Photo shoot in Portovenere and a hike on Palmaria Island

At the western end of the Gulf of Poets lies Portovenere, which many consider one of the most iconic symbols of this area and the gateway to another paradise in eastern Liguria: the Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage village, perched between the sea and the cliffs, boasts Byron’s Grotto and the Church of San Pietro, perched on a rocky outcrop, as its best-known and most photographed attractions; Portovenere’s landscape is also spectacular thanks to the colourful houses that climb up to the top of the promontory and the small harbour that welcomes boats of all kinds, whilst losing oneself in its narrow alleyways is like taking an imaginary plunge into centuries of history. From Portovenere, you can then take the regular ferry and disembark on Palmaria Island, the largest in the gulf and a veritable paradise for hiking enthusiasts: there are several trails winding through cliffs plunging sheer into the sea, hidden coves (such as Pozzale beach) and Mediterranean woodlands, alternating with views and vantage points of extraordinary beauty over the vastness of the open sea and the cliffs – the undisputed realm of the Porto Venere cornflower, a species found exclusively within the Protected Area. To walk the full circuit of the island (an experience requiring suitable equipment), starting from Terrizzo, it takes around three and a half hours of walking, with varying degrees of difficulty as the path winds up and down, covering a total elevation gain of around 200 metres.

Church of St Peter