Uncover latest local news and information

An introductory course to the tasting of DOP Riviera Ligure Olive Oil will take place on 27 April and 4 May 2018 at Palmaria Restaurant in Portovenere. The course will be held in Italian by Marco Lucchi, who will explain the different between the main varieties of olives from Liguria, including Taggiasca, Razzola and Lavagnina.

Planning your Spring Break 2018 vacations in the Bay of La Spezia between Cinque Terre and Tuscany? Here are some events that you cannot miss.

The months between March and June feature some interesting events spanning from sports to culture, from gastronomy to sailing, from wellbeing to kids’ education & entertainment.

Keep reading on Discover Portovenere Blog

On Tuesday 10 April 2018, Palmaria Restaurant will be the exclusive venue for a dinner with champagne tasting. Here is the special menu that was conceived by Chef Francesco Parravicini specifically for this event, along with the de Venoge champagne pairings.

MENU

Sea bream carpaccio
Paired with Princes Extra Brut
60% Pinot Nero, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier

Octopus salad, olive oil and lemon
Paired with Princes Blanc de Blancs Brut
100% Chardonnnay

Calamari with sleek and shrimps
Paired with Princes Rosé Brut
100% Pinot Nero

Turbot fillet, chard and fumetto bianco
Paired with Princes Blanc de Noirs Brut
100% Pinot Nero

Small Fruit Compote & Cookies

75€ per person

For more information and to reserve your table, please contact
Tel +39 0187 777 751 reservations@portoveneregrand.com

Liguria is quite famous for some of its amazing Mediterranean gardens. Renowned names include Giardini Hanbury in Ventimiglia, dating back to 1867 thanks to the vision of English explorer Thomas Hanbury; Giardino Pallanca with more than 3.200 different types of exotic plants in Bordighera; and Villa Nobel, where Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel lived for 6 years. The latter is located in Sanremo, known as the City of Flowers (la Città dei Fiori) for its local cultivations and for the international flower market of Sanremo.

There are some lesser known, yet beautiful gardens in the Gulf of Poets too. The best time to visit them is from spring to early fall, with spring offering the most impactful scenery and scents. So, if you love nature and plants, and are looking for a spring break off the beaten path in Liguria, make sure not to miss the following gardens in the Bay of La Spezia!

Continue reading on "Discover Portovenere Blog"

This unique and exclusive boat excursion includes sailing around the Islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, and a visit to the oyster farms in La Spezia. An expert guide will illustrate how the cultivation works take place at sea. Later, an oyster-based aperitif with white wine from Cinque Terre and local focaccia will be served on board.

Departure from and arrival at Portovenere, morning or afternoon.
Duration of about 4 hours.
Available upon request from Monday to Saturday.
 
For info and reservations:
Tel +39 0187 777751, reservations@portoveneregrand.com

View the poster

Francesco Vaccarone is an Italian painter and sculptor who was born in La Spezia in the Gulf of Poets. His works are displayed in public collections, universities, museums and private collections all over the world. Some of his paintings have travelled around the globe before returning to Liguria, where they are permanently exposed at Grand Hotel Portovenere.

We have interviewed Francesco Vaccarone to get to know this local artist of international importance. Read the interview on Discover Portovenere Blog.

[photo above courtesy of www.cittadellaspezia.com]

Grand Hotel Portovenere is glad to offer its guests a unique cooking course held by Palmaria Restaurant’s Executive Chef Francesco Parravicini.

You will have the opportunity to make fresh pasta and pesto sauce, to learn how to filet and marinate fish, and to make Italy’s famous Tiramisù dessert.

Once the dishes are ready, guests will be able to enjoy their culinary creations at lunch, including Liguria’s classic Trofie al Pesto. Each participant will receive a handout with the information necessary to make what was learned during the course.

The duration is of approximately one and a half hours and includes a coffee break and a guided tour of the kitchen of Palmaria Restaurant. The course takes place during the morning in the Moby Dick Room, upon reservation and availability. 

