favourite places in Italy.  I spent more time in this gorgeous little town with its amazing view than I did in any of the 5 villages although they are all equally gorgeous

There are many eateries on the seafront but if you venture in to the back streets you will find the food and the prices to be less “touristy”

While staying in La Spezia I took the bus several times to Porto Venere to spend the day. I had my “favourite” rock where I would sit or lie in the sun and then slide off, like a seal, into the beautiful clear blue ocean.  It is not far to wander to one of the many restaurants or bars for a lunch, coffee, or gelato.

Taking the local bus from La Spezia was very easy. The bus stop was only a 3 minute walk from my hotel and on the way to the bus stop I would stop by the tabacchi to buy my bus ticket.

Always remember to validate your bus ticket when you get on the bus.

Rather than staying in La Spezia or the Cinque Terre, Porto Venere is another great option for staying and using as a home base for all the day trips by boat or ferry  to Cinque Terre, Portofino, Rapallo and Santa Margherita

From the port you can take boats to Lerici, la Spezzia, Cinque Terre, Palmaria or Portofino. Taxi boats are affordable too if you are at least 4 people. The trip to Portofino is certainly another highlight of this divine coastline.

Porto Venere  reminds me of a fishing village on the Mediterranean without the noise of the city life.  The sea views are amazing and the seafood is wonderful.  If you enjoy photography you will be very busy with your camera.

The evening walks along the beach front watching the sunset are magic.