La Spezia and Portovenere Golfo dei Poeti Daily tour Shared

A Detailed Look at the La Spezia and Portovenere Golfo dei Poeti Daily Tour

If you’re craving a scenic, relaxing day exploring Italy’s stunning Gulf of Poets, this shared boat tour offers a fantastic way to do just that. With a carefully curated itinerary featuring charming villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and inviting islands, it promises a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm—plus some memorable swimming spots. We particularly love how the tour balances sightseeing with leisure, all aboard a beautifully renovated historic vessel.

That said, it’s important to note that the group size is limited to just six travelers, which keeps things intimate but requires timely booking. Also, while the tour provides many breathtaking views, it’s essential to consider weather conditions, as the experience hinges on good weather to fully enjoy the outdoor elements. This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, authentic day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos, swim, and soak up local charm.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size enhances comfort and flexibility.
• Beautiful Scenery: Includes iconic sites like San Terenzo, Lerici, Tellaro, and Portovenere.
• Island Highlights: Circumnavigation of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto with swimming stops.
• Historic Vessel: A fully refitted 2023 Gozzo Bani combining tradition and modern comfort.
• Inclusion of Aperitivo: Adds a genuine touch of local Italian culture.
• Weather Dependency: Good weather is crucial for the full outdoor experience.

The Vessel and Its Comforts

The boat used for this tour is a 7.50-meter Gozzo Bani, a beautiful historic vessel that was refitted extensively in 2024. Its classic design offers a sense of authentic Italian maritime tradition, but with thoughtful modern touches. The boat can comfortably seat up to 7 guests, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate, less crowded experience.

Guests will appreciate the large sundeck that runs along the entire length of the boat, perfect for sunbathing or simply taking in the views. An expansive awning provides shade when needed, ensuring comfort during the midday heat. Safety gear is also state-of-the-art, which is reassuring when venturing on open water. The boat’s maximum speed of 10 knots isn’t brisk, but that’s perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour unfolds over roughly six hours, with each stop offering a different flavor of Italy’s coast and islands. The schedule is flexible enough to include swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing onboard.

Stop 1: Golfo dei Poeti La Spezia (2 hours)

The journey begins in La Spezia, often called the Gulf of Poets due to its long history of attracting writers and artists, from Dante to Byron, Percy Shelley, and more. The guide will point out key sights such as San Terenzo, Lerici with its formidable castle, and the characteristic villages of Fiascherino and Tellaro.

What makes this segment special? The views of the coast’s colorful houses, green hills, and historic castles. Travelers often comment on how the scenery looks like a postcard, with some reviews highlighting the poetic inspiration that the area has historically offered to creatives. Expect about two hours of cruising, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a general feeling of being in a timeless seaside setting.

Stop 2: The Islands and Porto Venere (2 hours)

Next, the boat will circumnavigate the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto islands—the highlights of the tour. Palmaria, in particular, is known for its pristine nature, clear waters, and ideal swimming spots. The boat stops for swims here, allowing guests to cool off in unspoiled waters, a favorite among past travelers.

Portovenere’s dramatic coastline comes into view as the boat passes through its channel. This UNESCO World Heritage site features colorful houses, steep cliffs, and the Byron Cave, adding a touch of literary history to the landscape. The trip through the channel provides panoramic views that are difficult to beat, and the commentary from guides often includes stories about the area’s artistic and romantic allure.

Stop 3: Lerici

A short cruise will bring you to Lerici, a classic Italian sailor village with a medieval castle overlooking the sea. It’s a beloved spot for its sandy beaches and picturesque streets. Many reviewers mention how relaxing it is to stroll along the waterfront or enjoy a drink in one of the local cafes.

Lerici’s charm is in its balance of history and leisure. You’ll have about 40 minutes here, which is enough to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, or dip your toes in the water. The walk along the coast from Lerici to San Terenzo is also a popular option for those wanting a scenic land-based highlight.

Stop 4: Portovenere

The tour returns to Portovenere, offering a chance to explore this enchanting seaside village more closely. Visitors often find this part of the trip particularly special, as it’s one of Italy’s most scenic and well-preserved spots. The views of the cliffs, boats, and colorful buildings are postcard-perfect, and many reviews highlight its romantic appeal.

Guests can enjoy about 40 minutes exploring the narrow streets, taking photos of the ancient churches, or simply relaxing in the lively atmosphere of this UNESCO site.