The course is available to a maximum of 12 people and a minimum of 2.

To ensure availability, cooking Lessons must be booked at least three days in advance by contacting:
Tel +39 0187 777 751
Email info@portoveneregrand.com

A unique experience of Liguria’s typicality: discover the dynamic vineyards of Azienda Agricola Possa, a farm in Riomaggiore, where you will meet Samuele Heydi Bonanini, artisan producer of natural wines and artist of heroic viticulture. Following the visit of the beautiful sea-view vineyard on the steep slope, the tour continues with a tasting of the renowned Sciacchetrà, the classic white wines from Cinque Terre, and also surprising reds and rosés.

Place: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre National Park
Duration: about 4 hours, available on request from Monday to Saturday.

Download the poster

For info and reservations: Tel +39 0187 777751, reservations@portoveneregrand.com

Viaggio enoico in tre puntate con Francesco Petacco, enologo, collaboratore e membro permanente del comitato di degustazione  di Spirito diVino, rivista nazionale di Food & Wine.

"Come Degustare e Conoscere il Vino"

Lezione I (04/04)
I principali sensi coinvolti nella degustazione, come utilizzarli al meglio e scoprire ciò che non usiamo ancora. Concetti elementari di viticoltura. Tecnica di assaggio dei vini. Vinificazione in bianco e in rosato. Degustazione di quattro vini.

Lezione II (11/04)
Come si apre una bottiglia, temperature di servizio. Concetti elementari di vinificazione. Focus sui Bianchi della Provincia: Vermentino e Cinque Terre. Degustazione di quattro vini diversi tra loro per provenienza, vinificazione e conduzione agronomica.

Lezione III (18/04)
Come si abbina un vino e perché. Vinificazione in rosso e i vini Spumanti. Le principali malattie e i principali difetti del vino.Focus sui vini rossi liguri con assaggio di quattro vini.

• Ogni lezione inizia alle ore 15 e finisce alle ore 18.
• Le lezioni sono composte da una prima parte teorica e una seconda parte pratica con la degustazione.
• Costo del corso: 150 euro a persona.
• Dove: Grand Hotel Portovenere,  Via G. Garibaldi, 5 - 19025 Portovenere (SP)

Per maggiori informazioni e prenotazioni:
Tel +39 0187 777 751 reservations@portoveneregrand.com

Scarica la locandina PDF

Have a magic Easter lunch on the panoramic and newly renovated veranda of Palmaria Restaurant!

Discover the delicious Menu proposed by Chef Francesco Parravicini & his team 

Menu for Easter Sunday (view PDF).

For information and reservations please contact:

Tel +39 0187 777 751  palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

Aziende dell’enoturismo e giornalisti si incontreranno a Portovenere sabato 24 marzo 2018 alle ore 15:30 per la presentazione di “ViniBuoni d'Italia 2018”, guida ai vitigni autoctoni edita dal Touring Touring Editore, e per la premiazione di aziende liguri dedicate all’enoturismo sostenibile.

La presentazione sarà accompagnata da un incontro tra giornalisti, operatori, produttori e amministratori locali sul tema “Enoturismo, turismo sostenibile per eccellenza”. 

L’enoturismo è un fenomeno intorno al quale il XIII rapporto nazionale sul Turismo del Vino 2017 ha stimato si aggiri un indotto di 2,5 miliardi di euro di fatturato annuale e 14 milioni di arrivi in cantina. Dopo anni di vuoto normativo il Decreto n. 2016 del 2017 della Legge di Bilancio introduce la prima regolamentazione del settore. L’obiettivo è di coinvolgere tutta la filiera turistica ed enologica, mettendo in contatto il mondo del vino con le realtà culturali, economiche e sociali dei territori.

Dalle 17,30 presso la Sala Meeting del Grand Hotel, sarà possibile degustare i vini dei produttori selezionati nell'edizione 2018 della guida, accompagnati dai salumi Levoni.

