Nestled on the Ligurian coast, Porto Venere is like the quieter cousin of Cinque Terre. Often overlooked by the hordes flocking to the famous five, Porto Venere offers a blend of stunning scenery, historical charm, and a more relaxed vibe.

The town essentially consists of two main streets: the harborfront promenade and the main street, Via Capellini. A complete loop around Porto Venere includes both of these streets, along with a moderately steep hike up to the town’s two main churches and fortress for the views.

The old town of Porto Venere is tucked behind the facade of the colorful buildings you see from the harbor. You can enter this medieval town through Porta del Borgo, the old city gate. Once inside, you'll discover a labyrinth of narrow streets, stairways, and tiny passageways that are well worth exploring. The main street, Via Capellini, is filled with artisanal and souvenir shops.

At the west end of the promenade and Via Capellini, the town comes to a point at the 13th-century Church of San Pietro. Climbing the stairs to the terrace offers stunning views of the coast in both directions, including the “Byron's Grotto” sea cave. Named after the poet Lord Byron, who was inspired by its beauty, this grotto is a must-see. Legend has it Byron swam across the bay to visit his friend Shelley.

More viewpoints line the walk from here up the stairs to the town’s other big church, San Lorenzo. From there, more steps lead up to the town’s fortress, Castello Doria, dominating the skyline and offering striking panoramas. The hike up is steep, but think of it as your pre-pasta workout.

A refreshing escape from the mainland's hustle is a day trip to the nearby Palmaria island. Accessible by a short boat ride, Palmaria offers a serene environment for hiking, swimming, and simply enjoying nature away from the crowds. The small neighbouring islands, Tino and Tinetto, can only be seen from the boat.

For the hardy hikers, there is a 5-hour trek to Riomaggiore, the nearest Cinque Terre town.