La Spezia and Portovenere Golfo dei Poeti Daily tour Shared

Exploring the Gulf of Poets by Boat: An Honest Look at the La Spezia and Portovenere Tour

If you’re dreaming of discovering Italy’s lesser-known seaside gems, a day trip through the Gulf of Poets might be just the thing. While I haven’t personally taken this particular tour, I’ve looked into it thoroughly and heard from travelers who have. This shared boat experience offers a relaxed, scenic way to soak up some of Italy’s most stunning coastlines, charming villages, and peaceful islands.

What I love about this tour is how it balances iconic spots with genuine relaxation—from cruising past the “Red Rocks” and “Black Rocks” to jumping into the sea for a swim. Plus, the boat itself is a highlight; it’s a beautifully refitted historic vessel that promises both comfort and style. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this is a short, six-hour experience, so if you’re craving in-depth exploring or multiple full days, you’ll need to supplement with other plans.

This trip feels ideal for travelers who want a taste of Italy’s coast without the hassle of navigating solo or booking multiple excursions. It’s also well-suited for those who love being on the water and appreciate scenic viewpoints over crowded museums or busy city streets.

Key Points

• Comfortable, elegant boat with a large sundeck and shaded areas—perfect for relaxing as you cruise.
• Includes swimming stops for a refreshing break in clear, unpolluted waters.
• Visit iconic spots like Portovenere, Lerici, and Tellaro, plus circumnavigate islands such as Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.
• Knowledgeable guide and friendly crew enhance the experience.
• Affordable value considering the scenic stops, boat quality, and included aperitivo.
• Limited group size (max 7 passengers), offering a more intimate experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at La Spezia – The Gateway to the Gulf of Poets

The tour kicks off at the Angel’s Beach boat trip meeting point in La Spezia around 10:00 am. From here, the journey begins with a leisurely cruise through the Gulf of Poets, an area that’s been magnet for artists and writers for centuries. You’ll pass through the fishing villages of San Terenzo, Lerici, Fiascherino, and Tellaro.

We love the way this section sets the scene—these towns are postcard-perfect, with their colorful houses, ancient churches, and laid-back vibe. You might find that the views of Lerici Castle and the peaceful waterfront give you a true sense of Italy’s seaside charm. The entire area has earned the nickname “Gulf of Poets” because of the many creatives who have sought inspiration here, from Dante to Byron, Percy Shelley, and Mary Shelley.

Island Circuits and Swimming at Palmaria

The highlight for many is the circumnavigation of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto islands. The boat glides close enough for great photo ops, and in good weather, you’ll get the chance to stop for swimming in the clear waters—an ideal way to cool off and enjoy Italy’s natural beauty.

Palmaria, in particular, is a favorite because it’s unspoiled and inviting for a swim. The tour allows you to relax on the boat, take in the views, or lean over the side for a splash in the sea. If you’re into a bit of exploration, the islands offer pathways and viewpoints, though the focus here is on the scenic cruise and leisure rather than hiking.

Portovenere and the UNESCO Heritage Charm

Next, the boat enters the Portovenere channel, with sights like the San Pietro Church perched atop rocks and the famous Byron Cave. Portovenere itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with history, narrow streets, and colorful houses lining the waterfront.

Here, you’ll spend about 40 minutes, enough to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, or grab a quick coffee from a local café. The view of the castle and the church against the backdrop of the sea is truly striking, and it’s clear why writers and artists have flocked here for centuries.

The Village of Tellaro: A Hidden Gem

Closing the itinerary is the tiny village of Tellaro, often called one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. It’s small but packed with charm—painted houses, winding lanes, and an ancient church overlooking the sea. Many travelers mention that it feels like stepping into a painting, a perfect spot for a relaxed walk and some photos.

The 40-minute stop here lets you absorb the peaceful, timeless atmosphere of this special place, far from the crowds of larger towns.