Dalle ore 19,30 all'interno del Ristorante Palmaria del Grand Hotel Portovenere, Alessandro Scorsone presenterà un aperitivo davvero speciale con una sua selezione di Metodi Classici da vitigno autoctono presenti in guida, abbinati alle famose ostriche della Cooperativa Mitilicoltori Spezzini.

Alle 20,30 la serata proseguirà a tavola, con un menù speciale dedicato all'evento, a cura dello Chef Francesco Parravicini.

In abbinamento al menù verranno presentati i vini liguri dei produttori presenti ell'edizione 2018 di Vinibuoni d'Italia.

MENU

Aperitivo ostriche e metodi classici a cura di Alessandro Scorsone con la Cooperativa dei Mitilicoltori Spezzini.

PRELUDIO
Rivisitazione dei muscoli alla spezzina

MAZZANCOLLA: coda gratinata con il suo datterino, Squacquerone liquido, rucola, crudo della carpegna

RISOTTO:
cicale di mare, cacio e pepe, erbe fritte

ROMBO CHIODATO:
in casseruola, ristretto di crostacei, vegetali di stagione glassati

BAVARESE:
allo yogurt, salsa ai frutti rossi, mirtilli, riso soffiato

Il costo è di 70 euro

Posti limitati ed esclusivamente su prenotazione al numero: Tel. +39 0187 777 751

Per informazioni : Linda Nano Mob. +39 349 3747360

Scarica la locandina PDF

The first course to obtain the title of Chocolate Taster with the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting will take place in Liguria for the first time.

Specifically, the sea village of Portovenere in the Gulf of Poets – province of La Spezia – will host the course on 17-18 March 2018, in the beautiful meeting spaces of Grand Hotel Portovenere.

Read the complete article on Discover Portovenere Blog

Italian wines to tickle your taste buds

In the unique atmosphere of our scenic rooms Moby Dick or Magnolia Room you will discover three itineraries enjoying a selection of Italian and local wine together with fine appetizers.

Mister Vermentino: between Liguria and Tuscany
3 white wines with munchies and delicacies.

Red Wine: an all-Italian itinerary
3 red wines with munchies and delicacies.

For Bubble Lovers
3 sparkling wines with munchies and delicacies.

Tasting duration: 60 minutes

Upon request, we will be delighted to offer personalized tastings for groups of minimum 5 participants

For more information on the experience of Wine Tasting in Portovenere, contact reservations@portoveneregrand.com.

We are pleased to confirm that our own Palmaria Restaurant is the first gluten free restaurant in Portovenere. In fact, Palmaria Restaurant has just been included in the Official Guide by the Italian Society for the Celiac Disease - AIC (Associazione Italiana Celiachia).

As of July 2017, Palmaria Restaurant becomes the thirteenth officially recognized gluten-free restaurant in La Spezia Province. AIC makes thorough checks to make sure that restaurants can receive the gluten free certification and be listed in the national guide.

Travelers who have celiac disease face many trials and tribulations in maintaining a gluten free diet, especially when they must give over control of food preparation to someone else. Finding a gluten free hotel or restaurant in your destination can make your Italian food experience (and vacation in general) a lot more enjoyable!

Palmaria is the restaurant of Grand Hotel Portovenere. It is open to hotel guests as well as to the general public, offering unforgettable views of the local harbor and Palmaria Island. Executive Chef Francesco Parravicini proposes a cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. His culinary creations combine elements and ingredients from different Italian regions, and he also provides a selection of dishes that are typical from La Spezia. These are also available in the gluten-free version.

At Palmaria Restaurant, which sits just next to the ferryboats that depart for or arrive from Cinque Terre, you will find also vegetarian dishes. Undecided on what to drink? Maître Nedo Marzi will help you choose the best wine pairing for your meal.

Book your table at Palmaria Restaurant by contacting palmaria@portoveneregrand.com or +39 0187.790570

View the Menus

Fortezza Firmafede – the beautiful fort in Sarzana – will host 200 works of art by Andy Warhol, from 24 November 2017 until 5 March 2018.

