The pretty little town named one of Italy's best-kept secrets few Brits know about
Porto Venere has been named among Italy's best hidden gems, sitting on the sea with a 12th-century castle.
A pretty little town in Italy has been named among the country’s best-kept secrets, that few British tourists know about.
Porto Venere is a small medieval town made up of three villages on the Ligurian coast in northwest Italy.
It was included in European Best Destination’s list of Italy’s best hidden gems, towns off the beaten path.
The town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 but remains quiet with few tourists making the visit.
European Best Destinations described Porto Venere as a “perfect destination to rest away from the hustle and bustle of big cities”.
It has a picturesque harbour filled with restaurants and cafes in colourful buildings. There is also the old city gate and Capitolare Tower, dating back to the 12th century.
The main street is lined with artisanal and souvenir shops and high on the hill are Castello Doria, a 12th-century military fortress, and the Church of San Lorenzo.
In the surrounding area are Porto Venere Regional Natural Park, nearby islands and the ancient fishing villages of Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera.
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There are a number of places to stay in the town, including hotels, Airbnbs, holiday lets and more.
Porto Venere can visited by flying to Genoa from the UK with both direct and indirect flights. Genoa is a one-and-a-half-hour car journey from the town.
Other towns included on the list of Italy’s best-kept secrets are Bogliasco, Sirmione, Burano, Vernazza and Alberobello.