The Italian Riviera's most famous stretch—Cinque Terre—has become a victim of its own success. But travelers are rediscovering two nearby coastal towns that deliver the same colorful clifftop magic without the overwhelming crowds.
The Overtourism Problem
Cinque Terre's five villages have faced increasing pressure as Instagram fame drove visitor numbers beyond sustainable levels. Local authorities have implemented visitor caps and reservation systems for hiking trails, but the summer experience remains characterized by packed trains, crowded photo spots, and inflated prices.
Recent travelers report that nearby Portovenere and Tellaro offer a more relaxed alternative while maintaining the essential appeal: colorful houses cascading down to the sea, authentic local life, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Portovenere: The Historic Alternative
Portovenere sits at the southern end of the gulf that stretches north from Cinque Terre. The town features:
UNESCO World Heritage status (like Cinque Terre, it's protected)
The Church of St. Peter, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea
Colorful facades lining the waterfront, creating the classic Ligurian aesthetic
Byron's Grotto, named for the poet Lord Byron who swam from here to visit Shelley in San Terenzo
Ferry connections to , , and nearby islands
