rtovenere, located in the province of La Spezia, was an impregnable fortress of the Genoese Republic during the long war with Pisa. The characteristic church of San Pietro on top was built by the inhabitants of Genoa in 1256. The main castle was built by the Byzantines and withstood two sieges in 1165 and 1198. It was demolished in the 15th century to make room for a new fortress. You can visit this fort nowadays. It is used for cultural events and exhibitions.
A road leading out of Portonvenere will take you to the Cinque Terre through the Mediterranean maquis. You can also take the boat to the island of Palmaria. This is a regional park and offers visitors beautiful beaches, cliffs, natural vegetation and caves. Le Grazie is a coastal town that is located in a cove of the Gulf of La Spezia. The city has developed around the old Roman Villa del Varignano, whose ruins are still visible today.
The unique landscape, the marina, the beach facilities and the possibility of diving make Portovenere one of the most famous international tourist resorts. The restaurants are famous for their fresh fish dishes, especially the mussels cultivated by the inhabitants themselves, and the accompanying wines of the Cinque Terre.