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La Spezia (Italy Riviera)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-20 00:27

Port La Spezia cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from La Spezia, Italy Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

La Spezia is a major port city on Ligurian Sea and in the Liguria region (northern Italy). By population (around 95,000), the city is ranked Liguria's second-largest (after Genova ). Located midway between Pisa and Genoa, La Spezia is one of Italy's principal commercial and military harbors (hosting naval base, Italian Navy's arsenal, navigation school).

The city is also one of the gateways to Cinque Terre (Italian Riviera) interlinked via regularly scheduled ships and trains. Maritime industries include a commercial port (cargo and passengers), shipyards, machinery production, refined petroleum.

Fincantieri (one of the world's largest shipbuilding companies ) owns the merchant shipbuilding yards Monfalcone , Marghera ( Venice ), Sestri Ponente ( Genoa ), Ancona , Castellammare di Stabia (near Naples ) and Palermo (Sicily) . The company also owns the naval shipyards Riva Trigoso (Genoa) and Muggiano (La Spezia).

Port La Spezia

Port La Spezia was established in late-19th century and is now one of the Mediterranean's largest seaports, particularly by containerized cargo volumes. The port is a natural harbor inside a bay protected by a 2,2 km long breakwater.

The port (locode ITSPE) has total quay length 5,1 km (3,2 mi).

The reported for FY2014 volumes were handled 15,7 million tons of cargoes and 483,564 passengers.

• Vado Ligure is a multipurpose terminal with capacity to serve world's largest cargo vessels.
• Calata Bettolo container terminal was expanded and reconstructed into multifunctional facility with capacity to handle world's largest boxships via long docks, large warehouses, bunkering.
• Container terminal's Ronco and Canepa piers were expanded by creating a new platform (with berths) and dredging the seabed to allow docking for bigger container ships.
• A port expansion project resulted in a 3rd port basin, building a new quay and connection between terminals Contship and Tarros. The project included reorganization of both yacht marinas (Canaletto and Fossamastra), which were moved to Pagliari quay (partly relocated to Mirabello).
• The cruise berth Garibaldi Pier was upgraded and expanded by restructuring of its western part.

In 2017, the cruise port handled 153 ship calls and around 520,000 passengers. The list of new/fisrt-time visiting ships included Freedom of the Seas  ( RCI-Royal Caribbean ), MSC Orchestra  ( MSC ),  Britannia  ( P&O UK ),  Queen Victoria ( Cunard ), Silver Muse  ( Silversea ).

On December 5, 2023, the Port Authority company signed a tender for a new cruise pier at Terminal Crociere della Spezia (on Calata Paita). The EUR 48 million construction contract was awarded to a consortium comprising three companies (Fincosit SRL, R.C.M Costruzioni SRL, Agnese Costruzioni SRL). The procurement contract was for EUR 47,894834M, with an additional EUR 542,462 for security charges. The project was co-financed by the PNRR (Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan). The cruise terminal's new pier is scheduled for completion and inauguration in 2025 (710 days).

La Spezia cruise terminal

In December 2015 was inaugurated the new cruise terminal "Golfo dei Poeti" (Cinque Terre Cruise Terminal) with an interior area sized 1500 m2 (16150 ft2). The new terminal can handle passengers on transition and roundtrip itineraries.  The facility has dedicated spaces for shipping operations and logistics.

La Spezia Port Authority is involved in a grand infrastructure development project for building a new urban waterfront complex, which also includes a new cruise terminal. Plans (designed by architect Tomas Llavador) are for 2 new ship berths (with lengths 393 m / 1289 ft, and 339 m / 1112 ft) and a new cruise terminal building.

In 2017 were upgraded Garibaldi Pier and the Port's turnaround basin, in order to handle the world's largest passenger ship - Symphony of the Seas (LOA length 362 m, volume 228000 GT-tons) which was scheduled for visit in 2018 (June 6th).

On December 5, 2023, the Port Authority signed the tender contract for Terminal Crociere della Spezia's new cruise pier (on Calata Paita) scheduled for completion and inauguration in 2025 (after 710 days). The new Cruise Pier is a trapezoidal-shaped structure (sized 16900 m2/181,910 ft2) with an open deck (mounted on cellular caissons). The Pier has two quays with lengths 393 m (1289 ft) and 339 m (1112 ft). Each berth can accommodate the world's biggest cruise vessels and both are fitted with shore-power points/connections (capabilities for cold ironing) .

The new Cruise Pier also incorporates a multifunctional square, serving as an interchange hub between the ship and the dock. The square primarily facilitates disembarkation functions and also forms the foundation for most of the new Maritime Station.

The most popular shore excursions operated from La Spezia are to Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre.

La Spezia tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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La Spezia - user reviews and comments

La Spezia, Italy

Port schedule.