The exhibition takes you through the art evolution of the American artist between the fifties and the eighties. Silk-screen printings, rare drawings, polaroids, and photographic acetates were selected by the event’s curator, Matteo Bellenghi.

Among the featured works of art are the iconic “Campbell’s Soup Cans”; “Vesuvius”, which is a homage to Italy; and the controversial “Ladies and Gentlemen” portraits.

Andy Warhol Pop Art Exhibit in the Gulf of Poets
Fortezza Firmafede, Sarzana
from 24 November 2017 to 5 March 2018
Daily: 10.00 – 19.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 23.00

Visit the website of Fortezza Firmafede for admission fees and more information.

After the success of the first foodie event featuring American wines back in June, Palmaria Restaurant will host another interesting evening for wine and food lovers. In occasion of the “USA meets Portovenere” aperitif on 20 October 2017, starting from 5pm, you will have the opportunity to discover unusual combinations between American wines and local gastronomy from the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre.

Wine Tasting
Fox Run Riesling, Fox Run Traminette and Forge Cellars Riesling

Finger Food by Chef Parravicini
skewers with mazzancolla (striped prawn) and herbs; octopus and taggiasche olives; and toasted bread with anchovies and buffalo mozzarella.

Keep Reading on Discover Portovenere Blog

October is a great month to visit the Gulf of Poets: the weather is still mild, the natural landscape delights our eyes with the distinctive autumn colors, the flavors of fall are celebrated with wine and food festivals. On top of this, there are less tourists around meaning that – with less queues and cheaper prices – you can probably do a lot more during your break on the Italian Riviera.

In October you can easily organize day trips in Liguria and even in the neighboring regions of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Read about our events and sightseeing tips in Genoa, Carrara, Pisa, Lucca and Parma - less than 2 hours’ drive away from Portovenere - on Discover Portovenere Blog.

Palmaria Restaurant is ready for its next foodie event that will take place on 5 October 2017 starting from 19:30. It will be a fantastic evening organized with the Slow Food branch of La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets. There will be a dinner with local products skillfully and creatively prepared by Chef Francesco Parravicini of Palmaria Restaurant, accompanied by three wines produced by winemakers of the Ligurian Riviera.

The dinner will be preceded by the presentation of Fabio Pracchia’s new book “I Sapori del Vino” (the flavors of wine). Fabio Pracchia is a writer, sommelier, Slow Food educator, and one of the main collaborators of the Slow Wine guide. 

In occasion of the Slow Food evening, Chef Francesco Parravicini proposes the following menu:

Marinated anchovies with garlic brioche bread and sauce
Short pappardelle with amberjack ragù and herbs from Liguria’s Eastern Riviera
Spezzina-style mussels revisited by the Chef
Valentina’s sweet temptations prepared with local liqueurs by Cantine Bosoni

The dinner is accompanied by three great wines produced by local wineries that are mentioned in Fabio Pracchia’s book, under the chapter about “encounters with extraordinary wines”.

• Altrove by Walter De Battè
• Cinque Terre by Azienda Possa di Heydi Bonanini
• Colli di Luni by Azienda Santa Caterina di Andrea Kihlgren

If you are a member of Slow Food, you can be part of this special, tasty evening at the price of 40 euro. There are limited seats for the general public as well, at the price of 50 euro per person.

Book now by calling: Sandra Ansaldo 3472753799 – Gabriella Tartarini 3387576981 or emailing palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

Venus Bar hosts 3 concerts with 3 different dedicated cocktails created by Barmen Alessandro Grasso and Giovanni Pellegrini with the Essentiae liqueurs by Cantine Lvnae Bosoni. You can enjoy liqueur tastings on each evening.

CONCERTS & COCKTAILS

From 18:30 to 20:30

Wednesday 13 September
How do you duo: instrumental Jazz
contrabass and baritone sax

Cocktail of the Evening: King of Blues
Ingredients: Amaretto (2cl), Orange Liqueur by Essentiae Bosoni Lime (2cl), Lime (1cl), Absinthe (1cl), Orange Juice (3cl).
King of Blues: a refreshing, balanced cocktail with bitter-sweet notes.

