Our Portovenere tours have two different departure times: morning (around 9:30) and afternoon (around 13:30).
Departure from the marina in Riomaggiore, we’ll head south-east: in the opposite direction of the 5 iconic villages.
Take out your camera right away, as leaving our harbor, you’ll see Riomaggiore’s picture perfect landscape in its bold colors.
Alternating between various secret and isolated beaches (which can only, exclusively be reached by boat or kayak), you’ll first see Canneto Beach, known for its small waterfall and crystalline waters. Then, Pineda, with its small ponds, natural pools and magical scenery.
Cruising along the midst of cliffs and Mediterranean maquis, comes one of the most inaccessible villages ever built: the town of Monasteroli.
The landscape is extraordinary, built on a vertical rather than horizontal axis, along the natural course of the rock.
Soon after, there’s the stunning, remote beach of Tramonti and the rock of Ferrale, topped with its steel cross.
After Ferrale, you’ll see Campiglia beach, which then opens up to a paradise for rock climbers. Known as Muzzerone (between Campiglia and Portovenere), the cliffs are not only high but also steep with gorgeous colors: black rocks alternating with red rocky walls.
Arriving into Portovenere, you’ll be awed by its mighty castle overlooking the sea, a historical landmark of the Genoese bulwark in the medieval period.
Below the castle, we’ll dip in for our first swim: La Grotta di Byron, also known as Arpaia Cave. With the water being untouched, it’s the perfect place to see some marine life. Be sure to ask your skipper for snorkeling masks.
After your dip, get back on board and dry off while we head towards Portovenere,
where you’ll have an opportunity to get off the boat and walk around the village: explore the church of San Pietro, built directly on a low cliff, overlooking the sea, as well as the castle. And for the food-lover: adventure into the small alleyways for some local delicacies.
Back on board, say your goodbyes to Portovenere, as we drift towards the island of Palmaria, where there’s the Blue Cave (La Grotta Azzurra), with its varying shades of turquoise sea. Take note of the abandoned Portoro marble quarries along the coast.
We’ll then cruise into the island of Tino, a military property, where you’ll also get a glimpse of the active lighthouse of San Venerio.
And as we reach the rock of Tinetto, it’s our cue to return north, this time going inside the coast, so you’ll also get a view of the Gulf of La Spezia. After an hour of relaxed cruising, topped with another refreshing swim along the coastline, you’ll safely be back to the lovely port of Riomaggiore.
*This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change depending on the weather and sea conditions
Price: € 150
DEPARTURE TIME: Morning 9:30-13:00/13:30, Afternoon: 14:00
Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
