If you’re coming to Liguria to do the five lands, don’t forget that the region has other places to offer, a little less touristy but just as charming. If you like to take your time and live Italian-style, discover the islands of the Gulf of La Spezia between Portovenere, Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto by boat.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cinque Terre, you’re going to love it! We have written several articles about these villages:
- The complete Five Earths mini guide to successful travel
- Our Top 5 villages to discover all our favorite hotels, gourmet addresses and favorites.
But to discover the Cinque Terre in a different way, there’s of course the big boat, the most classic and touristy way to discover them. Just head for the port and follow the black mass of tourists. Boat departs from La Spezia or Portovenere for a tour of the islands, carrying hundreds of passengers for a day. It’s not the kind of visit I like and choose at first sight.
But there’s another, more authentic way to visit these islands in the Gulf of Poets, near Portovenere, Tramonti and its small islands. Sailing enthusiasts from Liguria have chosen to showcase the region’s maritime heritage once again. It was aboard this old sailing ship that we set sail, a typical wooden sailing ship from the Liguria region, recognizable by its square sail and sloping mast!
For this boat trip, I have 5 different options for you. The difference comes mainly from the boat, the type of cruise you choose and the price. You’ll find all the details just below, so be sure to read the article all the way through.
- Option 1 : from May to October. Take a cruise for a few hours and discover the islands for a unique experience. The captain will be delighted to talk to you about local maritime history, sailing, Ligurian cuisine and more. It conveys emotions to you as a guest on the boat, not just as a tourist. It’s a real moment of conviviality and sharing on board.
For other options 2, 3, 4 and 5, simply click on the links, check availability and book. For a full day, these boats can take you on a voyage of discovery. discover 5 terres villages. With the help of the zodiac (a semi-rigid boat), often located at the stern of the boat, you can disembark at the various ports. (depending on the boat). A great alternative to the hordes of tourists on the train or the big tourist boat, and a privileged view of Manarola, Riomaggiore and Vernazza.
- Option 2: depart on a small local Italian boat
- Option 3: Or take a sunset cruise.
- Option 4: Or take a cruise with aperitif and lunch.
- Option 5: Or take an all-day lunch cruise.
OPTION 1 | BOAT TRIP IN THE FIVE LANDS ON AN OLD SAILING BOAT (SEASON FROM MAY TO THE END OF OCTOBER)
On request, you can also enjoy lunch or dinner on the boat, with a menu featuring traditional recipes from the region. But sailing here is also a great way to discover the coast, as you enter the bays, have lunch in front of charming little villages, and enjoy a dip in the translucent waters of the Gulf. This is a day to relax and enjoy the Italian coast in a different way.
I offer several cruise packages. Whether you’re a couple, a family, a bachelor or bachelorette party or just friends, this boat can accommodate up to 10 people on board, including the captain. Prices vary according to cruise duration and number of people on board, but expect average prices from 120€/person for minimum price and free for children under – 6 years to experience an authentic, non-touristy cruise.
Reservations on this old boat are only possible from May to the end of October.. In the event of bad weather on land or at sea (too much wind, rough seas, heavy rain, etc.), if the trip cannot go ahead because the captain has decided so, it will be postponed or reimbursed in full. He can also suggest an alternative itinerary by boat, more sheltered from the winds. inside the Gulf of Poets, between Lerici and Portovenere, where the waters are very calm.
Please note that sailing trip is always done in small groups with a minimum of 4 people to guarantee the trip and a maximum of 10 people on board. But it’s also possible to privatize the boat so that it’s just you. Prices on request depending on the number of people you are. The boat departs either from the port of La Spezia or from Portovenere.
I act as a link and translator between you and the captain for Option 1 cruises only. For any booking request, please send me an email with the number of people, the children’s ages if any, the date and the type of cruise chosen to contact@mademoiselle-voyage.fr
To confirm the booking, I will need the first and last names of each person + telephone number + details of any food intolerances. A deposit of 20% will be requested at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid in cash or credit card to the captain on the day of the excursion.
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The 3 to 4 hour cruise
Minimum 4 people on board the sailboat to ensure a non-privatized day (other clients may be on board). One of three Itineraries to choose from:
– La Spezia, Portovenere, Islands, La Spezia.
– La Spezia, Portovenere, Tramonti, La Spezia.
– La Spezia, Lerici, Tellaro, La Spezia.
The price includes skipper, insurance and fuel. No drinks included in the price
→ 121€/p , minimum 4 people on board, so group open to other customers.
Possible departures for this cruise:
- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 1 to 4 p.m.
- 6 to 8 p.m.
If you wish to stop off at one of the villages in the Cinque Terre region, add €121 to the total. I have to check every time if other people are registered on this outing.
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6-hour cruise (without lunch)
Minimum 4 people on board the sailboat to ensure a non-privatized day (other clients may be on board). One of two Itineraries to choose from:
– La Spezia, Palmaria, Portovenere, Tramonti, Cinque Terre, La Spezia.
– La Spezia, Lerici, Tellaro, Portovenere, Archipelago Islands, La Spezia.
The price includes the skipper, insurance, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the coves and fuel.
→ 154€/p if you are 4 people on board, that is 616€.
→ If you are only 2 people on board, want a private tour and hire the boat for 6 hours, the minimum price is €616.
Departure from La Spezia at 10 a.m., return around 4 p.m.
No stops in the villages of the Cinq Terre and I have to check each time if other people are registered for this outing.
