Cinque Terre sunset boat tour: Pesto tasting and swim stops

Sail past all five villages as the light softens, then taste pesto and local wine aboard

A two-hour sunset boat tour departing from Monterosso passes in front of all five Cinque Terre villages—Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore—with stops to photograph the coast and swim in small coves. The boat includes a tasting of Cinque Terre pesto and focaccia, plus local wine and beer. Arrive 10 minutes early; snorkeling gear is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat tour with tasting

• Depart from Monterosso al Mare
• Relax on the sundeck and enjoy views
• Pass by Monterosso village
• Pass by Vernazza village
• Pass by Corniglia village
• Pass by Manarola village
• Pass by Riomaggiore village
• Stop for swimming in turquoise sea
• Taste Pesto Cinque Terre and focaccia
• Enjoy included drinks on board
• Return to Monterosso al Mare

The Experience

The tour leaves Monterosso on a traditional Ligurian gozzo with a large sundeck, heading south along the coast as the afternoon light begins to shift. You'll pass Vernazzo first—the smallest village, built around a marina with the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia rising directly from the water and the Torre del Belforte standing guard at the harbor. The boat continues to Corniglia, perched 100 meters up on a cliff without a port of its own, so you see it from the water as it overlooks the villages to the north and south. Manarola comes next, known for producing Sciacchetrà, the only dessert wine made in this area, and finally Riomaggiore—the second-largest town, with brightly colored houses stacked on the hillside and the start of the famous Via dell'Amore path visible from the water.

The boat stops at small, rocky coves that have no road access, giving you time to swim in the turquoise water and take photographs of the villages from the sea. Snorkeling equipment is on board if you want to explore below the surface. The marine protected area along the Cinque Terre coast makes these waters clear and calm for swimming.

As the sun lowers, the crew brings out a tasting of Cinque Terre pesto—made locally—along with focaccia, local wine, beer and water. The light on the cliffs and villages deepens as you sail, and the sundeck is the place to be for watching it happen. The whole tour runs two hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided boat tour with live commentary in English or Italian.
• tasting of Cinque Terre pesto and focaccia.
• local wine and beer.
• water.
• snorkeling equipment.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cinque Terre Sea Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Italian, so book this tour if you're comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. The fixed two-hour window means the sunset timing and all five villages fit into one afternoon without you planning the route or timing the light yourself.

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Top questions

What are the five villages I'll see on this boat tour?

The tour passes Monterosso (where the boat departs), Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Vernazzo is the smallest, built around a working marina; Corniglia sits high on a cliff without a harbor; Manarola is known for its dessert wine; and Riomaggiore is the second-largest town with colorful stacked houses and excellent diving spots nearby.

Can I swim during the two-hour tour?

Yes. The boat stops at small coves that are only reachable by water, and you have time to swim in the turquoise sea. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board if you want to use it.

What's included in the pesto tasting?

The tasting includes Cinque Terre pesto and focaccia, plus local wine, beer and water. Everything is served on board as the sun sets.

What time does the sunset tour depart and return?

The tour lasts two hours total and departs from Monterosso. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. The boat operates during the afternoon and evening hours when the light is best for viewing the villages.

Is this tour suitable for children and infants?

Yes. Infants and small children can travel; infants must sit on an adult's lap, and prams or strollers are welcome. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and service animals are allowed on board.