La Spezia, Italy cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

La Spezia Cruise Port Guide Info

Due to its attractive geographical position and the proximity of the major Italian cities and tourist destinations such as Genoa, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, La Spezia is a vital cruis

• Arvia 6.264 passengers 21 Apr 2024 - 00:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 22 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 23 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Ascent 3.950 passengers 01 May 2024 - 08:00
• Odyssey Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 04 May 2024 - 07:00
• Arvia 6.264 passengers 05 May 2024 - 00:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 07 May 2024 - 07:00
• Oasis Of The Seas 6.563 passengers 08 May 2024 - 08:30
• Celebrity Ascent 3.950 passengers 09 May 2024 - 07:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 14 May 2024 - 07:00
• Mein Schiff 2 2.894 passengers 15 May 2024 - 07:30
• Oasis Of The Seas 6.563 passengers 15 May 2024 - 08:30
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 17 May 2024 - 08:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 20 May 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 21 May 2024 - 07:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 22 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 23 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• Celebrity Ascent 3.950 passengers 02 May 2024 - 18:00
• Odyssey Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 04 May 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 06 May 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 07 May 2024 - 18:00
• Oasis Of The Seas 6.563 passengers 08 May 2024 - 20:30
• Celebrity Ascent 3.950 passengers 09 May 2024 - 19:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 13 May 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 14 May 2024 - 18:00
• Mein Schiff 2 2.894 passengers 15 May 2024 - 19:00
• Oasis Of The Seas 6.563 passengers 15 May 2024 - 20:30
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 17 May 2024 - 18:00
• AIDAcosma 6.600 passengers 20 May 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Seaview 5.336 passengers 21 May 2024 - 18:00

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Cruises to Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

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• La Spezia Port Guide

La Spezia Shore Excursions

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La Spezia Italy Port Guide

La Spezia, Italy is a stunning town not far from some of Italy’s most famous cities like Pisa, Genoa and Florence. Historically, La Spezia was a prominent trade center during the Roman Empire. Today it remains not only one of Italy’s busiest port towns, but also home to the country’s largest naval base. As a stop on a Cinque Terre cruise, La Spezia is convenient, centrally located, and a little underrated.

The city is a major stop for a variety of Mediterranean cruises , and passengers often continue on to Ligurian cities like Cinque Terre, Pisa, or Genoa from La Spezia. Cinque Terre is merely a thirty minute westbound train from Stazione La Spezia Centrale, making it easy to explore the port of call and surrounding areas in a day or half-day excursion. Florence, too, is just two hours away—start your day on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and end the day looking up in awe at the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

From the La Spezia cruise port, you’ll have a view of commercial and passenger ships coming and going from the port’s plentiful canals and inlets. Don’t miss views of the Apuan Alps and Cinque Terre to the west. On your Cinque Terre cruise, the opportunities are plentiful to explore  inland cities and seaside towns alike.  

Cruises to La Spezia, Italy

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to la spezia, via del prione.

Step into the history of La Spezia with a stroll. Via del Prione divides the town, and marks the commercial centre of La Spezia, which is lined with shops and small businesses for you to explore.

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

Stop in at this church for a quick tour of one of La Spezia’s top historic sites, or stay for a service, since this church is still an active center of worship. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta (“Our Lady of the Assumption”) was originally built in the 15th century and has been rebuilt several times over the course of its lifetime. You’ll find the interior of the Abbey Church is teeming with marble statues, religious iconography, and sculptures dating back to the Renaissance.

San Giorgio Castle

San Giorgio Castle was La Spezia’s answer to fortifying the city during the 13th century. Its primary purpose was to guard the city against attack, but was quickly destroyed just eleven years after completion. San Giorgio Castle has since been restored in a decades-long process, and is now home to historic archeological collections. 

The Waterfront

La Spezia’s port area offers famously coastal views as you walk and take in the city. You’re not far from the historic city center, either. Take a leisurely walk—the Italians call this a “passeggiata”—to enjoy the city on foot before dinner and work up an appetite. At the waterfront, stop into a bar or trattoria for an aperitivo, and take in views of the Ligurian sea. 

Naval Technical Museum

History buffs rejoice — the Naval Technical Museum provides a peek into the history of the Italian naval and its technical elements. You’ll find figureheads, cannons, torpedoes, and model ships on exhibit there. A must-see for Italian history lovers and battle experts. 

View All Florence/Pisa (La Spezia) Shore Excursions

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Top Things to Do in Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre

Visit all five villages of cinque terre.

Though all the villages of Cinque Terre boast colorful building facades, steep terraces overgrown with herbs, spices, and vines, and a coastal lifestyle, each of the five is known for something different for travelers to experience while they’re passing through.

Monterosso is known for its rugged beaches and natural hiking trails, and a large statue called the Statue of Neptune keeps a watchful eye over the coastline of Monterosso. In typical Genoa style, the streets of Vernazza are comprised of caruggi (or “narrow lanes”) with views of the sea along each turn. Corniglia produces world-renowned Ligurian wines, like the Pollenza or the popular Sciacchetrà, and has breathtaking views of all five villages. In Manarola, you’ll find terraces filled with vines and orchards, a testament to nature and growth despite the altitude of this cliffside village. Riomaggiore is Cinque Terre's largest village, and the closest to La Spezia. Riomaggiore is home to historic murals, ruins, and small churches ready for exploration.

