La Spezia: 3-Hour Boat Tour to Portovenere, Lerici and the Islands
Sail the legendary Gulf of Poets along Liguria's most captivating coastline
This La Spezia boat tour takes you on a three-hour journey through the Gulf of Poets, revealing colorful fishing villages, dramatic sea cliffs, and crystal-clear swimming spots that few visitors ever experience from the water.
Your local skipper — born and raised in this stretch of Liguria — navigates the coast with the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from a lifetime on these waters. The pace is relaxed and flexible, allowing for swimming stops, photography, and quiet moments of appreciation.
Local food, wine, and soft drinks are served on board, and a curated musical backdrop completes the atmosphere. Weather conditions may occasionally require itinerary adjustments, and your captain will always prioritize safety while ensuring the experience remains memorable.
Tour Highlights
Swim in sheltered coves with clear turquoise water along the Gulf of Poets coastline.
Admire the pastel-colored houses and medieval character of Portovenere from the sea.
Photograph the iconic Church of San Pietro perched at the tip of the Portovenere headland.
Circumnavigate the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto islands, each with its own distinct character.
Discover Tellaro, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, as seen from the open sea.
Enjoy local food, wine, and beverages served on board throughout the tour.
Travel with an experienced local skipper who adapts the route to your group's needs and conditions.
Itinerary
The tour begins from La Spezia and heads toward Fezzano, a lesser-known but picturesque village inside the gulf. This stop offers a glimpse of authentic local life away from the more famous tourist destinations.
The boat continues along the coast, passing the outer breakwater that protects the inner harbor. In this area, you will see the characteristic mussel and oyster farming operations typical of La Spezia's waters.
Arriving at Portovenere, guests can admire the colorful seafront houses and the dramatic Church of San Pietro from the water. Just behind the church lies Byron's Grotto, a sea cave that inspired Lord Byron and other poets who visited this region.
The route circles the Palmaria Island, whose southern cliffs drop sharply into the sea, before continuing to the triangular Tino Island — administered by the Italian Navy and crowned by a lighthouse. Tiny Tinetto, barely more than a large rock, offers a final swimming stop in exceptionally clear water.
Tellaro, recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, appears dramatically from the sea, its buildings stacked on a cliff above the water. Beyond Tellaro, the coastline gives way to small hidden beaches tucked between the rocks in a setting of outstanding natural beauty.
The tour concludes with a scenic pass by Lerici, where the medieval castle overlooks a harbor filled with sailing boats and colorful houses. This final panorama provides a fitting close to the Gulf of Poets circuit before returning to the departure point.
What Is Included
Included
- 3-hour private boat tour with local skipper
- Local food and snacks on board
- Wine, soft drinks, and water
- Swimming stops at selected coves
- Flexible itinerary adapted to conditions and group preferences
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal travel insurance
- Snorkeling or diving equipment
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
Ready to Sail the Gulf of Poets?
Secure your place on this three-hour coastal journey and discover Portovenere, the islands, and Lerici from the water with a local skipper who knows every corner of this coastline.
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