From La Spezia cruise port, it’s easy to visit Cinque Terre and Portovenere, two of the most stunning and picturesque destinations on the Italian Riviera.
Located in the northwestern part of Italy’s Liguria region, these breathtaking locations were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and are a must-see for anyone visiting Liguria.
Cinque Terre consists of five medieval villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare—perched on cliffs overlooking the beautiful Golfo della Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets.
Portovenere, a charming medieval town at the edge of the Gulf of Poets, is often considered the “sixth” gem of Cinque Terre due to its captivating beauty.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to visit Cinque Terre and Portovenere from La Spezia port. I personally booked a guided tour, but there are several ways to visit Cinque Terre and Portovenere from La Spezia, depending on your preferences and schedule.
Visiting Cinque Terre & Portovenere from La Spezia Port
Cinque Terre and Portovenere are well connected to major cities like Florence, Pisa, Genoa, and their airports, as well as to La Spezia port where cruise ships dock.
The entire province is filled with natural and historical sites of incredible beauty, and exploring them all would take days. However, if you’re short on time (as I was), booking an organized excursion from La Spezia cruise port that covers the highlights of Cinque Terre is a great option!
I had the chance to explore the Cinque Terre villages on a boat tour, and I’d love to share some useful tips and the tour itinerary with you!
How to Get to Cinque Terre and Portovenere?
Depending on your preferences and the time you have, here are the best ways to visit Cinque Terre:
- On Foot / Hiking – With numerous walking and hiking trails connecting the villages, nature and adventure lovers can enjoy both sports and sightseeing.
- By Train – The villages are well-connected by a fast and frequent train service, with rides taking just a few minutes between each village.
- By Boat – For photography enthusiasts or those short on time, exploring Cinque Terre by boat offers stunning views of the villages from the water.
While it’s also possible to reach the villages by car or bus, keep in mind that these medieval towns are small, often crowded with tourists, and can be difficult to navigate by vehicle.
For detailed information on how to get to Cinque Terre from La Spezia cruise port (schedules, timetables, prices), check out my article: 6 Amazing Things To Do In the Port of La Spezia + Port Info
Exploring Portovenere
Our full-day tour began in the medieval fishing town of Portovenere, renowned for its rich history, breathtaking views over the Bay of Poets, and romantic myths and legends. The moment I caught my first glimpse of the vibrant harbor and charming narrow streets, I was instantly smitten.
Our stroll began on the main street of the old town, Via Capellini, tucked behind the charming facades of buildings lining the harbor. This lively street is filled with tourist shops, artisanal stores, bakeries offering local treats, and, of course, gelato—a must-try Italian dessert.
If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, this is the perfect spot, as Portovenere tends to be slightly more affordable than the villages of Cinque Terre.
If you have enough time, you can head up to the medieval Castello Doria or continue to the end of Via Capellini. From there, take a walk up to the fortified promontory, where you’ll find the Church of St. Peter at the highest point—without a doubt, the most stunning landmark in Portovenere.
Though it may appear to be a fortified castle from a distance, stepping inside the Church of St. Peter will surprise you with its simplicity and medieval charm. The name Portovenere, or Portus Veneris, refers to a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus, which once stood where the church is now.
Take your time to explore the area and capture the stunning landscapes—there are plenty of photo opportunities!
Nearby, you’ll find Lord Byron’s Cave, also known as Byron’s Grotto. This beautiful sea cave was the inspiration for the 19th-century English poet. A stone wall surrounds the grotto, and if you take the rocky steps down, you’ll reach the glimmering green waters, where many visitors enjoy a swim.
Since I didn’t have much time, I headed back to the harbor, where I treated myself to a coffee and a chocolate waffle (I’m a chocolate addict, by the way!).
The restaurants here offer typical Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, so if you have time, you can indulge in pesto, pasta, or fresh seafood. Just below the restaurant area, there’s a small beach, usually crowded with visitors during the summertime.
