Riomaggiore: Cinque Terre Sunset Tour with Wine & Focaccia

Exploring the Cinque Terre by boat is often regarded as the best way to see its colorful villages and rugged coastline. This sunset boat tour from Riomaggiore offers a relaxed way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, with the bonus of local wine, delicious focaccia, and a swim at sunset. It’s a short excursion—just two hours—that promises intimate views and a memorable adventure for travelers looking to escape crowds and experience the coast from a different perspective.

What makes this tour stand out are two key features: its small-group size—limited to 12 participants—ensuring a more personal experience, and the unique sunset swim in the Ligurian Sea, a rare treat you won’t find on larger, busier tours. However, one thing to consider is that the tour departs exclusively from Riomaggiore, meaning if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to plan your transport accordingly. If you enjoy scenic sailing, authentic local experiences, and a relaxed, social atmosphere, this tour could be perfect for you.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized and relaxed experience.
• Exclusive views of all five Cinque Terre villages from the water.
• Sunset swim offers a rare opportunity to cool off in the Ligurian Sea at the day’s most beautiful time.
• Local wine and focaccia included, perfect for a casual, authentic tasting.
• Departing from Riomaggiore provides the best vantage point for sunset views.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Intimate Look at the Experience

The Riomaggiore: Cinque Terre Sunset Tour is a short but visually stunning excursion that captures the essence of this famous coastline. The tour begins from the marina in Riomaggiore, a charming village that offers one of the most scenic launch points. The meeting point is conveniently located on the right-hand side of the marina, directly across from the Dau Cila Ristorante, marked by yellow Cinque Terre dal Mare shirts. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to avoid any last-minute rush and to get settled before departure.

The Boat: Traditional Ligurian Gozzo

Travelers board a clean, brand-new Ligurian gozzo, a traditional style boat that’s perfect for viewing the coast. The small size (max 12 guests) means you’ll have ample space to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the panoramic views. The captain, who speaks English, is often praised for being charming and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and easy conversation.

The Scenic Route

Once underway, the boat skirts along the rugged coastline, giving you close-up views of the five colorful villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—with plenty of opportunities for photos. Unlike land-based tours, being on the water offers a vantage point that reveals the true scale and beauty of the coastline, with houses perched on cliffs and tiny harbors tucked into coves.

The Highlights: Swimming & Sunset

The tour’s true magic kicks in as the sun begins to set. The boat stops at a specially selected spot where you can swim in the Ligurian Sea just as the sky turns a fiery orange. This swim is a highlight for many, as described by a reviewer who called it “refreshing and so worth doing” despite October’s cooler waters. Snorkeling masks and life jackets are provided, making it accessible even for those who aren’t confident swimmers.

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Local Wine & Focaccia

Onboard, you’re treated to local white wine and focaccia, a simple yet delicious emblem of Ligurian cuisine. The wine is a nice touch that enhances the relaxed, convivial vibe, while the focaccia provides a quick, tasty snack. Feel free to bring along additional food or drinks—this flexibility adds to the tour’s value, especially if you want to indulge in more local flavors or pack a personal picnic.

The Return and Reflection

The cruise ends back at the same marina in Riomaggiore, completing a satisfying loop that leaves you feeling both relaxed and inspired. The entire experience lasts about two hours, making it a great option if you’re short on time but craving an authentic, scenic outing.

Why the Experience Works

Many travelers find this tour to be a perfect blend of comfort, authenticity, and breathtaking scenery. The small group size allows the captain to give more personalized attention, as echoed by a review praising Roberto as a “great captain.” The stunning views from the water, combined with the sunset swim, create a sense of peace and wonder that land-based views can’t quite match.

Plus, the price point offers good value, considering it includes the boat ride, wine, focaccia, snorkeling masks, and life jackets. For those looking for more than just a quick sightseeing cruise, this experience invites you to connect with the landscape and fellow travelers in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Via San Giacomo

The tour kicks off at a small office located on the right side of the marina, directly across from a popular restaurant. Here, the small group assembles and boards the gozzo, ready for the adventure.

