Portovenere is a medieval fishing village situated in north Italy, just south of the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. This charming village is well worth the visit and can be reached from the Cinque Terre by boat or from La Spezia by boat or by bus from the train station. Portovenere, on the Gulf of Poets, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its picturesque harbor is lined with brightly colored houses while narrow medieval streets lined with shops lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle. Stroll around the old town and don't miss the small shop Bajeicò, a pesto shop selling delicious freshly made basil-based sauce and related products like fresh pasta. The tip of the promontory holds a picturesque church. Byron's Cave is a rocky area leading to the sea where the poet Byron used to swim. Ferries cruise along the coast each day, offering passengers a chance to have a view of one of the most evocative landscapes of the Mediterranean. It is possible to visit the three nearby islands by boat; Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. If you want to do some hiking in the Cinque Terre, take the ferry from Portovenere to Vernazza and hike from there to Monterosso, where you can catch the ferry back to Portovenere. There is also a trail to the Cinque Terre from Portovenere and the walk takes about 5 hours. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Located on the Italian Riviera, Riomaggiore, Italy is a charming village perched on a terraced hillside high above the Ligurian coast. Known for its colorful stone houses that seem stacked on top of one another, and its harbor filled with traditional fishing boats, Riomaggiore is part of the string of five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It's also one of the most sought-after travel destinations in all of Italy. The village was originally founded in the 8th century by Greek refugees anxious to take advantage of the naturally rich soil and plentiful sea life surrounding it. The Riomaggiore that we see today, however, actually dates back to the 13th century. It sits in a valley between two steep hills and was named for the stream, Rivus Major, that flows beneath it. Once under the rule of the Republic of Genoa, Riomaggiore relied heavily on producing wine and olive oil from the surrounding vineyards and orchards. Today its main industry is tourism, with more than two million visitors coming to the town each year. Riomaggiore is a wonderful place to enjoy fabulous vistas and slowing down to the pace of Italian village life. Stroll along the main street of the village that leads down to the sea, where a small marina framed by lovely pastel houses is filled with brightly hued fishing boats. It's the perfect spot to sit and breathe in the fresh sea air. #mynovgetaway #thanksgiving #mynovgetaway

Manarola is a very small town in Italy. It has less than 400 people. It is famous for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine. It is said to have more grape Vines than other villages its size. It is also right on the coast and has magestic views. #happynewyear #happynewyear