Wednesday 20 September
10 Strings: Guitar & Voice
covers and acoustic arrangements

Cocktail of the Evening: Summertime Spirit
Ingredients: Lemon verbena Liqueur by Essentiae Bosoni (2,5cl), Citron Juice (2cl), Fresh ginger, 2 slices of fresh cucumber, Vodka (3,5cl), Ginger Ale (12cl).
A spicy, fresh long drink with a sparkly aroma.

Wednesday 27 September
Moody Tricks: Acoustic & Folk Cover
acoustic guitar loop station
acoustic bass guitar and voice

Cocktail of the Evening: Double Identity
Coffee Liqueur by Essentiae Bosoni (1cl), Vodka (4cl), Raspberry Syrup (1cl) Coffee Liqueur by Essentiae Bosoni (1cl), Vodka (4cl), Raspberry Syrup (1cl).
With an intense and firm taste, where coffee and raspberry blend in a perfect mix.

Info and Reservations
Tel +39 0187 790570
info@portoveneregrand.com

Turbo, Inferno, Minerva and Cronos are the team of buzzards that has been protecting guests at Grand Hotel Portovenere, as well as guests at Palmaria Restaurant and Venus Bar, from seagulls.

Learn about them, falconer Stefano Rossi and the first-ever bird control operation of this kind in the province of La Spezia, on our blog article: "Meet the Buzzards of Portovenere".

In occasion of San Venerio Festival, Palmaria Restaurant proposes a special tasting menu valid on 15 - 16 - 17 September 2017.

SAN VENERIO MENU

Raw Bass with taggiasche olives and tomatoes
Octopus Caciucco
Trofie pasta with pesto and clams
Cod with squid ink and polenta

Designed for 2 people

For information and reservations:

Tel +39 0187 777 751
palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

Who is San Venerio? 

Learn about the history of this hermit monk, now Patron Saint of the Gulf of Poets, and how to visit Tino Island (a military space that is usually closed to the public) on our blog Discover Portovenere. Read the article San Venerio Festival 2017: visit Tino Island

The latest promotions at Portovenere Wellness.

Relax & Lunch
50-minute massage of your choice and lunch at Palmaria Restaurant 
More info (PDF)

Detox Program
New energy for your body and mind in 80 minutes
More info (PDF)

Palmaria Restaurant proposes two special menus in occasion of Ferragosto (15 August) and of Festa della Madonna Bianca (17 August).

Ferragosto Menu (PDF)

Madonna Bianca Menu (PDF)

Book your table in advance

Tel +39 0187 777 751
palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

Palmaria Restaurant (Grand Hotel Portovenere)
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 5, Portovenere (SP)

Premio Porto Venere Donna is an award that is given once a year to an illustrious woman that has left an indelible mark in the fields of literature, science, art, sports and social work.

The XXII Edition will take place on 9 August 2017 at 9:30pm in the magical setting of St. Peter Square in Portovenere.

This year’s winner is Amalia Ercoli Finzi, one of the leading international experts on space and “mother” of the famous Rosetta Mission - among many other amazing things. Learn more about her and this prestigious annual award on our blog

Every Wednesday: book a 50-minute treatment at Portovenere Wellness Center and you receive a free aperitivo at Venus Bar (Grand Hotel Portovenere). Garage parking is included too.

See the Spa Menu

Book your wellness experience in Portovenere!

Tel: +39.0187.791030

Email: wellness@portoveneregrand.com

The summer calendar in Portovenere includes a variety of events between culture, sports, music and cinema. You can find the complete, detailed calendar on our blog "Discover Portovenere".

