Portovenere

The colorful facades and pedestrians-only calata (promenade) make Portovenere a quintessential Ligurian seaside village. Its tall, thin terratetto (houses) date from as far back as the 11th century and are connected in a wall-like formation to protect against attacks by the Pisans and local pirates. At the tip of the peninsula, with a dramatic position over the sea, stands the commanding San Pietro church. The caruggi (alleylike passageways) lead to an array of charming shops, homes, and gardens.