Portovenere Anchorage

Also known as Rada del Terrizzo, this anchorage sits at the southwestern end of the Gulf of La Spezia in 3–8m over a sand bottom — solid holding with reasonable protection. Drop the hook here and you're right in front of one of Liguria's most dramatic medieval villages, with the striped Church of San Pietro perched on the headland and the Doria Castle looming above the colourful waterfront. The whole scene has an almost cinematic quality, especially at sunset when the pastel-coloured houses reflect off the water. Note that the area falls within an Authorized Marine Protected Area (AMP), so check current regulations before anchoring.