Among the main events, don't miss:

8 July 2017
Panigaccio by the Sea – food stands with bread specialties

11 July 2017
Jazz Festival – Concert by Rosario Giuliani and Luciano Biondini in the Doria Castle

12 July 2017
Jazz Festival – Projection of the movie “Whiplash” in Piazza San Pietro

from 23 July to 10 August 2017
Exhibition of Francesco Vaccarone’s work on The Gulf and its Poets, in Sala Mantero on Via Capellini

12 August 2017
White Party

from 12 to 15 August 2017
Festa della Borgata di Le Grazie

17 August 2017
Madonna Bianca Festival

31 August 2017
Local Feast “Minaccia Bel Tempo”

from 7 to 10 September 2017
Octopus Festival and Feast of Madonna delle Grazie

13 September 2017
San Venerio Festival

For more details on each event, see the complete article on Discover Portovenere: 2017 Summer Events in Portovenere and around the Gulf of Poets.

International Jazz Festival of La Spezia
When: 5-15 July 2017
Where: La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici

Palio del Golfo
When: 6 August 2017
Where: La Spezia

Madonna Bianca
When: 17 August 2017
Where: Portovenere

San Venerio
When: 13 September 2017
Where: Tino Island

“Lerici Coast” Miscellanenous events
Lerici hosts a number of summer events, including a piano concert by Giovanni Allevi on 24 July and the “Coppa Byron” swimming race on 27 August, among others.

We are happy to announce that our Spa, called "Portovenere Wellness", is now open! It offers you a humid zone with Turkish bath, Jacuzzi sauna and sensory shower; a fitness room, and different beauty and wellness treatments.

Have a look at the Spa Menu

For information and reservations, please contact
Tel 0187/791030 wellness@portoveneregrand.com

Palmaria Restaurant offers two types of Gift Vouchers: treat someone with a culinary experience in the Gulf of Poets!

***

LUNCH

Two courses from the menu
One glass of wine, water and coffee
€ 25

***

DINNER
Two courses from the menu
One Dessert
One glass of wine, water and coffee
€ 45

***

The vouchers include free garage parking.

For information and conditions:
tel. 0187.790570
info@palmariarestaurant.com

"Raw food & champagne"

Tuesday 13 June 2017
From 18:30 to 21:30

Raw Food

Scampi
Tartare
Oysters from La Spezia

Paired with:

Pierre Legras
Grand cru from Côte des Blancs. Chardonnay of rare elegance.

Mary-Sessile
The rare Inattendue can surprise even the most expert palates.

De Venoge
The noble Cordon Bleu, Champagne of the Order of the Holy Spirit.

€ 45 per person (parking included)

For more information and reservations:
Tel +39 0187 777 751 palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

View the poster

New York meets Portovenere & Cinque Terre

Saturday 24 June 2017
From 6:00pm to 8:30pm

A tasting experience with wines from the Finger Lakes Wine Country, where 11 lakes of glacial origin create a special, ideal microclimate, and where Italian and French migrants took their grapes and passion for wine throughout the past centuries.

Finger Food Appetizers
Octopus skewer with taggiasche olives
Raw red prawns with cream of mountain pasture cheese

Paired with:

Traminette
dry and fruity with strong acidity

Riesling
citrus fragrance, soft and sapid taste

The Winery
Fox Run Vineyards is located in Penn Yan, on Seneca Lake, in what was originally a dairy barn from the Civil War era.

Tasting of 2 Wine Glasses and Finger Food
25 euro per person (parking included)
Vegetarian appetizers are also available

For more information and bookings:
Tel +39 0187 777 751 palmaria@portoveneregrand.com

-> View the Poster of the Evening <-

In the days 5, 6 and 7 May 2017, Palmaria Restaurant proposes a special menu prepared with the products of the EATTIAMO network, formed by more than 80 artisans of taste who create delicacies following the tradition and who keep high the culture of Italian food.

Discover the menu and the products selected by our Chef Francesco Parravicini.

The lunch menu (2 courses, beverage excluded) costs 35 euros per person, while the dinner menu (complete menu with 4 courses, beverage excluded) costs 55 euros per person.

Guests who stay at Grand Hotel Portovenere during one or more days of the event, can book both lunch and dinner together at the special price of 75 euros (instead of a total of 90 euros) and will receive a gift that EATTIAMO will deliver free of charge to their home address.

