Portovenere – Cinque Terre, Italy

PORTOVENERE is an ancient medieval fishing village situated just south of the CINQUE TERRE and lying at the western tip of the Gulf of La Spezia on the Italian Riviera. This charming village is one of the most picturesque and well worth the visit. Its harbour is lined with brightly coloured houses according to the architecture of the Genovese colonies, while narrow medieval streets lined with shops lead up the hill from the ancient city gate, three strong towers, battlements and an imposing castle built to protect the village.

PORTOVENERE is a spectacular tourist village, the abundance of natural beauty and ancient buildings of historical interest, painted with the characteristic colours of Liguria, have resulted in this harbour and the islands of the archipelago facing it, to be placed as a Unesco World Heritage site. At the base of the houses, is the more populated and lively area, where you can find restaurants, bars and shops.

The tip of the promontory holds a picturesque church. Byron’s Cave is a rocky area leading to the sea where the famous English poet of the 19th century used to swim, while ferries cruise along the coast each day, offering passengers a chance to view the most evocative landscapes of the Mediterranean. It is possible to visit the three islands across: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto

You can hike from PORTOVENERE to Monterosso, where you can catch a trail to the CINQUE TERRE, walk takes about 5 hours. The CINQUE TERRE (five towns) is a string of five ancient fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera (or Ligurian coast): Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Noted for their beauty and also recognized in 1997 by the Unesco World Heritage, the CINQUE TERRE are today a National Park and Protected Marine Area with the aim of preserving this great cultural heritage and natural environment. Over centuries, people have carefully built terraces to cultivate grapes and olives on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. The breathtaking views of harbours far below the wild but hospitable coastline along with the medieval fortresses and plentiful vines and vibrant colours make the CINQUE TERRE a memorable visit.

PORTOVENERE has been awarded a Blue Flag for its environmental consciousness to run the marina, managed by Portovenere Servizi Portuali e Turistici S.r.l.

KEY FEATURES
• In the Gulf of La Spezia (125 km from Genoa by motorway)
• Picturesque and exclusive yacht charter destination on the Italian Riviera
• Unesco World Heritage protected site with breathtaking views and impressive landscape
• Ferry landing terminal
• Hotels, restaurants, bars, shops
• Plenty of excursions and historical points of cultural interest
• Anchorage: Possible and safe in the channel called “Rada del Terrizzo” (in front of Palmaria Island) and “Rada dell’Olivo”, as well as off each village of the Cinque Terre

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Latitude: 44° 03′ 03′ N
Longitude: 09° 50′ 24′ E
Moorings: 32 (6 in transit)
Max length: 50 m
Depths: From 3 to 5.5 m
Speed: 3 Knots in the port, Boats navigating in transit in Portovenere channel must sail at low speed (max 6 knots)

SERVICES & USEFUL INFORMATION
VHF: Channel 9
Weather forecast support
Mooring/departure assistance at quay and with tender
Conveniences: Drinking water, Sanitary facilities (toilets and showers), Free Wi-Fi
Electricity: 220V/380V
Fresh water: Available on the docks’ inlets
Technical assistance: Scuba diver, Engine repair and service supply, 5 ton crane
Anchorage possible in the channel between Portovenere and the Palmaria Island
Anchorage also possible under each of the Cinque Terre villages, in good weather conditions, at safe distance from the shore and under your responsibility – Littering Strictly Prohibited
Waste and rubbish collection
Winds: Summer II & III quadrant; Winter North (Gregale) and North-East (Tramontana)

COMMENTS
While it is very hard to obtain a stopover or short-term berth in PORTOVENERE – CINQUE TERRE, Allied Yachting is always capable to successfully obtain berths and moorings for our charter yachts, as long as the reservation is entrusted to us with enough anticipation.

Occasionally, or for rental of berths in medium and longer term, we will need to offer you the neighbouring ports of Le Grazie or Porto Mirabello.