Stop 5: Tellaro

Finally, the boat heads to Tellaro, a tiny village that many travelers consider one of Italy’s most beautiful. Its charm lies in its small, winding streets, vibrant houses, and peaceful vibe. It’s a favorite for artists and romantics alike, who appreciate the village’s timeless feel.

Guests often mention how this stop feels like stepping into a living postcard—perfect for wandering, snapping photos, or enjoying some downtime before heading back. The review from Elisa highlights how much she loved the experience, emphasizing the activity’s relaxing and beautiful nature.

The Swimming and Leisure Aspect

One of the tour’s biggest perks is the opportunity to swim in the clear waters of the islands. The circumnavigation of Palmaria and other islands includes stops for swimming, which past travelers find especially enjoyable. The unpolluted, azure waters are perfect for a quick dip, and the boat’s stability and safety gear make it a comfortable experience.

Expect the swimming to be flexible depending on weather and group preferences. The guide often encourages guests to take their time, and you’ll have several chances to cool off if desired. The turquoise waters along the coast are perfect for dipping in after a morning of sightseeing.

The Cultural Touch: Aperitivo Included

No Italian experience is complete without a bit of local flavor, and this tour includes an Aperitivo, which adds a relaxed, cultural touch. Sipping a glass of wine or a spritz while taking in the spectacular views offers a genuine taste of Italy’s leisurely lifestyle.

Guests frequently appreciate this inclusion, noting that it makes the experience feel more authentic and celebratory, especially after a morning of exploring and swimming.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• The tour departs from Angel’s beach in La Spezia at 10:00 am, making it easy to plan your morning.
• The price of $255.52 per person provides a fair value considering the inclusions—boat, guide, swimming stops, and aperitivo.
• Small group size (max 6 guests) ensures personalized attention, plus a more intimate atmosphere.
• The vessel’s refitting in 2024 enhances comfort, safety, and overall experience.
• The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather could lead to rescheduling or refund, but sunny days promise a truly memorable outing.
• The itinerary is flexible enough that your experience is more about what weather and group preferences allow rather than a rigid schedule.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One enthusiastic review by Elisa highlights the overall positive impression: “Nos ha encantado. Andrea ha sido muy amable y accesible. La actividad ha sido muy bonita. Con baños en el mar, recorrido por las islas y pequeña visita a Porto venere.” Her words underscore the warmth of the guide and the well-rounded nature of the trip.

Another point worth noting from reviews is the value of the stunning views—from the coastlines, the islands, to the villages, every snapshot is postcard-worthy. Travelers consistently mention how the scenery alone is worth the price.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a laid-back day filled with scenic beauty and cultural charm. It suits those who appreciate authentic coastal villages, nature and swimming, combined with a taste of local life through the included aperitivo. If you are after a relaxing, visually stunning journey without too much walking or strenuous activity, this tour will hit the mark.

Final Thoughts

This La Spezia and Portovenere boat tour offers a balanced, authentic taste of Italy’s Gulf of Poets. The small-group size and vintage vessel add a personal touch that larger, more commercial excursions often lack. The stops at charismatic villages, legendary islands, and the UNESCO site of Portovenere make it a comprehensive introduction to this beautiful stretch of coast.

The inclusion of swimming, a relaxed pace, and a local aperitivo makes it a well-rounded experience that combines sightseeing with leisure. While weather plays a vital role in the overall enjoyment, on a sunny day, this tour could easily become one of your most memorable Italian adventures.

If you’re after a laid-back but picturesque day on the water, with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and soaking up local charm, this experience is worth considering. It’s a charming, intimate way to see some of Italy’s most scenic coastal spots without the hassle of full-day land tours.

FAQ

What is the starting point of the tour?
It begins at Angel’s beach in La Spezia at 10:00 am, making it easy to incorporate into your morning plans.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs approximately 6 hours, including stops for sightseeing and swimming.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the boat, guide, swimming stops, and an included Aperitivo. It provides a relaxed, all-in-one coastal experience.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate atmosphere.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes. The vessel was completely refitted in 2024, featuring a large sundeck, shade awning, and modern safety equipment.

Can I swim during the trip?
Absolutely. Swimming is a key part of the tour, especially around the islands like Palmaria, with clear, inviting waters.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Who would this tour suit best?
It’s ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty, tranquility, and a taste of Italian coastal life, particularly those who enjoy relaxed, small-group outings.

To sum it up, this boat tour blends stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and leisure perfectly. It’s a wonderful choice for those wanting to experience Italy’s coast in an authentic and relaxed way, with enough flexibility to enjoy swimming, sightseeing, and a taste of local life.