Trace Back Italian History in Lucca

Lucca is a city in Tuscany, founded by the Etruscans, and famous today for its intact, preserved Renaissance-era city walls. Lucca went on to become a Roman colony in 180 BC. Lucca holds specific historical significance as a city—in 56 BC, Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed the First Triumvirate in Lucca. Even Dante spent part of his exile in the city.

The walls encircling the old town remain intact even as the city modernized and grew into the Lucca we know today. Now, you can walk along these historic walls as part of a pedestrian walkway called Passeggiata delle Mure Urbane.

Explore Classic Art and Architecture in Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and its most populated city. Florence was a center for trade,  finance, and art, cementing the city’s wealth and status. While you’re there, see Michelangelo’s statue of David in person at the Accademia Gallery, or soak up views of the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, a vast Gothic structure decorated with pink, white and green marble, topped with a dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

See the Square of Miracles in Pisa

Although Pisa is renowned for the Leaning Tower, the city contains over 20 historic churches, medieval palaces, and multiple bridges across the Arno. Don’t miss the Square of Miracles, or Campo dei Miracoli, where the Tower of Pisa stands alongside four other buildings. Though you can’t miss it, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the highlight of the piazza, where its famous tilt continues to awe, inspire, and baffle architecture students to this day. The Leaning Tower of Pisa took 200 years to construct due to various wars and interruptions, but this white marble structure remains a lasting testament to beauty that can be found only in imperfection.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the La Spezia Cruise Port

The region of Liguria is known for its olive oil and wine. Pesto genovese, minestrone, and focaccia are traditionally Ligurian dishes, so this region’s cuisine won’t disappoint while on your Cinque Terre cruise. Since many Ligurian towns are coastal, seafood is a staple of the diet in Cinque Terre and La Spezia. One of the five villages of Cinque Terre, Monterosso, is famous for its anchovies.

Ristorante Miky - Monterosso al Mare

Address: Via Fegina 104, 19016 Monterosso

Find abundant seafood and traditional Ligurian cuisine at this highly-rated, upscale restaurant in Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages comprising Cinque Terre.

Regginella - Pisa

Address: Via di Gello, 134, 56123 Pisa PI, Italy

Located just two minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can indulge in pizza for breakfast here. What better way to start your day?

Enoteca Pontevecchio – Florence

Address: Corso dei Tintori, 21, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

This Florentine wine boutique specializes in organic, sulfite-free wines, and they offer wine tastings alongside cheese and prosciutto boards. Plus, you can purchase regionally-produced extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars while you’re there.

Trattoria Il Francescano – Florence

Address: Largo Piero Bargellini, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

This historic Florentine eatery is known for more expensive Tuscan plates in a beautiful, quiet space. This marble-filled restaurant is perfect for a romantic date while in Florence.

Trattoria dal Billy - Manarola

Address: Via A. Rollando, 122, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

Located in the village of Manarola, Trattoria dal Billy features incredible views of the terrace hillside of village below from a steep cliffside. Known for fresh, regional anchovies and local dishes including stuffed mussels and baked fish.  

Culture & History of the La Spezia Cruise Port

La Spezia is the second-largest city in the region of Liguria. The city grew slowly, but population boomed after the Unification of Italy. La Spezia was designated as a Naval base in 1861, and its population skyrocketed soon after, as La Spezia then became a major ship-building center. The town’s importance as a military facility also made it a target for bombings during World War II, and after the war, La Spezia was a major departure point for Jewish refugees heading to Israel.

Today, La Spezia’s is steadily becoming a major cruise ship destination. The port is able to accommodate two large ships at once with continued plans for growth on the horizon.

La Spezia Port Facilities & Location

From the port of La Spezia you have several shore excursion options available to you. The local port authority also provides a complimentary shuttle bus to the city entrance. From Molo Garibaldi, the commercial terminal, the historic city center is a a little over a mile walk. This can be a nice chance to stretch your sea legs after the cruise ship docks. The train station, called Stazione La Spezia Centrale, is about 2 miles from the port, accessible by foot or taxi.

Transportation in La Spezia

There are three main methods of transportation from La Spezia to other nearby destinations.

Find taxis readily available outside the terminal.

The train system in Italy is well-equipped to get you to many locations throughout the country. The train station is located near the city center, where you can catch a train to Rome, Florence, and other parts of Italy. There is also a commuter line available if you’re trying to get to the five villages of Cinque Terre.

The ferry service from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre is generally active during spring and summer. Note the ferries can have longer lines during peak times.  

Shopping Near the La Spezia Cruise Port

In La Spezia itself, you’ll find shops in Centro Storico, or the city center, which is walking distance from the La Spezia port. In Centro Storico you’ll find handbag stores selling handbags, leather goods,and boutiques, but more plentiful shopping opportunities await in Florence for designer and luxury items, or the villages of Cinque Terre for quaint, local goods. Note that most shops in La Spezia are closed on Sundays.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

Italy uses the euro as its primary form of currency. ATMs are widespread, and major cards such as Visa and MasterCard are largely accepted. American Express is recognized less commonly. Some smaller shops, trattorias, and hotels prefer cash, and it’s recommended not to rely on credit cards at museums or galleries in Italy. Tipping isn’t a common practice in Italy. Tips are already included in your bill in most trattorias. Providing a tip in taxis or hotels is optional, but you can round up to the nearest euro in a taxi if you are pleased with the service. At high end hotels, tip porters about €5 for helping with your bags.

