Portovenere is a typical medieval village which was built on a rocky peninsula during Roman times. The town is characterised by the many narrow winding streets with colourful houses and fortified towers and it is a popular place for tourists to visit.
Just outside the town is the Island of Palmaria which is connected to the mainland by a ferry from Portovenere, La Spezia and Lerici. Some might say that over recent years Portovenere has lost its charm as a 'small port' somewhat due to over concentrating on the increasing number of tourists.
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