Exploring the Cinque Terre by Boat: A Practical Look at the Sailing Day Trip from La Spezia
If you’re dreaming of soaking in the vibrant colors and rugged charm of Cinque Terre from a different vantage point, this sailing trip might just be what you’re after. It’s a well-regarded experience that offers a full day on the water, with the chance to see the iconic villages from the sea, enjoy local food and wine, and even try your hand at sailing.
We love that this tour emphasizes a small-group setting, limiting participants to just 10 people. That’s a big plus if you’re after a more intimate, personalized experience. Plus, the opportunity to learn sailing tips from a professional skipper is a fun bonus for those interested in boats and navigation.
It was a wonderful daytrip with Manuela and Fausto (our very friendly crew). On Board Meals and Drinks were delicious and swimming / diving from the boat was so refreshing. In the end we were even sailing for 20 Minutes. Very inspiring. Thanks to Manuela and Fausto.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day on the beautiful sailboat. We motored when necessary and sailed when the wind allowed. We highly recommend it
We spent the day with couples from all over the world sailing and enjoying the beautiful coast of Cince Terre. We are older and can't climb the stairs in the towns so it was a great way to see the area. Lovely lunch, and the staff was very nice.
However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention inconsistent weather and sailing conditions, which can impact the experience. This isn’t always in the tour’s control, but it’s a good reminder to check the forecast before booking. This trip suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed day at sea, want to see Cinque Terre from a new perspective, and appreciate good food and wine in a cozy group setting.
Who will love this? If you’re looking for an exclusive, scenic adventure that combines sailing, sightseeing, and local flavors, this trip hits the mark.
It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy being on the water and are open to a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos. It’s less ideal if you’re seeking a fast-paced tour, or if seasickness is a concern.
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Experience
- The Route and Stops
- The Day’s Highlights
- Swimming and Snorkeling
- The Trip’s Realities
- The Group and Duration
- Itinerary Breakdown
- Practical Details and Tips
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Sailing Experiences in La Spezia
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in La Spezia
- More Tour Reviews in La Spezia
Key Points
- Small-group intimacy ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Unique sea views of Cinque Terre’s colorful villages and UNESCO sites.
- Inclusion of local food and wine makes for a delicious, authentic experience.
- Opportunities to swim and snorkel add a refreshing twist.
- Learning to sail is optional but offers a fun hands-on element.
- Weather-dependent sailing means the experience can vary with conditions.
A Closer Look at the Experience
This full-day sailing trip from La Spezia is designed for those who want to see Cinque Terre from a fresh angle—on the water, away from crowds. The trip kicks off at 10 am from the port in La Spezia, where you’ll meet your professional skipper ready to guide you through approximately seven hours of scenic cruising along Liguria’s famed coastline.
Highly recommended. This was a highlight of a great week in Italy. Good directions / service, prompt and professional staff, GREAT skipper Gerry! Only 10 guests on a 42' boat felt spacious. Gerry sailed us to a different, very private cove for swimming and lunch because my wife and I were staying in the area he had planned to go and wanted us to see a different gorgeous spot. We swam in the crystal clear water while Gerry made us a delicious lunch. He never left our hands empty for long and was super knowledgeable, informative and chill. We hit the water by 10:15 and were out until 5pm. This was a great trip and a great value. If we're ever back in the 5 Terre, we would book this ag…
Unfortunately there was not much wind that day so not much opportunity for sailing, just when leaving and returning to La Spezia harbour. The rest of the trip up the coast and back was motoring. Never mind, our skipper gave us a close up view of the Cinque Terre villages from the sea, and some interesting stories to keep us amused. Plenty of prosecco and beer for those who wanted it and a tasty antipasti picnic at anchor at Monterosso. A great way to get a perspective of the coastal tracks which we subsequently walked.
What an enjoyable day of sailing. It was a very relaxed day and we had beautiful weather. Our seven hour tour up the coast in Cinque Terre was filled with post card views and many photo opportunities as we sailed near each of the five villages. Our captain was very attentive with beverages and a delicious lunch served off the coast of Monterosso. The return trip we cruised back a little further off the coast for a different perspective. Delightful company as the seven of us enjoyed ourselves with prosecco and snacks as we absorbed the Mediterranean sunshine.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in La Spezia
The Route and Stops
Your voyage begins by heading into the Gulf of La Spezia, also called the Gulf of Poets—a nickname inspired by the many authors and poets who found inspiration nearby. From here, you’ll catch views of the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, which add a rugged, untouched charm to the landscape.