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The season opens late in March and closes early in November. Additional Information: www.bestofcinqueterre.com

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Note: -----> - one way WITHOUT stops. -|-|-> - one way with stops. - return ticket without intermediate stops. - return ticket with intermediate stops.

Children up to 6 years: free. Unlimited for 1 day in the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, La Spezia: 41 euro. Unlimited for 1 day in the Cinque Terre, Portovenere: 41 euro. Unlimited for 1 day in the Cinque Terre only: 41 euro. Excursion around the three islands from Portovenere: 15 euro (5 euro if you buy the unlimited ticket). Tickets are sold ONLY for the current day. You can buy them online on navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it website or before taking a boat. 20% discount when buying a ticket that costs more than 41 euro after 2pm.

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FULL DAY TOURS! From Florence, Pisa, Milan. Read more

• Giro delle Isole
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• ITA    ENG    FRA    DEU    ESP   

Find the updated timetables of all our routes here, downloadable in pdf format.

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Important! All departure and arrival landing places are shown in our booklet of timetables.

Line 01 The Gulf of La Spezia

• Line 01 The Gulf of La Spezia (La Spezia - Portovenere - Lerici) - timetable in effect as of 23 March / 03 November download HERE >
• Line 01 The Gulf of La Spezia (Isola Palmaria) - timetable in effect as of 01 June / 15 September download HERE >

Check the cost of your trip based on the landing place of your departure, price list available HERE for Line 01 The Gulf of La Spezia .

Line 02 Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso)

Spring/summer.

• timetable in effect as of 23 March / 21 April download HERE >
• timetable in effect as of 22 April / 22 September download HERE >

Departures from Deiva and Moneglia, available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

• timetable in effect as of 1 July / 1 September download HERE >
• timetable in effect as of 23 September / 20 October download HERE >
• timetable in effect as of 21 October / 3 November download HERE >

Check the cost of your trip based on the landing place of your departure, price list available HERE for Line 02 Cinque Terre .

Line 03 Viareggio and the Apuan Riviera

Check the cost of your trip based on the landing place of your departure, price list available HERE for Line 03 Viareggio and the Apuan Riviera .

Tour of 3 Islands (Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto)

• timetable in effect as of 23 March / 03 November download HERE >

Check the cost of your trip based on the landing place of your departure, price list available HERE for Tour of 3 Islands .

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Cruises from/to La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy

La spezia (cinque terre), italy cruise port.

Marvel at the Tuscan scenery of La Spezia, Italy, part of Cinque Terre National Park that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five small villages. La Spezia is located near Florence and Pisa in a region considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. As such, you’ll find countless artistic displays, impressive architecture and – believe it or not – no car traffic. The lack of traffic makes hiking around the villages easier and leaves fewer distractions from the beautiful cliffs and coastlines. Since this is Italy, after all, you’ll also have to try the food and wine, some of the best in the world. Highlighted below are some of the most popular things to do when cruising to La Spezia, Italy:

• Head into the Tuscan countryside to tour an olive grove or vineyard and sample the local wines. Nothing pairs better with wine than the beautiful golden hills of Tuscany.  
• Explore nearby Florence with a trip to the famous Uffizi Gallery, home to several masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael and more.  
• La Spezia is a short distance from both Pisa, so you can take a short ride to either to enjoy sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza del Duomo and the Church of Santa Maria.  
• Eat your way through the region at a local restaurant by trying the various flavors of Northern Italy, including fresh baked breads, fine olive oils, fresh cheeses and dishes like panzanella or Florentine steaks.

Top 10 Cruises to La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy

• MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)
• MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Apr 2024 - Nov 2025)
• Odyssey of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPANISH TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2024)
• MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Cannes, France (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)
• MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Genoa, Italy (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)
• MSC Seaview 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Western CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Celebrity Ascent 9 NIGHT ITALIAN RIVIERA & FRANCE CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Apr 2024 - Oct 2024)
• Oasis of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Celebrity Ascent 12 NIGHT BEST OF GREECE & ITALY CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (May 2024)
• Oasis of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2024)

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• Cinque Terre
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The Cinque Terre is a fascinating coastal area of the Ligurian Riviera that includes the villages of Vernazza , Monterosso , Corniglia , Manarola , and Riomaggiore . Set among terraced cliffs and vineyards, it is also one of Italy's most beautiful natural oases .

On Ferryhopper you will find useful information on must-see places, beaches, local delicacies, and ferries to Cinque Terre! Take a look at our travel tips and book your ferry tickets to Italy with no hidden costs.

