Traditional Events in and around Portovenere

Discover the most popular events happening regularly or annually in our beautiful province of La Spezia

Smaller events, fairs and exhibits also take place during the year. Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates about the seasonal events, or visit our blog never to miss a beat!

Terre di Canossa

Portovenere, usually in April
Portovenere is often featured in the Terre di Canossa International Classic Car Challenge itinerary, where vintage cars drive along the roads where Matilda of Canossa, Queen of Italy in the 12th century, once walked. Exact dates may vary.

Palmaria Island

Portovenere, June
An exciting open water swimming competition starting in Porto Venere and ending in Palmaria Island, right in front of our panoramic terrace. Exact date may vary.

International Jazz Festival of La Spezia

La Spezia, July
The longest-running Italian jazz festival to date takes place in La Spezia! Learn more on our blog. Exact dates may vary.

Festa della Borgata di Fezzano e delle Grazie

Portovenere, July
The small hamlets of Fezzano and Le Grazie (part of Portovenere) celebrate summer with food festivals, music and fun events during the weekend. Exact dates may vary.

Coppa Byron

Portovenere-Lerici, July or August
This sporting event pays tribute to the story of Lord George Byron swimming from Porto Venere to San Terenzo to visit his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley. Today it’s a swimming competition across the Gulf of Poets, for about 8 kilometers. Exact date may vary.

Palio del Golfo

La Spezia, First Sunday of August
The waters in front of La Spezia host the historic race among 13 handmade boats, each representing a village of the bay: Portovenere, Le Grazie, Fezzano, Cadimare, Marola, La Spezia Centro, Canaletto, Fossamastra, Muggiano, San Terenzo, Venere Azzurra, Lerici and Tellaro. Learn more on our blog.

Ferragosto Summer Party

Portovenere, 15 August
Palmaria Restaurant and Venus Bar celebrate “Ferragosto”, the Italian national holiday and peak of the summer season, with a special evening! The summer party starts with a cocktail show and aperitivo with live music and stunning views. You can enjoy the buffet dinner with a large selection of local specialties, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The evening ends with an Italian classic – the “sorbetto” frozen dessert – and after-dinner drinks.

Festa della Madonna Bianca

Portovenere, 17 August
Our ancient village is illuminated with thousands of torches to celebrate the local Patron Saint. You can admire this beautiful spectacle while dining at Palmaria Restaurant, where our chefs craft a special menu for the occasion. Read more on our blog.

Octopus Festival

Tellaro, August
This fish food festival is a great occasion to learn about the local legend of how a giant sea creature freed Tellaro from a pirate incursion… Read about the myth on our blog. Exact dates may vary.

San Venerio

Portovenere, 13 September
Tino Island is a military space but opens to visitors for a couple of days a year around mid-September in honor of San Venerio, the Patron Saint of the Gulf of Poets who used to live as a hermit monk on this island. Read more about the festival. Exact dates may vary.

Nostra Signora delle Grazie

Portovenere, 8 September
Pilgrims gather in the tiny hamlet of Le Grazie to celebrate the local patron saint with a traditional fair.

Festival della Mente

Sarzana, September
Sarzana is home to the first European festival dedicated to creativity. Exact dates may vary.

Underwater Nativity

December
Scuba divers swim in Portovenere’s sea with the statues of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, and spectators then join them in the procession towards the Church of San Lorenzo. Exact dates may vary.

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