These islands are notable for their natural beauty and are part of the protected marine area you’ll be swimming in later.
As your boat sails westward, the real highlight unfolds with sightlines of the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These villages are famous for their dramatic cliffs, pastel houses, and narrow streets, but from the boat, you’ll see an entirely different side—some of which can’t be accessed by car.
Many travelers, including one reviewer, noted that the boat was the best way to appreciate the coast’s charm, especially since some villages are tricky to reach on foot or by vehicle.
Our skipper was Andrea. He was wonderful. We were lucky and it was a nice day outside for a motor sail. He was very informative and a pleasure to talk to. Lunch was very good and so much better than I anticipated. I highly recommend this adventure. The only negative was the company's miscommunication about departure.
Sailing through Cinque Terre will forever be one of the best experiences of my life. The skipper was so fantastic and the group was small – only ten people so you’re able to fit comfortably on the boat and it’s a nice size so you get to mingle with everyone. The views were spectacular and the food and wine were great. We stopped several times during the trip to swim in the sea and it was just perfect. I can’t recommend this enough – if the same trip was offered the next day, I would’ve done it two days in a row! This was such a fun experience. 10/10 would highly recommend!
Taking a medium sized sail boat trip is an intimate experience because it can only accommodate a few people. WIth a sail boat, the captain has the option of allowing the boat to just drift, with the help of the sails or if it's a windless day, he can use the motor. So you enjoy a relaxed rather than a rushed journey most times. Fortunately when we set off from La Spezia with Captain Lorenzo nicknamed Gerre, it was a gloriously sunny day with calm waters. The wind helped us glide along the deep blue Ligurian sea and Gerre used the motor whenever he wanted to manoeuvre us close to the 5 Cinque Terre towns for better views. All along he gave us the history of the Villages and all the places we …
The Day’s Highlights
A key feature of this tour is the lunch served on board. Expect a Liguria-style meal featuring focaccia, anchovies, cured meats, and other local delights. Several reviews praise the quality of the food, with one describing it as “delicious” and “way better than expected.” To wash it down, the boat provides locally produced wine and water, which enhances the relaxed, authentic vibe.
For those interested in sailing, your skipper will be happy to share tips and possibly let you take the helm, making this more than just sightseeing—it’s an interactive experience. Even if you’re not a seasoned sailor, the opportunity to learn from experts adds a fun dimension.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Another big plus is the chance to stop and swim in the protected marine areas. The water is described as “shimmering” and inviting, great for cooling off after a morning of sightseeing. Several reviewers mention how refreshing and enjoyable it was to jump into the sea, sometimes even snorkel around.
The Trip’s Realities
Despite the many positives, some reviewers recount moments of disappointment, especially when weather conditions weren’t ideal. One traveler noted that the sails weren’t always up due to lack of wind, leading to long periods of motor cruising.
We started in La Spezia and were able to get the best position at the back of the boat – starboard – best place for great photos – perfect weather. We went as far as we could and then did the return trip gradually – the best tour ever.
We would do this tour over and over again. It was amazing our captain was fabulous. And seeing these picturesque villages from the Seaview is incredible. Highly recommend.
The sailing trip was fantastic. Franco was a wonderful Captain who was very knowledgable about the area, and clearly enjoyed his job. the views were breathtaking, and the opportunity to swim in the med was incredible. This trip was the highlight for the 4 people traveling in my group. Highly recommend!
A handful of reviews highlight issues like motor breakdowns or delays caused by local regulations—these are outside the tour’s control but are worth considering if you’re hoping for a sailing-only experience.
Another reviewer experienced rough seas and did not get to dock at Vernazza, which impacted their overall impression. The tour’s weather dependency means that on rough days, the experience might lean more toward a motorized cruise than active sailing.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in La Spezia
The Group and Duration
The small group of just 10 people ensures you’ll never feel crowded and can mingle comfortably. The trip starts at 10 am and concludes back at La Spezia in the early evening, giving you ample time to relax and take in the scenery.
The price of about $210 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in the lunch, drinks, potentially sailing instruction, and the exclusivity of a small group, it’s quite reasonable for a day on the water in such a coveted area. Plus, the reviews suggest most participants felt they received good value for the money.
