Cinque Terre Sailing Day Trip from La Spezia: Learn to Sail

Sail past five hillside villages and learn the boat yourself

A full-day sailing trip from La Spezia that takes you along the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre coastline and past Portovenere, with a professional skipper teaching you to sail. The group stays under ten people; lunch, wine, and water are on board; you pick the moments to swim in the Gulf of Poets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and sightseeing Cinque Terre

• Depart from La Spezia
• Sail across Gulf of Poets
• Pass by San Pietro Church Portovenere
• Pass by Palmaria Island
• Pass by Portovenere town
• Pass by Cinque Terre villages
• Learn sailing from skipper
• Stop to swim
• Enjoy light lunch with wine onboard
• Return to La Spezia

The experience

The boat leaves La Spezia and heads into the Gulf of Poets, where the skipper walks you through the basics of sailing as you move toward the Cinque Terre. You're not watching from a seat. You're handling the lines, learning how the boat responds, getting a feel for the water and the wind. The five villages (Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) rise in terraces above the water, and Portovenere's San Pietro Church marks the landscape as you pass. The route depends on the sea: if conditions are rough, you cruise the Gulf of La Spezia instead, still passing Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

Swimming stops are built into the day. You decide when to jump in. Lunch comes on board: Ligurian specialties and wine, eaten while you're anchored or drifting. Water is always available. The group maxes out at ten, which means the skipper can actually teach and the boat doesn't feel crowded. Seven hours total, and you're not sitting through a narrated tour of villages you see from a distance. You're moving through the landscape under sail, doing the work that gets you there.

What’s included

• Professional skipper in English or Italian.
• lunch of Ligurian specialties.
• wine.
• water.
• fuel.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (2 to 8 years)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The departure is at Assonautica dock (in La Spezia) at 10am. Please be there at least 15 minutes earlier.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Arbaspaa srl

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actually sail rather than watch from a passenger seat, and if seven hours on the water suits your schedule. The small group size means the skipper can teach you and adjust the day to the sea conditions. If Cinque Terre is unreachable, you still sail the gulf and see Portovenere and the islands.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 8 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I actually help sail the boat, or do I just watch?

You learn to sail from the skipper and handle the boat yourself as you go. It's not a demonstration: the skipper teaches you the basics and you participate in sailing across the gulf toward Cinque Terre.

What happens if the sea is too rough to reach Cinque Terre?

The tour is guaranteed to sail in the Gulf of La Spezia, passing Portovenere and the Palmaria islands, even if rough conditions keep you from reaching Cinque Terre. The price doesn't change and cancellation isn't an option under this condition.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch of Ligurian specialties and wine is on board. Water is also provided throughout the day.

How many people go on this sailing trip?

Groups are limited to ten people, so the skipper can teach and the boat stays manageable.

What should I bring or wear?

Sunglasses, a hat and sun protection are recommended. If you're prone to seasickness, buy medication at a pharmacy before boarding.