Vernazza's picturesque little balconies

Vacation in Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is a one-of-a-kind travel destination. If you are in Geno a on vacation, you should take advantage of the opportunity to visit the 5 most famous UNESCO Heritage villages in Liguria. Why? Because each one has its own personality and treasures to discover, from colorful houses climbing the hills to hidden beaches and breathtaking hiking trails.

A trip to the Cinque Terre will allow you to experience the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the local communities and unplug for a few days. Cinque Terre is ideal for a vacation with friends , couples, or family.

How to get to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre can be reached by train, ferry, or car (though this is the least recommended option).

The main train line connecting Milan and Genoa stops in La Spezia before continuing on to Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. In addition to regional trains , the Cinque Terre Express operates during certain months of the year, with departures every 15 minutes.

Getting to the Cinque Terre by sea is another popular option. From March to November, ferries depart from La Spezia, Portovenere, and the towns of Lerici and Levanto. There are also scheduled ferry trips from Genoa to Monterosso. More information on ferries to the Cinque Terre can be found in our dedicated section.

If you plan to drive to the Cinque Terre villages, keep in mind that the roads are quite narrow, full of curves, and very busy in the summer. In addition, parking in Cinque Terre is extremely limited.

Useful info : Cinque Terre is about 85 km from Genoa. You could combine two trips by taking a ferry from Sardinia or Sicily to Genoa and then continuing on to Cinque Terre.

Ferry docked at the colorful port of Portovenere

What to do in Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre offers a diverse range of experiences for those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. 

If you enjoy hikin g, there are several trails that connect the five picturesque coastal towns, offering breathtaking views of the vineyards and the sea. 

For some beach relaxation , head to the small bays near the harbors or rent a small boat to reach the wildest coves. 

Each Cinque Terre village conceals monuments , ancient churches , and a distinct food and wine culture . Wander through the towns' colorful houses, get lost in the alleys and squares, and enjoy a fish cone or a traditional focaccia. 

Choose your starting point and try to visit all of the Cinque Terre villages for a 360º experience!

Beaches in Cinque Terre

In addition to the beauty of the villages, the Cinque Terre is famous for its sea. Despite its steep cliffs and rocky inlets , this region has some sandy areas and well-equipped accommodations.

Here are the 6 best Cinque Terre beaches not to be missed:

• Fegina beach (Monterosso): it is the largest of the Cinque Terre and is close to the village's train station. The majority of the shoreline is sandy, with some rocks here and there. The sea is also crystal clear, with deep waters. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers are available on the beach.
• Spiaggia del Gigante (Monterosso): this small free beach near the marina gets its name from the imposing statue of the god Neptune that towers over the bay. As it is very crowded during the summer, we recommend going early in the morning to enjoy the sea in peace.
• Canneto beach (Riomaggiore): it is located just before the village of Riomaggiore and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Cinque Terre. It's a sandbar dotted with stones and pebbles, framed by a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Natural freshwater waterfalls also cascade down the rocks on one side. The only way to get to the beach is by boat.
• Fossola beach (Riomaggiore): this is a scenic cove with dark pebbles that can only be reached by sea. It is wild and sheltered from the winds. The cove is popular among locals and is located between the village of the same name and the promontory of Punta Montenero.
• Vernazza beach : this small cove among the rocks is near the boat pier and the Santa Margherita church. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, and the sandy section of the beach has a designated swimming area. It is a 5-minute walk from Vernazza station.
• Guvano beach (Corniglia): this wild little beach has been popular since the 1970s and still retains the hippie atmosphere of the time. It's a secluded spot with sand and white pebbles that's popular with naturists. At the moment, the beach can only be reached by sea.

The lovely Fegina beach in Monterosso

Sightseeing in Cinque Terre

Every village in Cinque Terre has its own unique charm, with alleys, small squares, ancient churches, and scenic viewpoints .

Don't miss:

• Monterosso's historic center and its caruggi (traditional Ligurian alleys)
• The Statue of Neptune (Monterosso), 14 meters high and weighing about 1,700 quintals
• The Aurora Tower (Monterosso), built in the 16th century.
• The Sanctuary of Soviore (Monterosso), the oldest in Liguria
• Monterosso's weekly market, held on Thursday mornings
• Vernazza's picturesque Marconi square , located in front of the small harbor 
• The Doria Castle (Vernazza), which also houses a museum
• The small gothic-style church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia (Vernazza)
• The Via dell'Amore (walk of love), a paved road overlooking the sea that connects Riomaggiore and Manarola
• The Bell Tower of the church of San Lorenzo (Manarola)
• Via Belvedere (Manarola), with its spectacular sea view
• The small port of Riomaggiore , one of the most picturesque in the Cinque Terre
• The church of San Giovanni Battista (Riomaggiore), which dates back to the 1300s
• The church of San Lorenzo (Riomaggiore), with its famous rose-shaped window dating back to the 9th century.
• The Riomaggiore Castle , built in 1260 and situated on a mountainous spur
• The Oratory of the Disciplinati di Santa Caterina (Corniglia), an 18th-century origin church located in town center
• The Lardarina staircase , which connects the train station and the beach of Corniglia to the village
• The pretty central square Largo Taragio (Corniglia)
• The panoramic terrace of Santa Maria (Corniglia), overlooking the sea

The village of Corniglia and its promontory surrounded by nature

Nightlife in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a peaceful getaway away from the usual nightlife. 