Cruising the Coastline

Over two hours, the boat passes by all five villages, each with its own personality. Riomaggiore is the gateway with its colorful houses and steep streets, while nearby towns like Vernazza and Monterosso are equally picturesque but often crowded on land. From the water, you get a fresh perspective, seeing rooftops, harbors, and cliffs that are less accessible from the shore.

Swim and Sunset

The boat pauses for a swim at a thoughtfully chosen spot—right before the last town, allowing you to enjoy the water during the gorgeous golden hour. Reviewers mention that this stop is “perfect” and “so worth doing,” adding a special touch of adventure and relaxation.

Return to Riomaggiore

As the sun dips beyond the horizon, the boat heads back, giving travelers one last chance to soak in the views. The tour concludes at the initial meeting point, ready to continue your Cinque Terre exploration, with plenty of photos and memories to cherish.

Practical Details and Why They Matter

Duration & Flexibility

At just two hours, this tour fits easily into most travel plans. Its flexibility makes it ideal for those with tight schedules or as a relaxing end to a day of sightseeing.

Departure & End Point

Starting and ending in Riomaggiore ensures you can plan your day around the tour, especially if you’re based there. Just remember, departing from Riomaggiore means you’ll get the best sunset views. If you depart from other towns like Monterosso, the sunset will be behind you, reducing the visual impact.

Group Size & Language

Limited to 12 guests, the tour offers an intimate environment, and the captain’s fluency in English helps make everyone comfortable and informed. Small groups also mean more space to relax and chat.

Booking & Cancellation

Reservations can be made with flexible options—reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

What to Bring

To maximize your comfort, bring a towel, beachwear, and perhaps some extra snacks or drinks. The tour provides snorkeling masks and life jackets, but it’s up to you whether you want to bring additional gear or refreshments.

This boat tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the Cinque Terre from a fresh perspective, away from crowded land-based spots. It suits those who enjoy relaxed, social experiences and the opportunity to swim in the sea at sunset. If you’re looking for a more private, authentic outing with stunning views and local flavors, this tour fits the bill.

It’s also particularly well-suited for those who value small-group intimacy and personalized service. Pelople with limited time but a desire for a memorable, scenic experience will find this short cruise packs a punch.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness, consider this before booking, as it involves open water and some waves. Also, those staying outside Riomaggiore should plan their transport accordingly, since the departure point is fixed.

How long is the tour?
The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short outing that fits into most travel schedules.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at the marina in Riomaggiore, specifically at the office on the right side of the marina across from Dau Cila Ristorante.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes local white wine, focaccia, snorkeling masks, and life jackets, providing a relaxed, all-in-one experience.

Can I bring additional food or drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy onboard.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group size, relaxed pace, and swimming opportunity make it potentially suitable for families, especially those comfortable with boating and swimming.

What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, beach towels, and perhaps a hat or sunscreen. The tour provides snorkeling masks, but wearing your swimsuit is recommended for swimming.

How many people are on the boat?
Limited to 12 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of space to relax.

Will I get a good view of the villages?
Absolutely. Being on the water gives you close-up, unobstructed views of the colorful villages from a perspective that’s hard to match from land.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind when booking.

This Riomaggiore sunset boat tour combines the best of Cinque Terre’s scenic beauty, authentic local flavors, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. It’s a delightful way to see all five villages from a perspective that’s both peaceful and spectacular. The inclusion of wine, focaccia, and the chance to swim at sunset makes it a well-rounded experience that will likely be a highlight of your trip.

If you’re after a small-group, scenic, and authentic way to enjoy the coast—without the hassle of crowds—this tour offers a real sense of the area’s charm and natural beauty. It’s best for those who appreciate good company, stunning views, and a touch of adventure in their travel moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: