You don’t simply visit Portovenere, you experience it. You enter on tiptoe, walk through its narrow alleyways without hurry, and glimpse the sea from every gap. This Ligurian village, facing the Gulf of Poets and protected by UNESCO, does not require scenery: it is a natural stage cut into the rock and smoothed by the wind. The pastel-colored houses stick together like old friends. Tall, thin, and with wide open shutters, they seem built to guard against time more than pirates. The vibrant heart is the main carruggio (narrow street): a cobbled serpent that leads to Piazza Spallanzani, where the gaze is drawn to the majestic Church of San Pietro. The Gothic-Romanesque architecture, balanced between cliff and sky, is more than just attractive; it symbolizes the village's entire identity. As you continue up, you will come across Doria Castle. Today it holds art exhibitions, but its huge construction says much about Liguria's lengthy defensive history. Not far away, the Church of San Lorenzo is an intriguing blend of architectural styles. Black and white marbles pursue each other on the façade, while the interior houses important masterpieces in an inviting atmosphere. A little further on, the Torre Capitolare and Porta Venere welcome you to the ancient village, marking a physical and symbolic threshold beyond which the landscape changes pace. Those seeking wonder must go to the Grotta Byron. Simply make your way beyond the castle: the sea flows between the smooth and dark rocks, forming a natural cathedral where the echo responds only to the sound of the waves. It is not difficult to understand why the English poet came here to find inspiration. For those who desire to go farther, there are three sister islands: Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. They are accessible by boat and provide a chance to experience the most genuine nature of the Gulf, with breathtaking views and trekking routes. But one must also have a palate for Portovenere: the 'muscoli'—the native mussels—are everywhere, cooked in a thousand ways. Octopus, pesto, legumes — each dish tells the story of a land that is real, salty, fragrant with basil and hard work. Then there are the festivities: the 'Madonna Bianca', which illuminates August with a captivating torchlight procession, the aromatic herbs that are the protagonists of 'Basilico e dintorni', the female theatrical celebrations, and the rare openings of the island of Tino, where nature prevails supreme. In Portovenere, perfection is not the goal. You walk, you listen, you observe. And you understand that some beauties simply cannot be explained.