Restaurants, cafes, and bars with views of the sea make the villages come alive. You can walk around, spend an evening on the beach  and simply follow the slow pace of the Cinque Terre. 

For those looking for a more lively evening, the village of Monterosso al Mar e has a few clubs open until late at night. If you want to go to a club, we recommend moving to the livelier resorts of La Spezia and Sestri Levante .

Food in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre cuisine is simple and authentic. The flavor of the sea and local vegetables shines through in the dishes, which are enhanced by the region's exceptional extra-vergine olive oil . In addition to small restaurants with views of the sea , Cinque Terre focuses on street food and has something for everyone's taste.

Here are some delicacies to try during your trip to Cinque Terre:

• the anchovies of Monterosso (marinated, fried or even stuffed)
• Vernazza's tian de anciue , a dish of anchovies, potatoes, fresh tomatoes and various herbs made in the pan
• stuffed mussels
• mixed fried fishes
• the savory rice cake (with a puff pastry base and filled with rice, dried mushrooms, eggs, tomato and cheese)
• the Monterossina , a cake with several layers filled with jam, cream and dark chocolate
• local honey
• the Sciacchetrà raisin wine
• the lemons of Monterosso

Lemons from Monterosso, a Cinque Terre specialty

Here are 6 tips for an unforgettable stay in Cinque Terre :

• If you don't like crowds, we recommend you avoid Cinque Terre on weekends , during holidays  and in July and August .
• Plan ahead and make restaurant reservations well in advance so you don't have to wait in lines or risk not finding a seat.
• Every Christmas, the world's largest nativity scene , with over 300 life-size figures, is set up in Manarola . A chance to visit the Cinque Terre even during the off-season!
• The small archipelago of Portovenere, which includes the beautiful islands of Palmaria , Tino, and Tinetto, is located very close to the Cinque Terre. Add them to your travel plans!
• The Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area is part of the Pelagos Cetacean Sanctuary and is ideal for snorkeling or diving .
• The Cinque Terre is a hiker's paradise , and the Blue Trail is among the most beautiful hiking trails in Italy . Remember that it is always good to check the weather, have good physical condition and appropriate footwear. For more info on the trails, you can use the official App with maps of the Cinque Terre Park.

A part of the magnificent Blue Trail lined with olive trees and vineyards

Useful information about Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is divided into 3 municipalities : Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore (which includes the villages of Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia) and stretch along a 10-kilometer stretch of jagged coastline. 

The first town you will come across on your way from Genoa to La Spezia is Monterosso, the most populous of the Cinque Terre. Following that are Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, the easternmost village. You can visit Cinque Terre on a day trip or stay overnight, as there are several accommodation options. 

The largest village, Monterosso , has hotels, apartments, and family rooms. Vernazza is another option, and the majority of the hotels are located in the main square. If you want to stay somewhere quieter and less touristy, we recommend Corniglia , the only town that is not on the sea. Riomaggiore, on the other hand, is ideal for those seeking a more lively nightlife, whereas Manarola is ideal for a romantic getaway for couples.

The supermarkets in Cinque Terre are not well stocked, but you will find everything you need there. We recommend shopping in the larger towns of Levanto and La Spezia if you want to save money and have a wider selection. 

As for health care , the municipalities of Riomaggiore and Monterosso provide medical guards and first aid services to residents and visitors.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Cinque Terre

Here are some  useful contacts to keep within reach during your stay in Cinque Terre: 

• Municipality of Riomaggiore: +390187760211
• Municipality of Vernazza-Corniglia: +390187821247
• Municipality of Monterosso: +390187817525
• Carabinieri (Riomaggiore): +390187920112
• Carabinieri (Monterosso): +390187817524
• Carabinieri (Vernazza-Corniglia): +390187920112
• Medical Service (Riomaggiore): +390187507727
• Medical Service (Vernazza-Corniglia): +390187/800973
• White Cross Assistance (Riomaggiore): +390187920777
• White Cross Assistance (Monterosso): +390187817475
• Cinque Terre National Park Info Point (Manarola): +390187760511
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Cinque Terre

Once there, you can choose to travel between the Cinque Terre villages by foot, train, boat, or car. 

The Cinque Terre trails are probably the main draw for those who visit these places. There is a dense network of well-marked scenic trails connecting the various villages as well as the interior (as far as Val di Vara). Keep in mind that the sections of the Blue Trail between Monterosso and Vernazza, as well as Vernazza and Corniglia, are toll-free from March to November and can only be accessed by purchasing the Cinque Terre Trekking Card.

You can also take advantage of the ferries that connect the various locations for a breathtaking view from the sea . Driving between the Cinque Terre villages, on the other hand, is a bad idea due to traffic and parking issues. Furthermore, there are no gas stations in the Cinque Terre; the nearest are in La Spezia and Levanto.

