Boat Tour La Spezia – Portovenere – Lerici – Tellaro – Islands

Discover the Exclusive La Spezia Boat Tour to Portovenere, Lerici, and the Islands

The Boat Tour in La Spezia offers an intimate way to explore Italy’s breathtaking coastline along the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. For $117.40 per person, this 3-hour private excursion delivers a personalized journey through some of the most picturesque seaside villages, islands, and natural attractions. With a rating of 5.0 based on 25 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, this tour stands out as a favorite for travelers seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive coastal experience.

Led by expert guides like Andrea, the tour is praised for its friendly service, scenic stops, and the ability to customize the journey for your group. This experience suits those who want to combine sightseeing with comfort, enjoying the sea, delicious food, and stunning views in a private setting. While the tour is relatively short, it packs in a rich variety of highlights, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip to La Spezia.

Key Points

• Private 3-hour boat tour exploring La Spezia’s coastline and islands
• Visits to Portovenere, Lerici, Tellaro, and the Palmaria and Tinetto Islands
• Expert guides like Andrea ensure a friendly, informative experience
• Stops include scenic villages, hidden beaches, caves, and historic landmarks
• Includes free cancellation, mobile tickets, and group discounts
• Ideal for travelers looking for a personalized, scenic boat adventure in Italy

Starting Point: La Spezia’s Port for a Personalized Coastal Journey

This private boat tour departs from La Spezia, a vibrant port city in Italy’s Liguria region. The tour is designed to provide a customized experience that showcases the most charming coastal villages and islands in the Gulf of Poets. The service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient to reach the meeting point.

The group size is limited to your private booking, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention from the guide. The mobile ticket feature offers flexibility, allowing guests to confirm their reservation instantly and with ease. The cost of $117.40 per person covers all stops, with additional group discounts available for larger parties.

Exploring Lerici from the Sea and its Colorful Marina

The first stop during this 3-hour cruise is the picturesque Lerici. From the water, you get a stunning view of the marina filled with sailing boats and colorful houses that create a lively, inviting scene. The Lerici Castle dominates the skyline, offering a dramatic backdrop for photos. This stop lasts about 15 minutes, with no admission fee, offering a perfect chance to take in the views and snap some pictures.

The highlight is observing the charming coastal town from the sea, which provides a different perspective compared to land-based views. The fascinating landscape makes Lerici an essential part of this coastal exploration.

Hidden Beaches and Natural Beauty at Caletta di Lerici

Next, the tour continues along the coast to the Caletta di Lerici, a hidden gem featuring small beaches tucked among rocks. This 15-minute stop is perfect for soaking in the natural surroundings and appreciating the breathtaking scenery. The admission ticket for this stop is included, and the location offers a quiet moment to relax or take photos of the crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline.

Travelers value this stop for its natural serenity and the chance to see Italy’s coast from an angle few get to experience on land.

Tellaro: One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages

The charming village of Tellaro is the next highlight, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. From the sea, the perched houses on the cliffs create a postcard-perfect scene. The 15-minute stop allows plenty of time to admire the crystal-clear sea and the village’s quaint streets. No admission fee applies here, making it a great spot for photos and a quick walk along the shoreline.

This stop emphasizes the picturesque character of Liguria’s seaside villages, giving visitors a sense of the authentic coastal charm that defines this region.

Portovenere: A Romantic Seaside Town and Its Legendary Sites

The main focus of the tour is Portovenere, a stunning town often called a pearl of the sea. The guide leads you through the internal landscapes of the gulf, passing by village homes and the famous Gulf dam, home to nurseries and oyster farms. The 30-minute visit includes viewing the church of San Pietro, which overlooks the open sea, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

From the boat, you can appreciate the romantic ambiance of Portovenere, with its colorful buildings and historic charm. The guide ensures guests experience the most photogenic spots while providing interesting commentary about the area’s history and culture.

Discovering Byron’s Cave and Local Legends

Just behind the church of San Pietro, the Byron Cave is a fascinating stop. Named after Lord Byron, who is said to have sought inspiration here, the 15-minute visit to this famous cave adds a touch of literary history to the tour. The fascination lies in the legend that Byron often visited to gather inspiration for his poetry, a story that enhances the mystique of this coastal spot.

Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see a place infused with legend, adding a layer of cultural richness to the scenic cruise.

The Enchanting Islands: Palmaria and Tinetto

The Isola Palmaria is a highlight, offering beautiful coves with crystal-clear waters. The 15-minute stop here provides a chance to admire the natural beauty of the island, walk along the shoreline, or simply relax while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Nearby, the Isola del Tinetto is the smallest of the archipelago in front of Portovenere, but it’s a must-see for its dramatic sunsets and unique landscape. The 30-minute visit to Tinetto allows guests to appreciate the archipelago’s charm, with the included admission ticket giving access to its scenic vantage points. This is a favorite spot to unwind and soak in the stunning vistas.

Practical Details and Pacing of the Tour

This private boat tour is designed for flexibility and comfort. The 3-hour duration provides enough time to visit all the key spots without feeling rushed. The stops are well-paced, with most lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, giving ample opportunity for sightseeing, photos, and brief walks.

Guests should keep in mind that the tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled. Service animals are allowed, and the group discounts make it easier for larger parties to enjoy this experience together.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

What makes this boat tour special is its personalized approach. Unlike larger group excursions, this private experience ensures a more intimate and relaxed pace, with a knowledgeable guide—like Andrea—who makes the journey both informative and enjoyable. The small-group size allows for customization and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or take photos.

The delicious food and drinks are another highlight, with fresh pastries for breakfast, local focaccia breads, pizza, and drinks such as wine, beer, and water provided on board. The friendly and professional guides ensure a warm, inviting atmosphere that visitors consistently praise in reviews.

Final Thoughts on the La Spezia Boat Tour

This private 3-hour cruise offers a well-rounded experience of Italy’s most scenic coastal spots in the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. Its personalized nature, expert guidance, and stunning stops like Portovenere, Lerici, Tellaro, and the islands make it a strong choice for those wanting an authentic, relaxing day at sea.

While the tour provides ample opportunities for photos, relaxation, and cultural insight, its short duration means it’s best suited for travelers with limited time or those who prefer an intimate, tailored experience over a longer voyage. The excellent reviews and high recommendation rate reflect its value, especially given the friendly guides and beautiful scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families with children.

How flexible is the itinerary?
As a private tour, the itinerary can be somewhat customized. The stops are fixed based on the schedule, but guides like Andrea aim to make the experience engaging and accommodating.

What should I bring for the trip?
Guests should bring sun protection, camera, and comfortable clothing. Food and drinks are provided, but bringing extra snacks or beverages is optional.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. In case of bad weather, the tour is canceled and fully refunded or rescheduled at no cost.

How long in advance should I book?
Considering the popularity and reviews, it’s advisable to book at least a few days ahead, especially during peak season or last-minute plans.

Is parking or public transportation accessible at the departure point?
Yes, the departure point is near public transportation options, making it accessible for most travelers staying in La Spezia.