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6-hour cruise (lunch and tasting of local products)
Minimum 4 people on board the sailboat to ensure a non-privatized day (other clients may be on board). One of two Itineraries to choose from:
– La Spezia, Palmaria, Portovenere, Tramonti, Cinque Terre, La Spezia.
– La Spezia, Lerici, Tellaro, Portovenere, Archipelago Islands, La Spezia.
The price includes the skipper, insurance, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the coves and fuel.
Departure from La Spezia at 10 a.m., return around 4 p.m.
→ 187€/p if you are 4 people on board: 748€ . I’ll have to check whether other people are registered for this outing.
→ If you are only 2 people on board, want a private tour and hire the boat for 6 hours, the minimum price is €748.
Sailing along a long, rugged coastline, from hidden bays and crystal-clear waters, with small wine villages, you arrive in Cinque Terre, with its suggestive hamlets and vineyards planted on steep slopes and its emerald sea. During the outing, other swimming points are planned.
The lunch menu is decided by the chef on the basis of the produce available each day and just before your planned outing. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, let me know in your request and the captain will adapt.
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3-hour sunset aperitif cruise
Minimum 4 people on board the sailboat to ensure a non-privatized day (other clients may be on board). One of two Itineraries to choose from:
– La Spezia, Portovenere, Palmaria, La Spezia.
– La Spezia, Portovenere, (Via Dell’Amore), La Spezia.
Departure from La Spezia at 7 p.m., return around 10 p.m.
Rate includes skipper, insurance, aperitif and fuel
→ 121€/p if there are 4 people on board, or 484€.
→ If you are only 2 people on board, want a private tour and hire the boat for 3 hours, the minimum price is €484.
For the sunset aperitif cruise, the captain plans small tastings of first courses, starters and main courses, depending on one’s imagination for example a vegetable tart, skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, stuffed focaccia and Aperolspriz. Local products according to seasonality and availability.
If you wish to stop off at one of the villages in the Cinque Terre region, add €121 to the total. I have to check every time if other people are registered on this outing.
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4-hour dinner cruise with local produce
Minimum 2 persons aboard the sailboat for a romantic cruise for two or dinner with family and friends. Dinner is prepared on board by the captain, who owns a very good restaurant in the center of La Spezia. You’ll be able to taste local and organic products. This candlelit dinner, at anchor with a view of the coast, promises to be a beautiful evening.
Possibility of privatizing the boat, otherwise reduced price for 3 people or more.
– La Spezia, Portovenere, Palmaria, La Spezia.
Departure from La Spezia at 7 p.m., return around 11 p.m.
Rate includes skipper, insurance, dinner and fuel
- 1 person : 143€/p
- 2 people : 193€/p or €385
If you wish to stop off at one of the villages in the Cinque Terre region, add €121 to the total. I have to check every time if other people are registered on this outing.
OPTION 2 | A TRIP AROUND THE FIVE LANDS ON A SMALL LOCAL ITALIAN BOAT
During our stay in the 5 lands, we loved discovering the villages of the 5 lands by boat. The view is totally different, and the relief and authenticity of these small villages are clearly visible. What’s more, swimming in the turquoise waters is a big plus. We recommend it with our eyes closed. Places go fast, so book early.
The small local boat which only accepts 8 to 10 people maximum. Seasonal activity: June 1 to September 30. Valid every day (except in exceptional cases). A bord of this little boat, you’ll see the villages of Golfo Della Spezia, Portovenere, Palmaria Island, Le Rosse, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
➡️ Check local boat availability and book now
OPTION 3 | SAILING CRUISE WITH LUNCH IN THE FIVE LANDS
This time, I propose another day on a sailboat to spend a whole day (around 7 hours) sailing along the Italian coast, visiting the five seaside resorts and discovering the history of the region with your skipper. Participants are limited to 10 on this small-group tour, and swimming stops are available. Cruise departing from La Spezia.
➡️ Check the availability of this lunch cruise and book now
OPTION 4 | THE VARIOUS CRUISES AVAILABLE IN THE FIVE LANDS
Below you’ll find a selection of cruises to discover in the five lands. There’s something for every taste and budget. There are also differentpossible departures from Portovenere, Levanto and La Spezia, It’s up to you to decide what suits you best. Click on one of the suggested excursions to check dates and availability. and book in advance.
Pour terminer en beauté cette journée ensoleillée, je vous conseille de dîner au restaurant la Taverne de Zigoela à la Spezia. Cet italien est fier de sa cuisine, de son poisson frais et de son pesto fait maison. Une très bonne adresse pour les amateurs de bonne bouffe comme nous! Nous avons testé les pâtes aux fruits de mer et au pesto pour une dizaine d’euros ainsi que la daurade grillé accompagné d’un vin blanc sec ligurien: le Pigato. Quelques fraises à la crème en dessert et vous serez conquis! Les prix sont très raisonnables pour cette adresse (64€ à deux vin compris). (La Zigoela Via Sapri,32 La Spezia).
Vous pouvez aussi tester Il Giglio, une épicerie pour ramener de la très bonne charcuterie, du vin, de l’huile d’olive, du vinaigre balsamique et différents fromages. (215, Corso Cavour)
Avant de partir, je vous invite également à lire tous nos autres articles sur les Cinq Terre :
- Le mini guide complet des Cinq Terre pour réussir votre voyage
- Notre Top 5 des villages pour découvrir toutes nos hôtels préférés, nos adresses gourmandes et nos coups de cœur
N’oubliez pas d’épingler l’article sur Pinterest pour le retrouver plus facilement 🖤