For information and reservations, please contact reservations@portoveneregrand.com.

For foodies who want an experience that goes beyond wine and appetizers, the gourmet restaurant in Portovenere is also proposing a special tasting menu with amazing wine & food combinations.

Discover the Menu & Wine Pairings, together with the wineries behind the initiative, on Discover Portovenere Blog

Who is behind the giant art installation called "Follow Me Help Me" in the lobby of our hotel? His name is Stefano Pilato, and his works are created by assembling objects that are found on the beach, together with scrap materials from dumps, warehouses, forgotten and unwanted things in attics and friends’ houses. In other words, Stefano gives a second life opportunity to objects, often creating extraordinary results.

We have interviewed him in occasion of the reopening of Grand Hotel Portovenere! Read the interview on Discover Portovenere Blog

Grand Hotel Portovenere proposes this special package for your unique Corporate Meeting in the Gulf of Poets:

• Use of the meeting room for a half day
• 1 Coffee Break
• 1 night in a Classic Room (DUS), breakfast included 

Starting from 220 euro per person

*Upon availability and excluding Easter and bank holidays
Max 10 rooms
This offer is valid for stays until 30 April 2017

For information and reservations, please contact events@portoveneregrand.com

An exciting and unique occasion will take place on the weekend of 25 and 26 March 2017 in the Gulf of Poets: Varignano Fortress will open its doors to the public for the first time in almost 300 years!

Fortezza di Varignano is located in the Le Grazie fraction in Portovenere. Here you can also visit the Roman Villa of Varignano, which hosts an archeologic museum.

Read about the history of the Varignano Fortress on Discover Portovenere Blog.

[Photo: Xylography from 1889 depicting Varignano Fortress. Source: enotrius]

Leonardo da Vinci is revered for his technological ingenuity, and is considered by many as the prime example of Universal Genius, the polymath of the Renaissance Era. How cool would it be to see some of his inventions, such as flying machines, war vehicles and mechanics & hydraulics devices? This spring you can enjoy a beautiful exhibition of such creations in Sarzana, specifically in Fortezza Firmafede from 18 March to 1 May 2017.

Keep Reading on Discover Portovenere Blog

Winter is soon ending, and so is the “sleepy season” in Liguria’s Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. Apart from the awakening of nature, spring also marks the return of seasonal events and the reopening of many hotels, restaurants and other businesses in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Let’s have a look at some of the events that you can attend and activities you can enjoy in the Gulf of Poets. Keep reading on Discover Portovenere Blog

Grand Hotel Portovenere can accommodate small and large corporate events, combining business meetings with work lunches and dinners, cooking lessons, tastings, outdoor activities such as boat excursions in the Bay of Poets and hiking in the Cinque Terre, and tours in the marble quarries in Carrara.

If you wish to find out about the available options for your next Business Meeting in Liguria, contact events@portoveneregrand.com

On Friday 24 March 2017, Grand Hotel Portovenere hosts a workshop aimed at managers and executives of small and middle sized businesses.

By joining, participants will learn:

• Techniques of organizational assessment;
• Planning scripts tailored for business needs;
• Basic principles of the LEGO® Serious Play®.

The themes of the workshop will be:

• Methodology: instructions for use, application and strategies for customer acquisition management, team building, product innovation;
• Basic notions, like the “flow” for more a productive and creative work;
• The basic methods and four main phases of LEGO® Serious Play ®;
• The Challenge: what is the most effective organization for your business?

The course begins at 10:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm. The day includes two coffee breaks and one light lunch served on the panoramic veranda at Palmaria Restaurant.

The course is organized by FUTOUR and taught by Paolo Martinez, expert in innovation and service & strategy design for businesses.

