Portovenere: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Day trips from Florence to Portovenere are a popular way to discover the treasures and delights of the Tuscan and Ligurian coast.

Visitors to this striking town can spend the day wandering its beautiful streets — taking in the colorful houses it’s famous for — before heading to the Castello Doria for an uninterrupted panorama of the “Gulf of Poets”. Portovenere is famous for its tall, colorful buildings, stunning views and delicious local specialties.

Here's everything you need to know about Portovenere, one of the most exciting day trips from Florence.

How to get to Portovenere from Florence?

Portovenere is located on the shores of northwestern Italy, nearby the Ligurian city of La Spezia.

From Florence to Portovenere by car

It’s quite easy to travel to Portovenere from Florence by car if you don’t mind navigating your way through the infamous Italian traffic.

Head west towards Pisa, where you’ll take the E80 towards La Spezia. The entire journey is roughly 180 kilometers and will take 2.5 hours to complete.

From Florence to Portovenere by public transport

Traveling from Florence to Portovenere using public transport is pretty straightforward, but it’s quite a long journey.

From Florence’s Santa Maria station, board the regular train to La Spezia. After arriving in the city, board the “P” bus to Portovenere. The entire journey will take roughly 3.5 hours to complete.

Guided tour to Portovenere from Florence

A guided tour to Portovenere is a great option if you don’t have the time to spend on a car or train journey. Additionally, you’ll also enjoy the services of a qualified guide that will tell you more about this fascinating region.

What does the typical schedule include?

The itinerary for a Portovenere day trip will largely depend on the type of tour you choose — but it will almost always start with a hotel pickup. From here you’ll wind your way through the Tuscan countryside, passing famous cities like Pisa and Siena along the way.

The next stop is Cinque Terre and the five seaside towns that are the jewels in this region’s crown. Marvel at the sheer beauty, as one colorful terraced village gives way to another, each with its own delicacies and specialties.

The final stop is Portovenere where you’ll enjoy immaculate views of the Ligurian coast before heading back home.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Portovenere?

Although the number of tours to Portovenere might be a bit limited, they are varied in price and experience range — catering to a number of different travelers.

Guided group tour to Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence

A guided group tour of Portovenere provides the perfect option for travelers working within a budget. But don’t worry, this day trip visits all of the must-see attractions en route to your final destination of Portovenere.

This full-day outing visits all five villages along the Cinque Terre and includes a scenic train journey along the way.

Small group tour of Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence

A small group tour might cost a bit more, but you’ll be part of a much smaller group of between two and seven people — making it the perfect option for people traveling as a couple, a group of friends or a family.

Start your full-day tour with a hotel pickup that will take you to Cinque Terre. You’ll have unfettered access to your guide, granting you an in-depth glimpse into Ligurnian life and local customs.

Then, make your way to Portovenere where you’ll enjoy a local lunch and explore the town before heading back home.

Private tour of Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence

If you're going to explore Portovenere you might as well do it in style — and there’s nothing more stylish than this private tour from Florence.

Take in the beauty and splendor of the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts with the knowledge that you are in charge of the itinerary.

What are the prices of day trips to Portovenere from Florence?

Day trips from Florence to Portovenere range from €50 to €1,000, depending on the type of expedition.

A guided group tour to Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence will cost €50 per person making it the most affordable option. However, for this price, you can expect to be part of a large group of up to 30 people.

A small group tour of Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence will cost €200 per person — but the group size is limited to seven people.

A private tour of Portovenere and Cinque Terre from Florence will cost €1,000 per group of seven people — making it a great option if your party is large enough.

What are the highlights?

Portovenere

Portovenere is a Ligurian seaside village that’s famous for its tall colorful buildings, bustling promenade and wonderful local fare. The town is also famous for its Natural Park — a protected area featuring several diving spots and hiking trails.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside towns on the Ligurian coast, famous for their beautiful terraced houses and fishing boat-filled bays. The area is also famous for its distinctive cuisine and the “trattorias” that dish them up.

When is the best time to visit Portovenere?

The best time to visit Portovenere is typically from late spring (May and June) to early autumn (September and October). During these months, you'll experience mild to warm weather with fewer tourist crowds, ideal for exploring the town's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

What other day trips can you do from Florence?

• Chianti day tours from Florence
• San Gimignano day tours from Florence
• Tuscany day tours from Florence
• Monteriggioni day tours from Florence
• Lucca day tours from Florence

Travel tips

• Pack light, casual, and comfortable clothing. Don't forget your swimwear, as the region has beautiful beaches and clear waters.
• The village streets are often steep and uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Portovenere and the Ligurian region are known for their fantastic seafood and regional dishes like pesto genovese. Take the time to explore local eateries.