What You Can Expect on the Boat

The vessel used for this tour is a 7.50m Gozzo Bani, a historic boat refitted in 2024. Its stylish, traditional design adds a touch of authenticity while providing modern comforts. It accommodates up to 7 guests, which means you’ll get a personalized experience without feeling crowded.

The boat’s large sundeck is ideal for lounging, with plenty of space to relax and take in the views. There’s also a large awning, so if the sun gets too intense, you can find shade easily. The boat has all safety equipment onboard, making it a secure option for those concerned about safety or just wanting peace of mind.

Value and Price Considerations

At $255.52 per person, this tour is a pretty reasonable price for the experience offered. When you consider the private, boat-based exploration of iconic spots, the included swimming, and the relaxed pace—plus the comfort of a well-maintained vessel—it feels like a good value.

The tour being limited to only 6 travelers makes it more intimate than large group excursions, which is a bonus if you prefer a quieter, more personalized experience. The included aperitivo adds a nice touch, allowing you to toast to Italy’s flavors while enjoying the scenery.

Traveler Feedback and Highlights

One reviewer from August 2023 called it “Muy recomendable” and appreciated Andrea’s friendly service and the variety of activities—swimming, island visits, and the small Porto Venere tour. They highlighted that the activity was “very beautiful,” emphasizing the overall enjoyment.

Another advantage mentioned is the scenic beauty—travellers love the views of the coastline’s rocks, the colorful villages, and the islands. The boat’s comfort and the relaxed pace seem to resonate well with those looking for a laid-back day on the water.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is great for couples, friends, or small groups who want to enjoy Italy’s coast without a rushed schedule. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate scenic cruising, swimming, and charming villages. If you’re keen on a more personal, relaxed day rather than busy crowded tours, this could be your perfect match.

Since the group size is small, it might not be ideal for travelers seeking a fast-paced, activity-heavy itinerary, but for a peaceful, scenic escape, it hits the spot.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a beautiful, low-pressure way to see some of Italy’s most beloved coastal towns and islands, this La Spezia and Portovenere tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic experience. The boat itself is a highlight—stylish, modernized, and intimate—making it much more than just a transport.

The stops at Tellaro, Lerici, and Portovenere provide picture-perfect moments, and the island circumnavigation with swimming breaks adds a fun, refreshing element. The included aperitivo rounds out the day nicely, giving you a taste of local flavors amidst stunning scenery.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comfortable, scenic day without too much fuss, especially those who value small-group intimacy and authentic views. While it’s not a deep dive into every aspect of the area, it offers a perfect snapshot of this enchanting part of Italy—ideal if your goal is relaxation, picture-taking, and gentle exploration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour focuses on scenic cruising and swimming, the small group size and boat safety features make it potentially suitable for older children or teenagers comfortable on boats. It’s best to consider your child’s comfort with water and boat trips.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from approximately 40 minutes at Tellaro and Porto Venere, to 2 hours at the Gulf of La Spezia and the islands, giving plenty of time to explore or relax during each segment.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers boat transportation, the comfort of a refitted historic vessel, the scenic cruise, swimming stops, and an included aperitivo. Additional expenses like food or souvenirs are on your own.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, water, and perhaps a light jacket or hat for sun protection. Though shaded areas are available, outdoor sun exposure is significant.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes! The vessel is a modern refit of a classic Gozzo, with ample space on the sundeck and shaded areas—perfect for relaxing as you cruise.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, given the small group size and the popularity of the area, booking ahead is recommended. Confirmation is within 48 hours, pending availability.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a shared tour, customization options are limited, but the guide likely accommodates basic requests for swimming or photo stops.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Angel’s Beach boat trip location in La Spezia, near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

If scenic coastlines, charming villages, and relaxing boat rides sound appealing, this tour could really be a highlight of your trip to Italy. Just remember to bring your camera and a sense of adventure—Italy’s Gulf of Poets is waiting to charm you.