This was a very enjoyable day, including meeting the other guests on the boat. Franco was very friendly and an excellent skipper and the boat was a good size to suit the 11 clients on board. Franco is very competent, aware of the safety of the guests, and cool and efficient with the handling of the boat. When there was sufficient wind we put up the sails and had two periods of sailing in the day. Snacks and lunch were provided with beer and wine focaccia with olives, tomatoes or onions or plain, some anchovies, salami and sun dried tomatoes. It could have been more interesting , with vegetables and cheeses would have improved it. Commencing at 10 am perhaps the last hour to Lerici was getti…
The boat only had one staff person on board to launch drive and moor boat only. The boat captain did the best he could under these conditions. Oh, and one more thing, he had to prepare and serve food as well. Conditions for boating/sailing were very bad, high seas and very strong winds. This made it difficult as we couldn't dock at the scheduled dock area for our lunch … we tried many times to dock along side the dock well as trying mooring the ship from the rear but to no avail, winds too high. I feel the excursion should have been cancelled as most of the time was spent trying to moor the boat and then once accomplished, eating lunch as we could not sail due to the conditions. Trip was …
This was an amazing day! My partner and I loved it the view of Cinque Terre, the swim, the lunch and the great company!
Itinerary Breakdown
- Departure from La Spezia at 10 am: Meet at AssonauticaViale Italia. The boat is ready to set sail with an experienced skipper.
- Gulf of La Spezia: Your journey begins with views of the islands Tino, Palmaria, and Tinetto.
- Westward along the coast: Watching the colorful villages from afar, an experience that many find more scenic and less crowded than land-based tours.
- Stop at Vernazza: Here, you might have the chance to swim and enjoy the scenery, though some reviews mention restrictions on getting off the boat.
- Lunch onboard in Vernazza: Sampling Ligurian specialties like focaccia, anchovies, and cured meats with local wine.
- Further sailing and swimming: The crew may let you take the helm, and you can enjoy more swimming or relaxing.
- Return to La Spezia: Usually in the early evening, completing a memorable day at sea.
Practical Details and Tips
This tour is designed to be accessible most days, but keep in mind that weather conditions can affect the itinerary. If the sea is rough, the tour guarantees cruising in the Gulf of La Spezia, though sailing might be limited. Folks with seasickness might want to prepare with medication, as some reviews suggest.
What to bring? Sunglasses, a hat, sun protection, swimwear, and a towel are advisable. The boat is relatively small, so packing light is best. Since there’s no hotel pickup, plan to arrive at the meeting point in La Spezia on time.
Minimum participants: The tour requires at least 6 people to run, so check availability ahead of time, especially in off-peak seasons. If it’s canceled, you’ll get a full refund or alternative options.
Final Thoughts
This Cinque Terre sailing day trip from La Spezia offers a distinctive way to see a beloved stretch of Italy’s coast. The mix of scenic vistas, local cuisine, and the relaxed pace makes it stand out from land-based tours. The small group size means you’ll get a more personal experience, and the chance to learn about sailing adds a layer of interest.
While some reviews mention weather challenges or mechanical issues, most participants agree that the overall experience was memorable—especially the views, the food, and the swimming. It’s a good pick for travelers who enjoy being on the water, want a quieter, more intimate day out, and are happy with a flexible itinerary.
If you’re after a day of beautiful scenery, good company, and a taste of Ligurian life from the sea, this trip could be a highlight of your trip to Liguria.
Cinque Terre Sailing Day Trip from La Spezia
"It was a wonderful daytrip with Manuela and Fausto (our very friendly crew). On Board Meals and Drinks were delicious and swimming / diving from th..."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s focus on sailing and swimming suggests it may be suitable for older children comfortable on boats. Always check with the provider if you have younger kids.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, you don’t need to be a sailor. The skipper offers tips and may let you try steering, but participation is optional.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a professional skipper, lunch, wine, and water. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring sun protection like sunglasses and a hat, swimwear, a towel, and possibly a light jacket for the cooler parts of the day.
Could the trip be canceled?
Yes, due to weather or insufficient bookings. Cancellation is free if done 24 hours in advance, with full refunds offered if canceled.
How long is the trip?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10 am and ending back in La Spezia early evening.
What if I get seasick?
Prepare with seasickness medication if needed. Some reviews recommend this, especially on rough days.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, the meeting point in La Spezia is near public transportation, making it accessible.
Can I learn sailing on this trip?
Yes, there are opportunities to learn tips from the crew, and you might even take the wheel if you’re interested.
If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a small group, good food, and the chance to see Cinque Terre from its best side, this sailing trip is worth considering. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready for a flexible, memorable adventure.