Cinque Terre Boat Tour
After spending nearly 2 hours in Portovenere, it was time to leave this fairytale town and board the ferry to Monterosso al Mare, the last of the Cinque Terre villages.
Several boat companies offer transfers to the villages, with departures multiple times a day. Tickets can be purchased directly at the pier, or if you’re on a ship excursion or through a tour agency, your guide will provide tickets for the group. For a more personalized experience, you can also rent a private boat.
A boat ride is the perfect option if you’re short on time but still want to see all the villages. The ride takes about an hour, with the boat stopping at each village to drop off and pick up passengers. It’s usually commentated, giving you interesting insights about each stop.
Our ferry was a double-decker, and I recommend heading to the upper deck for the best views. Just be careful—if the sun is strong and you don’t have sunscreen or a hat, you might get sunburned, as the boats typically offer no shade or cover.
And one more piece of advice – Make sure you take up a seat on the starboard side of the boat, so you can admire Cinque Terre villages up close.
Check out Cinque Terre boat tours from La Spezia
As the boat ride begins, get your camera ready to capture the stunning blend of nature and architecture in all its glory! Starting from Portovenere, you’ll approach the villages in the following order:
1. Riomaggiore
The village is known for its vibrant facades and stone houses that climb the ridges, offering stunning sea views. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking breathtaking sunsets and romantic moments. The name of the main street, Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane), perfectly captures the village’s charming and intimate atmosphere.
2. Manarola
Manarola is the oldest and second-smallest of the Cinque Terre villages, perched on a rock 70 meters above sea level. It is home to the 14th-century Church of San Lorenzo and a charming small square surrounded by seafood restaurants.
A scenic walking trail connects Manarola to Riomaggiore, taking about 20 minutes to walk between the two villages.
3. Corniglia
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village that cannot be accessed by sea, so I could only admire it from a distance. Built on top of a promontory 100 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by vineyards and terraces on three sides.
Known for its long wine-growing tradition, Corniglia has a rich history, with ancient Romans being the first to establish a settlement here. The village is well connected to other places by train and walking paths, making it worth a visit. Even the famous Boccaccio mentioned Corniglia in his Decameron.
4. Vernazza
This was the village I admired the most as we approached it. With a beautiful beach and restaurants overlooking the sea, it offers a charming atmosphere.
Dominating the village is the 11th-century Belfort Tower, perched on a promontory, while several churches add to its historic charm. The Church of St. Margaret of Antioch stands out, towering over the town and shaping its iconic landscape.
5. Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare was our last stop, where we stayed for an hour.
As the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer, due to its long beach that attracts both locals and visitors. The village is filled with hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and gelaterias, but it also boasts historical monuments.
One of the must-see landmarks is the 13th-century Gothic Church of St. John the Baptist, which I highly recommend you visit, along with the nearby Baroque Chapel of Mortis et Orationis. These two historic buildings are the most notable in the village and are always bustling with visitors.
The town also features a long beach where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, though they can be quite pricey, so it’s a good idea to ask for the price beforehand.
There are several bars and restaurants along the beach, as well as a stretch of shops selling local goods. Plus, the train station is just a stone’s throw away, making it easy to get around.
Our group enjoyed an organized wine tasting at one of the local stores, where I had the chance to savor some fantastic Italian wines. I highly recommend it, as the local wines are truly exceptional! The town and surrounding region are home to numerous wine cellars, making wine tasting an essential part of the authentic local experience.
And of course, I couldn’t resist treating myself to some delicious Italian gelato—a perfect dessert to wrap up my Cinque Terre day trip. After an hour in Monterosso al Mare, we hopped on a train to Levanto and then transferred to the bus waiting for us at the parking area.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, my Cinque Terre day trip was an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning views, rich history, and delightful local flavors!
While Cinque Terre can certainly be explored on your own by train from La Spezia, a shore excursion offers a more comprehensive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty, history, and culture of the region.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or longer, Cinque Terre is a must-see destination on the Italian Riviera!
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