Casa Piccolo is a cute little house by the sea, located in the charming village of Portovenere. This independent house, with its outdoor private garden, is the perfect location for relaxing by the sea. To go for a swim all you have to do is walk down a flight of stairs, cross the street, and dip your toes into the water. The views of the Poet's Gulf, the Palmaria Island, and all of the villages across the bay are absolutely breathtaking. This location has it all! The landing/dock for day boat trips to the Cinque Terre, Portofino, La Spezia, Lerici, etc. is less than 300 meters on foot. Shopping, restaurants, and the medieval burg are just as close. Parking is either along the road above the house (free) or at a garage below the casa (pay parking). Parking is available for 125 euro/week. Parking is on first come first served basis.

Casa Piccolo is accessed via a private gate and lovely garden area, which is shaded by olive trees. The garden area offers a table with chairs for dining outdoors, and a bench and sitting area for gazing out at the sea. Upon entering the casa, you find yourself in a bright living area that has two couches, a dining table, and large windows fronting a spectacular sea view. There are two, simply decorated, bedrooms; the master bedroom has a double bed and the other room has a single bed with another pull out trundle style bed. There is a shared bathroom with a shower. The kitchen is well equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, stove, etc. Adjacent to the kitchen there is another outdoor covered area, offering a shower for rinsing after your time at the beach, a washing area, and another dining table with chairs.
 

Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portovenere's harbor is lined with brightly colored houses and narrow medieval streets lead up the hill to a castle. The main street of Portovenere, lined with shops, is entered through Portovenere's ancient city gate. There is a picturesque church on the promontory, once the site of a temple to Venus (Venere in Italian) from which Portovenere gets its name. Nearby is Byron's Cave in a rocky area leading to the sea where the poet Byron used to swim.

The Andria Doria Castle, built by the Genoese between the 12th and 17th centuries, dominates Portovenere. There are several surviving towers on the hill as well. It's a beautiful walk up to the castle and the hill offers great views of San Pietro Church and the sea.

Portovenere has three interesting islands just across the strait. The islands were once colonized by Benedictine monks and are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Excursion boats from Portovenere circle take trips around the three islands.
Palmaria is the largest island and has nice beaches. It is accessible by ferry or boat taxi from Portovenere and the ferry from La Spezia stops here, too. The highlight of the island is the Blue Grotto, accessible only from the sea. Another interesting cave, Grotta dei Colombi, can be reached by a difficult hiking path. Finds from the Mesolithic period were made here.
Tino is now a military zone is open to visitors on September 13 for the feast day of Saint Venerio. Tino holds the remains of the 11th century abbey of San Venerio.