Guided Boat Tour La Spezia – Portovenere, Lerici & Islands5.0(118 Reviews)3 hours
From€459.00per person
Listing ID : 57846
5.0(118 Reviews)
Guided Boat Tour La Spezia – Portovenere, Lerici & Islands
3hDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
English, ItalianSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration3 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtLa Spezia, Liguria, Italy
LanguagesEnglish, Italian
Gulf of Poets Boat Tour
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
1
Departure from La Spezia and Fezzano
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.
2
Coastal Navigation and Mussel Farms
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.
3
Portovenere and Byron's Grotto
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.
4
Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Islands
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.
5
Tellaro and Hidden Coves
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.
6
Lerici and Return
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
Weather and sea conditions in the Gulf of Poets can change. Your skipper will update you in the days before departure and may adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort for all guests on board.
Duration
3 hours on the water. The pace is relaxed, with multiple stops for swimming and photography.
Meeting Point
La Spezia port area. Exact embarkation details are confirmed after booking.
What to Bring
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light layer for the sea breeze. Non-slip footwear is recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation due to adverse weather is possible. Your skipper will notify you in advance so you can make an informed decision about your booking.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy. Boarding requires some mobility. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome. Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety of minors on board.
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.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?▼
Your skipper will contact you in the days before departure with an update on weather and sea conditions. If conditions prevent the planned itinerary, the route may be adjusted to sheltered areas of equal beauty, or you may choose to cancel your booking.
Can we swim during the tour?▼
Yes. Swimming stops are planned at selected coves and near the islands, including a stop at the crystal-clear waters around Tinetto. The skipper selects the best spots based on conditions on the day.
Is food and drink included in the tour?▼
Yes. Local food, wine, and soft drinks are included and served on board during the tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?▼
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages including children. Parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision and safety of minors throughout the experience.
Does the boat stop at Portovenere or only pass by?▼
The boat navigates close to Portovenere and stops nearby, allowing guests to photograph the waterfront, the Church of San Pietro, and Byron's Grotto from the water. The tour does not include a land excursion into the village.
Where does the tour start and end?▼
The tour departs from and returns to La Spezia. The exact meeting point is confirmed after booking. The tour does not include hotel transfers.
Gulf of PoetsLa SpeziaPortovenereLericiTellaroPalmaria IslandBoat Tour ItalyLiguria CoastSea ExcursionSwimming in ItalyCinque Terre AreaItalian Riviera
This tour operates in the Gulf of Poets (Golfo dei Poeti), a protected coastal bay on the Ligurian Sea in the province of La Spezia, northwestern Italy. The route covers key maritime landmarks including the village of Portovenere (a UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone), the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto archipelago, the medieval coastal village of Lerici, and the cliff-top hamlet of Tellaro. The area borders the Cinque Terre National Park to the north and is part of the wider Italian Riviera destination region. La Spezia serves as the main gateway city and transport hub for this part of Liguria.
Region: Liguria, Italy | Province: La Spezia | Destination Type: Coastal / Maritime | Activity Category: Boat Tour, Sea Excursion, Swimming | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 3 Hours | Nearby Landmarks: Portovenere, Palmaria Island, Tellaro, Lerici, Cinque Terre | Tour Style: Small Group, Local Guide, Nature & Culture
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