The train , which connects all of the villages in a matter of minutes, is the most practical mode of transportation in the Cinque Terre. Trains travel through tunnels carved into the rock, providing truly breathtaking views of the coast. Furthermore, the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card provides unlimited second-class travel and allows you to get off at any station. 

Tip : visit the Cinque Terre National Park webpage to learn more about the Cinque Terre Card.

A regional train on its way to one of the Cinque Terre villages

Ports in Cinque Terre

Each of the Cinque Terre towns (except Corniglia) has its own small port and unique characteristics .

Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, and Riomaggiore have postcard-worthy ports . Colorful little houses, fishing boats, pleasure craft, restaurants, and small shops contribute to the lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The Cinque Terre ports are not only a stop for local fishermen, but also a tourist attraction . Ferries arrive from nearby towns on the Ligurian Riviera, and a variety of boat excursions depart.

Corniglia , on the other hand, is the only town in the Cinque Terre without a port due to its hillside location. To get to Corniglia, either climb the Lardarina steps (377 steps) or take the shuttle bus from the train station.

Useful info : the port of Monterosso is the only one with wheelchair access .

Cinque Terre ferry: schedules and tickets

During certain months of the year, you can take a ferry to the Cinque Terre from the ports of Levanto , La Spezia , Portovener e, and Lerici .

The ferry company  Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti operates daily routes to Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore from late March to early November . Ferries to the Cinque Terre leave Deiva and Moneglia 3 times a week until September.

You can book a daily , afternoon , or one-way ticket to the Cinque Terre, with the option of boarding and disembarking wherever and whenever you want along the route of Line 02. 

Ferry tickets to the Cinque Terre villages cost from €5 to €39 . Prices vary depending on the port of departure and ticket discounts. Keep in mind that children under the age of 6 travel for free .

Cinque Terre tickets are available at the embarkation docks and online. However, keep in mind that ferry rides may be changed or canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Useful info: the ferry operator Golfo Paradiso organizes day trips from Genoa to the Cinque Terre by boat. The itinerary includes a 3-hour stop in Monterosso and stunning views of all the villages from the sea.

The luminous village of Manarola and its small port at night

Where to book your ferry tickets to Cinque Terre?

At the moment, it is not possible to book tickets to Cinque Terre ports on Ferryhopper, but you can still do so on the ferry operators' website or directly from the ticket offices at the port.

In the meantime, check out our Map of ferries and find out all available ferry connections to Liguria .

Cinque Terre ferry timetable

View the complete ferry schedule from and to Cinque Terre for the upcoming week. Find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators and ticket prices.

Frequent ferry connections

• Golfo Aranci
• Porto Torres

Cinque Terre has direct ferry connections to 10 ports :

How to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia

If your cruise visits La Spezia in Italy, you should definitely consider visiting the beautiful Cinque Terre. In this post with accompanying video, we give you a step-by-step guide on how to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia cruise terminal , where to purchase the Cinque Terre Cards for unlimited travel for a day and we take a look some of the Cinque Terre villages themselves, including our recommendations of the ones not to miss.

We’ve created this guide specifically for cruise passengers who want to visit the Cinque Terre so we hope you find it useful.

La Spezia Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at the Molo Garibaldi dock, which can accommodate two cruise ships per day. We have visited La Spezia on P&O Arvia and Celebrity Edge.

When you first step off your cruise ship in La Spezia you will need to take a shuttle bus to the cruise terminal building.  There are no pedestrian areas in this cruise port so your cruise ship will organise a free shuttle bus to get you out of the port.

Ways to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia

Due to the limited transport links to the Cinque Terre you have two main options for visiting the Cinque Terre from La Spezia: train or ferry.

You can choose to do either or a combination of the two e.g. train to Cinque Terre and a ferry back to La Spezia.

If you decide to take the ferry back to La Spezia from Monterrosso (the furthest village in the Cinque Terre), you should allow two hours to ensure you don’t miss the cruise ship. 

On the train you can get from Monterrosso to La Spezia Centrale in around 28 minutes so it’s definitely the quicker option if you want to maximise your time in the Cinque Terre.  

Watch our video about how to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia.

How to get from La Spezia Cruise Terminal to La Spezia Centrale Train Station

Once you reach the cruise terminal building, you can take a 25-minute walk to the train station or get a taxi found across the road from the terminal building under the trees.

A taxi to La Spezia Centrale Train Station should be no more that €15 for two people sharing and takes about 10 minutes.

When you return to La Spezia Centrale Train Station at the end of your visit, we’d recommend walking back to the cruise terminal through the city centre.  It’s a nice leisurely stroll and the centre is pedestrianised. You can walk along the shaded promenade that leads you directly to the cruise terminal building.

What does the Cinque Terre Card include?

If you are planning to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia, you should definitely purchase a Cinque Terre Card.

