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Gabby Bell
Gabby Bell

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A couple stands within a stone archway overlooking the sea and a mountainous coastline in Porto Venere, Italy. Overlay text reads 'EXPLORE PORTO VENERE ITALY SWIPE'.
A woman looks out through a rugged stone archway at the deep blue sea and a dramatic, rocky coastline under a cloudy sky in Porto Venere.
An elevated view of the Church of St. Peter situated on a rocky promontory, connected by a stone causeway to the mainland, surrounded by the sea under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of the Church of St. Peter on a rocky peninsula extending into the sea, framed by green foliage in the foreground, under an overcast sky.
The Church of St. Peter on its rocky island is framed through a stone archway with a central pillar, offering a glimpse of the sea.
An expansive view of the Church of St. Peter on a rocky outcrop, with ancient stone ruins in the foreground, overlooking the vast blue sea.
A stone pathway leads up to the Church of St. Peter and other stone structures on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and various plants.
A series of ornate stone arches and pillars form a balcony or walkway, offering a view of the calm sea under a cloudy sky.
A panoramic view of the rugged coastline of Porto Venere, featuring steep cliffs, sea caves, and a distant fort-like structure on the hill, with a person in the foreground.
A woman stands smiling on a stone wall next to a church tower, with the sea and distant coastline visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
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Explore a hidden gem in Italy 🫶

Places To Go

Cool places in Italy 🇮🇹

📍Location: Porto Venere, Italy!

📝 This hidden gem is a gorgeous coastal area. We were able to hike up to the ruins of an old fort, and a small walk down the hill took us to a gorgeous window overlooking the ocean and looking out at the famous church. Most tourists stick to the main path that just takes them to the church but there are hidden public stairs that take you up to a big church and over to the ruins. This destination is one of my favourites in Cinque Terre.

#italyexplore #cinque terre #italy #travel

Porto Venere
2024/12/8 Edited to

... Read moreAfter exploring the main path to the Church of St. Peter, which is truly spectacular on its rocky promontory, I highly recommend venturing further. The Porto Venere coastline isn't just about the views from above; it's also about getting up close with the dramatic cliffs and the azure Ligurian Sea. I discovered some fantastic hidden coves perfect for a quick swim, especially if you take one of the local boat tours that depart from the harbor. These tours often take you past the famous Arpaia Grotto, also known as Byron's Grotto, where legend says Lord Byron used to swim and meditate. It's an incredible feeling to be surrounded by those towering sea caves! For those who love photography, the stone archways around the old fort ruins offer incredible framing opportunities for the sea and the iconic church. I spent ages trying to get the perfect shot through one of those ancient arches, capturing the rugged beauty of the Porto Venere coastline. Don't forget to look for those public stairs I mentioned in my main post – they lead to some of the best panoramic spots, ideal for watching the sunset over the vast blue sea. The way the light hits the steep cliffs and the Church of St. Peter at dusk is absolutely magical, creating a picture-perfect moment you won't soon forget. Another tip for truly appreciating the coastline is to take a ferry ride to Palmaria Island, just opposite Porto Venere. The views of Porto Venere from the island are absolutely stunning, giving you a different perspective of its unique layout and the Church of St. Peter perched majestically. There are also some lovely walking trails on Palmaria that offer more secluded beaches and incredible vistas across the water. Exploring Palmaria allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this part of the Ligurian coast, away from any potential crowds. You can even find some unique flora and fauna if you're lucky! Beyond the natural beauty, I found that simply strolling along the waterfront promenade in Porto Venere itself, soaking in the atmosphere, is an experience in its own right. Watching the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, observing local fishermen, and just feeling the sea breeze is incredibly relaxing. You'll notice the distinct architecture of the tall, narrow houses, painted in pastel colors, which are so characteristic of this Italian coastline. It truly feels like stepping into a postcard. When you're done exploring, treat yourself to some fresh seafood right by the harbor. The local restaurants serve up delicious Ligurian specialties, and dining with the sound of the waves and a view of the colorful boats is the perfect end to a day spent discovering this magnificent Italian coastline. Don't miss trying the local pesto, which is famous in this region! It’s definitely a spot that deserves more attention than it gets, offering all the charm of Cinque Terre without the overwhelming crowds, and a coastline that promises endless discovery.