For more information, please contact events@portoveneregrand.com

One of the things we wish for most fervently when getting ready for a vacation, is that the weather will be gloriously sunny. Or we at least hope that the rain will stay out of our way. However, clouds and rain sometimes are oblivious to our pleas and show no mercy. If you are traveling to an area such as the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre – where tourism is largely based on outdoor activities like hiking, sailing and sightseeing – don’t panic. There are fun and interesting activities that you can enjoy, other than relaxing in the hotel. So, what can you do on a rainy day in Portovenere, in the heart of eastern Liguria? Read some ideas and tips on our blog "Discover Portovenere"

In this recipe, Chef Francesco Parravicini of Palmaria Restaurant combines the flavors of the sea and of the earth, mixing the freshness and lightness of the lightly seared calamaro with the assertive taste of the rabbit, prepared in a Liguria style. To this unusual blend, he added yogurt and fennel for a touch of acidity and ham to accentuate the dish’s character.

Find the entire recipe on our blog "Discover Portovenere"

Following the successful editions of the past years, the Melges Sailing Series return in Portovenere. There are two exciting appointments in the events’ agenda:

• MELGES32: 31 March – 2 April 2017
• MELGES20: 7 – 9 April 2017

Are you planning ahead for your Italian spring break? If you love sailing, do not miss the chance to visit the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre in occasion of the Melges regattas. 

Grand Hotel Portovenere proposes discounted rates for advanced bookings. If you reserve a sea-view room, you can enjoy all the action from your own private balcony. Otherwise, the show can be admired from the panoramic terrace at Palmaria Restaurant. And for those who love exploring the sea by boat: don't miss Soleil 33, Grand Hotel’s very own motorboat!

Are you dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy yet feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning a large-scale event? For many couples, eloping is a very trendy solution to tying the knot without the pressures of planning and budget. Rather, the couple can better enjoy the sentiment of the intimate ceremony. In fact, an elopement wedding usually only involves the bride, the groom, the witnesses and – if the couple wishes it – a few selected members of the family.

The idea of a Destination Elopement in Italy keeps on growing in popularity because there is something exciting about a couple escaping to the land of La Dolce Vita for a romantic wedding and honeymoon. If you like this idea and are looking for the perfect venue, you should consider one of the country's most dazzling locations: the Gulf of Poets in Liguria!

In particular, Portovenere is a great option for your "fuitina". Why?

Click here to discover 4 good reasons! (And the meaning of "fuitina")

Wine Lovers: Grand Hotel becomes your point of reference in the Gulf of Poets, Liguria. Every year we launch a rich calendar of events involving wine tastings of local and Italian wines. Come and sip the best labels under the ancient vaulted ceilings of Venus Bar, on our panoramic terrace at Palmaria Restaurant, and in a new surprising location dedicated exclusively to wine tasting! Meanwhile, read about one of our favorite wineries.

Can your company transform challenging problems into ideas, strategies, communication, leadership and participatory interaction? Of course it can, especially in a place like the inspiring Bay of Poets! Successful corporate retreats rely heavily on the excellence of the location combined with the quality of content. Let’s understand why a venue like Portovenere is ideal for both aspects.

Keep Reading on Discover Portovenere Blog

“Between River and Sea” is an art exhibition with works by French painter Hélène de Beauvoir. She created these paintings in the Gulf of Poets, when she was in her house in Trebiano, a village near Sarzana and within the Montemarcello-Magra Park.

Her paintings can be viewed free of charge between 3 December 2016 and 15 January 2017 in “La Capannina di Ciccio” in Bocca di Magra, one of the places she used to visit most frequently when she was spending time in the province of La Spezia. After that date, the exhibition will become itinerant, touching villages...

Keep Reading the Article on Discover Portovenere Blog

[Source/Photo credit for the top image: Galerie Hammer Regensburg]

Palmaria Restaurant offre il servizio Meal Box d’asporto per chi ormeggia o naviga a Portovenere. Piatti freddi semplici ma gustosi, ideali per chi vuole deliziarsi a pranzo o cena senza fermarsi in zona.

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Per maggiori informazioni vi preghiamo di contattare:
+39 0187790570
palmaria@portoveneregrand.com