Portovenere, Italy

Sitting just south of Cinque Terre National Park and within a protected natural region, Portovenere is a gateway for exploration. In the village, colorful houses climb the rocky shoreline beneath the watch of the Gothic Church of St. Peter. Wander through the medieval lanes of the old town, where artisan shops and family-run cafés are tucked between centuries-old stone buildings or set out by boat to explore hidden coves and the nearby islands. As the afternoon unfolds, relax in the harbor with a plate of Ligurian seafood and a glass of local Vermentino, watching fishing boats drift across the bay.