La Spezia: Sunset aperitif with dinner on the boat

Planning a sunset cruise around La Spezia? This tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, history, and good food—perfect for those wanting a memorable evening on the water. We haven’t been on this exact trip ourselves, but based on the info and reviews we’ve seen, it’s worth considering if you’re after a relaxed yet engaging experience in this stunning part of Italy.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines multiple highlights into a manageable 3.5-hour window. First, the chance to swim in the natural pools of Porto Venere is a big plus—nothing beats a refreshing dip with views of the Gulf of Poets. Second, the all-you-can-drink drinks along with a solid buffet dinner make for a laid-back, enjoyable evening that doesn’t break the bank.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary is quite packed—visiting several islands and caves, all in just a few hours. For some, this might feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re hoping to linger longer at any one spot. But overall, it’s a great choice for travelers who appreciate a mix of scenery, history, and relaxed socializing, especially if you want a special way to see the sunset over the Ligurian Sea.

If you’re up for a relaxed, scenic cruise with good food and a bit of adventure, this tour could fit you well. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy boat trips, beautiful vistas, and a lively atmosphere without a ton of fuss.

Key Points

• Scenic Highlights: Stops at Porto Venere’s natural pools, three islands including Palmaria, Tino, and Byron Cave offer varied scenery and photo opportunities.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: With unlimited drinks and buffet dinner, it’s perfect for unwinding and socializing.
• Historical and Natural Sights: Visit Torre Scola, the lighthouse on Tino, and Byron Cave for a mix of history and natural beauty.
• Comfort & Convenience: The tour departs from Mirabello port and is designed for small groups (max 9 travelers), creating a more intimate vibe.
• Timing & Duration: At around 3.5 hours, it’s short enough to fit into a busy itinerary but packed with memorable moments.
• Weather Considerations: Good weather is necessary for the experience, and cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Departure & First Stop: Porto Venere Natural Pools

Starting from La Spezia’s Mirabello port at 6.30 pm, the tour kicks off with a scenic cruise heading to the natural pools of Porto Venere. These pools are a favorite for their clear, inviting waters—perfect for a quick swim if you’re in the mood. The views of the Gulf of Poets are stunning here, with the sunset gradually lighting up the sky. The tour includes an admission ticket, so you can enjoy the pools without extra hassle.

Torre Scola: A Glimpse into the Past

Next, the boat stops at Torre Scola, a fortification dating back to the 1600s. While only a brief 10-minute visit, this spot adds a historical flavor to the cruise, giving you a chance to imagine what life was like defending this coast centuries ago. It’s an interesting contrast to the natural beauty elsewhere.

Exploring Palmaria Island & Beaches

The highlight for many is the stop at Isola Palmaria. Here, you can visit Cala dell’Ammiraglio, a lovely beach reachable via tender boat with an electric motor—no noisy engines here. The chance to swim in calm, picturesque waters is a real treat. The tour also takes you to see the Blue Grotto and Byron Grotto—great photo ops and a chance to appreciate the caves’ natural formations. The 30-minute swim and sightseeing stop here is well-paced, giving ample time to relax and soak up the scenery.

Tino Island & Its Lighthouse

The next stop is Isola Tino, home to a lighthouse that’s illuminated at night. The visit is short (about 20 minutes), but enough to admire the island’s rugged beauty and the lighthouse’s silhouette against the evening sky. If you’re into maritime scenery or lighthouses, this part of the trip is quite charming.

Byron Cave & Sunset Views

One of the tour’s key moments is the stop at Byron Cave. The cave, famously inspiring Lord Byron, offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the sunset in the background. Visitors also get a chance to see the church of St. Peter nearby, adding a quaint touch to the natural setting. This 40-minute stop allows you to take some memorable images and enjoy the changing colors of the sky.

Return to Porto Venere & Dinner

The final leg brings you back to Portovenere, a beautiful village that lights up at dusk. You’ll have about 50 minutes here to appreciate the charming streets and illuminated buildings before returning to La Spezia’s port. The tour includes a buffet dinner with cold cuts, cheeses, tomatoes, mozzarella, focaccia, and trofie with pesto—everything made fresh and served on the boat as you watch the sunset. Unlimited drinks—prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks—are included, ensuring a relaxing end to your evening.

Final Return

The tour wraps up with a 30-minute cruise back to Mirabello port, leaving you with beautiful memories of a sunset adventure at sea.

What Travelers Are Saying

While the tour only has one official review, the comment from a Tripadvisor reviewer sums it up nicely: “My friends and I loved this tour so much! We had the best time with Massimo. The views were so stunning and the dinner was delicious. Would definitely do it again.” It highlights that the experience might be especially enjoyable for those who appreciate good scenery and a friendly vibe.

The positive feedback about the views, the quality of the food, and the friendly atmosphere suggests this tour hits the right notes for many travelers. The inclusion of unlimited drinks and dinner on the boat makes it feel like a relaxed party, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At around $107.14 per person, this tour offers a good value considering the multiple stops, dinner, and drinks included.
• Group Size: Small groups (up to 9 people) ensure a more personalized experience, which is great if you prefer intimacy over large tour crowds.
• Timing: Starting at 6.30 pm means you’ll catch the sunset, but check the weather forecast beforehand—bad weather cancels the trip, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.
• What to Bring: Towels aren’t included, so if you plan to swim, bring your own. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for a boat trip and dress in layers—sunset temperatures can drop quickly.
• Accessibility: The tour is near public transportation, making it easy to reach the departure point.
• Duration: Keep in mind that the entire experience is about 3.5 hours, so it’s suitable for an evening activity without sacrificing too much of your day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed yet scenic evening on the water. If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, good food, and a bit of adventure exploring islands and caves, you’ll probably love it. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with a small group of friends or a partner who enjoys a casual, social atmosphere.

It’s less suited for those looking for a very slow-paced or extended visit to each stop, as the itinerary is quite full. Families with older children might find it fun if they’re comfortable on boats and enjoy natural scenery, but it’s not specifically tailored for young kids.

FAQ — Practical Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops, swimming, and dinner.

What time does it start?
The tour departs from La Spezia’s Mirabello port at 6.30 pm.

Is dinner included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a buffet with cold cuts, cheeses, tomatoes, mozzarella, focaccia, trofie with pesto, and unlimited drinks.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there’s a stop at Porto Venere’s natural pools and beaches on Palmaria Island for swimming.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 9 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim. Dress comfortably and in layers for the evening.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
The information doesn’t specify, but given the nature of boat travel and stops, older children who enjoy water activities and natural scenery might have a good time.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Bad weather cancels the trip, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This La Spezia sunset boat tour offers a nice combination of natural beauty, history, and good food. The stops at Porto Venere’s pools, the caves, and islands give you a chance to see some of the most scenic parts of the area without feeling rushed. The inclusion of unlimited drinks and a hearty buffet dinner makes it a perfect relaxing evening, especially if you’re into boating and picturesque sunsets.

While it’s not a full-day experience or a deep dive into each site, it’s well-suited for those wanting a taste of everything—views, history, and local flavors—in a short, enjoyable trip. For travelers seeking a memorable way to end their day in La Spezia, this tour could be just the right pick.

Enjoy your trip and make sure to bring your camera—sunset over the sea is truly magical.