La Spezia: Sunset aperitif with dinner on the boat

Imagine gliding along the Ligurian coast as the sun dips toward the horizon, with a glass of prosecco in hand and a plate of local delicacies. That’s precisely what you get with this sunset aperitif cruise from La Spezia. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, its glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear this experience offers a special blend of scenic beauty, relaxed luxury, and authentic local flavors.

What we love about this tour is the chance to enjoy stunning sea views while sipping unlimited drinks and tasting a delicious assortment of cold cuts, cheeses, focaccia, and trofie with pesto—all on a boat that feels intimate with a group of no more than nine travelers. Plus, the stops at Porto Venere’s natural pools and the islands of Palmaria and Tino promise moments of wonder and calm.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves multiple stops and walking, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues or those expecting a purely relaxing, single-location experience. It’s best suited for travelers who love a mix of sightseeing, light swimming, and enjoying good food with a side of panoramic views. If you’re the kind of person who treasures combining exploration with leisurely indulgence, then this tour might be just right.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal scenery with stops at Porto Venere, Palmaria, Tino, and Byron Cave.
• Excellent value for the overall experience—dinner, drinks, multiple stops, and guided visits included.
• Small group setting enhances intimacy and personalized attention.
• Ideal for foodies and wine lovers—unlimited drinks including prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Good for those seeking a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
• Weather-dependent, so check the forecast and be prepared for possible cancellations.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Departure and Initial Stop: Porto Venere’s Natural Pools

The adventure begins at Mirabello port in La Spezia at 6:30 pm. From there, the boat gently pulls away, giving you your first glimpse of the Gulf of Poets. The highlight here is the natural pools of Porto Venere, where we loved the way the calm waters invite a refreshing swim after a warm day. The scenery is spectacular—cliffs rising sharply from the sea, with the charming village of Porto Venere providing a picturesque backdrop.

The admission ticket to the pools is included, making this a hassle-free start. Expect about 30 minutes here—a perfect window for photos and a quick dip. The quiet beauty of this spot makes it clear why so many travelers mention the stunning panoramas.

Exploring Torre Scola: A Glimpse into History

Next, the boat stops at Torre Scola, an ancient 1600s fortification. Though a brief 10-minute stop, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. If you enjoy a quick history lesson with your scenic views, this is a worthwhile addition. The admission ticket is included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

The Marvels of Isola Palmaria

One of the tour’s main attractions is the Isola Palmaria, a place that combines natural beauty with opportunities for light adventure. Here, we loved the chance to swim at Cala dell’Ammiraglio, a beautiful beach reachable by tender with an electric motor—a soft ride that adds to the relaxing vibe. The water’s clarity and the lovely cove make it a standout for swimming and unwinding.

Also, the visit includes stops at the Blue Grotto and Byron Grotto, with the latter inspiring Lord Byron himself. The 40-minute stop offers the perfect photo opportunity and a chance to admire sea caves and rugged coastline. Many guests find this part particularly memorable, especially watching the sunset just beyond the caves.

Visiting Isola Tino and the Byron Cave

The boat then heads toward Isola Tino, home to a historic lighthouse. Though a quick 20-minute visit, it provides a beautiful vantage point with the lighthouse lighting up the night sky, especially if you stay until sunset.

The Byron Cave stop is especially cherished—for many, the pictures and views here become the highlight of the evening. The poetic inspiration Byron drew from this spot adds a romantic touch to the experience.

The Sunset and Dinner at Portovenere

As the boat makes its way back toward Portovenere, you’ll have ample time to soak in the village’s illuminated charm. The 50-minute stop here allows for wandering the narrow streets, admiring colorful houses, and absorbing the medieval ambiance.

The highlight? The dinner buffet on board, served as the sun dips behind the horizon. You’ll enjoy a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, focaccia, and pesto, all cooked fresh for you. The trofie with pesto is a Ligurian classic, and guests rave about how flavorful and authentic it tastes.

Unlimited drinks—including prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks—keep the spirits high as you toast to the sunset. Many reviewers mention the delicious food and excellent wine selection, making this part of the tour feel like a relaxed celebration with friends.

Return to La Spezia

After a leisurely evening, the boat heads back to Porto Mirabello, arriving after roughly 3.5 hours of scenic, tasty, and memorable moments. The return trip is smooth, with plenty of time to reflect on the highlights of the evening.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience strikes a good balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and culinary pleasures. It’s ideal for those who enjoy small-group outings, offering a more intimate feel that makes conversation and personal attention easier. The small group size (max 9 travelers) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guide’s insights can be more personalized.

If you love stunning coastal vistas, delicious local food, and evening boat rides, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a charming, memorable evening in Liguria.

However, since the tour is weather-dependent, it’s important to check the forecast. On a clear, calm evening, the combination of a sunset, warm sea breeze, and good company creates an experience that’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At $107.14 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included dinner, unlimited drinks, and multiple scenic stops. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize visual beauty and relaxation, while the food and drinks elevate it from just another boat ride.

The chance to swim in natural pools, explore historic sites, and watch the sunset over the Ligurian Sea makes this a compelling option for those seeking a evening of gentle adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who want a low-key, scenic experience with a touch of local flavor and comfort.

Keep in mind, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a moderate pace, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in good food and drink. If your goal is a memorable, visually stunning evening with a relaxed vibe, this boat tour is well worth considering.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:30 pm from Mirabello port in La Spezia.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and dinner.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the boat trip, dinner with a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, focaccia, trofie with pesto, and unlimited drinks like prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Are there any additional costs?
Towels are not included, so if you plan to swim, bring your own. All other activities and stops are included in the ticket price.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but given the walking involved at some stops and the boat’s small size, it’s best for those comfortable with moderate activity.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This sunset boat cruise from La Spezia combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and delightful flavors—all in a relaxed setting that’s perfect for creating lasting memories of Liguria’s coast. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a charming evening, it’s an experience that’s worth saving for your trip.