La Spezia: Portovenere, Lerici, and Tellaro — a detailed review
Exploring Italy’s Ligurian coast often means discovering charming villages, stunning coastlines, and a splash of history—all best experienced from the water. This particular boat tour offers a chance to glide across the Gulf of Poets, stopping at three of the region’s most picturesque spots: Portovenere, Tellaro, and Lerici. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the detailed itineraries, reviews, and the general charm of the area make it clear this experience is a hit among travelers seeking authentic, scenic, and relaxing moments by sea.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning views of castles and colorful villages from the deck, second, the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear Ligurian waters, and third, the small group setting that promises personalized attention. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a gentle day out that mixes sightseeing with leisure. The only caveat might be the length of the tour—at four hours, it’s a short, sweet escape, but some guests have found it a bit rushed if they want more time in each village. This tour is ideal for travelers who love scenic boat rides, picturesque villages, and a relaxed, intimate environment.
Good To Know
- Scenic coastal journey across the Gulf of Poets
- Visit three authentic villages: Portovenere, Tellaro, and Lerici
- Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, with snorkeling gear provided
- Small group experience limited to 7 participants for personalized service
- Includes commentary by guides in Italian, English, and Spanish
- Cost-effective at around $113 per person considering the stops, views, and activities
An in-depth look at this Ligurian boat tour
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Lerici.
The booking and what to expect
Starting at Porto Mirabello in La Spezia, the tour is designed for a small group, capped at seven people. This ensures a more intimate experience and the chance for the guide to answer questions and offer tailored insights. The tour lasts approximately four hours, which is enough time to see several highlights without feeling rushed.
You’ll need to arrive about 15 minutes early, and the guide, identifiable by a white shirt, will help you get settled. Price-wise, at $113.29 per person, the experience offers good value given the inclusion of snorkeling gear, the skipper’s expertise, and fuel.
What’s included and what’s not
The tour includes a snorkeling kit, meaning you can enjoy some time exploring underwater life, and the skipper will navigate the boat, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Fuel costs are also covered, which is great since it keeps the overall cost transparent.
However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to organize your transportation to and from Porto Mirabello. This is common for boat tours, but worth noting if you’re staying outside La Spezia.
The itinerary breakdown
The tour kicks off at Porto Mirabello, giving you a scenic start as you board a comfortable boat. The first leg takes around 40 minutes as you cruise across the Gulf of Poets, giving you your first panoramic views and the chance to settle into the boat’s relaxing ambiance.
Next, you arrive in Portovenere, a UNESCO-listed village perched on a rocky promontory. Here, you’ll stop for a photo session and some free time, with scenic viewpoints along the way. You might find, as some guests have, that the Saint Peter Church, built directly on a cliff overlooking the sea, creates one of the most memorable photo ops.
After exploring Portovenere, the boat takes another 30-minute trip toward Tellaro, often called the “octopus” village—famous for its colorful houses and quaint harbor. Reviewers have noted that this village is considered the most beautiful of Liguria, and the views from the boat make it even more enchanting.
Midway through, you’ll pass through a bay reminiscent of Phi Phi Islands, often described as an “Italian Thailand,” thanks to its clear waters and commanding cliffs. This is a perfect spot for a quick photo or just to soak in the scenery.
One of the tour’s highlights is a swim stop under the castle of Lerici. Guests love the chance to jump into the water in such a stunning setting — some mentioned it’s a highlight, especially with the opportunity to snorkel. The provided gear allows you to explore the underwater world in the calm, crystalline Ligurian Sea.
Following the swim, the boat heads toward Lerici, known for its medieval castle and vibrant town. Guests have about 40 minutes here for a self-guided stroll or just soaking in the views from the boat. The castle, visible from the sea, is a quintessential Ligurian fortress that adds a splash of history and drama to the landscape.
The final scenic stops include San Terenzo, a quiet village with beautiful views and charming streets. The last 40-minute cruise back to Porto Mirabello completes the experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAuthentic experiences and insights from reviews
A reviewer praised the “capable captains” and the well-explained history of the towns, making the journey both relaxing and educational. The hosts, Lorenzo and Thomas, were described as “wonderful”, adding a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.
One traveler who enjoyed the trip emphasized the relaxing pace and the opportunity to swim and snorkel—they recommended bringing your own mask and snorkel, as the provided gear was limited. The scenic views and the calm, clear waters made the swim a true highlight.
The charm of the villages
Portovenere is a must-see with its colorful houses and the church built on the cliff, offering postcard-perfect views. Its narrow streets and historic charm make it an ideal quick stop for photos and wandering.
Tellaro feels more like a secret hideaway, with fewer travelers and a more authentic, peaceful vibe. Its reputation as the most beautiful Ligurian village is well-deserved, with its fishing port and pastel-colored houses.
Lerici offers a lively yet historic atmosphere, with its castle providing panoramic views over the Gulf of La Spezia. It’s perfect for a relaxed stroll and enjoying local cafes.
The value of this tour
At just over $113, this tour provides a comprehensive taste of Liguria’s coastline, combining scenic cruising, cultural sights, and leisure activities. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and customized attention.
While the tour does not include hotel transfers, its price reflects the value of expert guiding, snorkeling gear, and the chance to see multiple villages in a single morning or afternoon. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of photo opportunities and a splash of seaside adventure.
Who should consider this tour?
This experience suits those who enjoy coastal scenery, small-group intimacy, and cultural sights, with a preference for relaxing boat rides and swim stops. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a curated taste of Liguria’s jewels without the hassle of organizing multiple transport or tours.
It’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or non-swimmers, given the boat rides and swim stops, but for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing and leisure on Italy’s beautiful coast, this offers an authentic, enjoyable option.
Final thoughts: Is this tour worth it?
If you’re after a relaxing day exploring Liguria’s coastal villages by boat, this tour delivers on scenery, comfort, and genuine local charm. The chance to snap photos of castles and colorful houses from the water, combined with swim breaks in crystal-clear seas, makes it a memorable outing.
For travelers who value small groups, knowledgeable guides, and authentic villages, this trip hits the mark. The only potential drawback is the limited time at each stop—if you’re looking for hours in each village, this might feel a bit rushed, but it’s perfect for a scenic overview.
This tour offers a balanced mix of culture, relaxation, and stunning views—a fantastic way to experience Liguria’s coast without the stress of driving or hopping between multiple tours.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly stated, children who enjoy boat rides and swimming are likely to enjoy it. However, young kids should be comfortable on a boat and able to swim or enjoy the water.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
The tour provides a snorkeling kit, but reviewers recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel for better comfort and fit.
What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal items you might need for comfort during the stops or while swimming.
Is hotel pickup available?
No, transportation to the meeting point at Porto Mirabello is not included, so plan to arrive on your own.
How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, ensuring a small-group experience that feels personal and relaxed.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.
To sum it up, this boat tour from La Spezia offers a stylish yet laid-back way to explore Liguria’s most iconic villages. Its combination of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and opportunities for swimming makes it an appealing choice for those seeking an authentic taste of the Italian Riviera. With knowledgeable guides, small-group intimacy, and picturesque stops, it’s a memorable outing—worthy of your travel plans if you’re looking to combine relaxation with striking views.
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