The Cinque Terre Card includes:

• Unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains between La Spezia and Levanto
• Access to the Cinque Terre hiking trails
• Travel on the bus to Cornelia (from Manarola and Corniglia train station)
• WiFi access on the train
• Use of bathrooms at the train stations in the Cinque Terre
• Reduced admission fee to the Civic Museums in La Spezia 

To validate your Cinque Terre Card, you must write your name and sign the card.  It’s worth knowing that you have a unique username and password on your card for the WiFi on the trains.

Make sure that you keep your Cinque Terre Card safe as there are train conductors, who will check tickets to ensure you have bought a ticket and it’s correct.

How to purchase a Cinque Terre Card to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia

Once you reach La Spezia Centrale Train Station, enter and take a right and you will find the Cinque Terre Card office.

The staff in this office are very helpful and will be able to explain how the card works, answer any questions you have and give you a map of the Cinque Terre.

You can also purchase the Cinque Terre Card in advance online but be aware, you must specify the date you require.

One-Day Cinque Terre Card Price

The Cinque Terre Card price is the same, whether you purchase online or at the train station.

The advantage of purchasing the Cinque Terre Card in advance is that you don’t need to queue at the card office, you can simply start using it straight away (no validation required for e-tickets).

Cinque Terre Train Timetable

From La Spezia Centrale Train Station you need to find the correct platform for the Cinque Terre Express train going to Levanto. This will stop at all five villages in the Cinque Terre in the following order: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterrosso.

Trains run about four times each hour so whatever time you get to the train station, you’re never waiting too long.

You may want to download the train timetable in advance, before you visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia.

All of the Cinque Terre villages are short distances on the train. Below are the estimated travel times between villages on the Cinque Terre Express train.

If you want to visit Corniglia from the train station, you still need to walk up 377 steps or hop on the shuttle bus included with your Cinque Terre Card.

Visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia by Ferry

There is a ferry that you can take from La Spezia to the villages in the Cinque Terre.

This offers excellent views of the Cinque Terre from the sea but it is not included with the Cinque Terre Card. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry dock in any of the Cinque Terre villages. Prices are around €40.00 per adult.

Be aware that not all ferries from Monterrosso take you back to La Spezia, so check the timetable in advance. 

Cinque Terre: Visit Riomaggiore

The first Cinque Terre village you will arrive at is Riomaggiore.  It takes around 10-minutes on the train from La Spezia.

From the train platform at Riomaggiore, you can access the coastal footpath but you should only attempt this if you’re able to walk on uneven ground and don’t mind steps and a few inclines.

If you prefer to take a flatter route, exit the train station and follow the sign to Riomaggiore Centro.  You’ll walk through a pedestrian tunnel and into the village.

Riomaggiore means ‘major river’ from when a river ran through the village.  You can take some time to admire the view of the small harbour and pastel houses perched on top of the cliff.  Riomaggiore is one of the best places to hire a kayak in the Cinque Terre so if you want to see the village from the sea, do it here.

This is one of the most recognisable villages in the Cinque Terre and we would highly recommend stopping in Riomaggiore if you visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia. Not only is it very pretty, it is also the closest.

Cinque Terre: Visit Manarola

The second village you will come across on the train from La Spezia is Manarola.  This village has the most grapevines in the Cinque Terre and you’ll be able to see them on the large terraced hills.

At Christmas time until February, you can see the largest nativity scene in the world here.  There’s a information and the story behind this nativity displayed near the train station as you walk towards the town.

There’s only about 350 people who actually live in Manarola but this village can feel very busy once the visitors and tours start arriving. We’d recommend getting here early to enjoy the village before it gets too crowded.

From the train station you can walk down through the main street, which is lined with little cafes and shops.  There’s also some nice places to stop for a coffee by the waterfront.

You’ll see people swimming in the crystal clear waters or just sunbathing by the rocks.

Nessum Dorma is a terraced restaurant that has quite a big presence on Instagram, partly due to its incredible view of Manarola. During the day, it offers pesto-making classes (must be booked in advance) and doesn’t open for aperitivo and dining until 4pm.

We’d recommend walking to the viewpoint by this restaurant to take in the beautiful view of Manarola, even if you don’t decide to visit this restaurant.

Cinque Terre: Corniglia

Corniglia is the third village in the Cinque Terre and is the only one that doesn’t sit directly on the coast. This means that it is slightly quieter than the other villages but is more difficult to access.

You may choose to visit the Church of San Pietro or wander through the small warren of streets with bars and restaurants.

From the train station you can take the zig zag stairs to the village centre.

Alternatively, you can wait for the shuttle bus from Corniglia train station to the village. This is included with the Cinque Terre Card.

If time is limited, we would recommend skipping Corniglia and going to one of the other villages that are easier to access.

Cinque Terre: Visit Vernazza

Vernazza is the only village in the Cinque Terre with a natural harbour and the most authentic fishing village in the Cinque Terre.  We’d recommend spending plenty of time here when you visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia.  There’s a small beach and a square where you can sit and admire the view. 

You can watch local children crabbing from the side of the harbour and also see Sant Margherita Church built on the rocks and overlooking the sea. 

If you walk to the harbour wall, you can get a fantastic view of Vernazza and its terraced vineyards.

If you feel like Vernazza seems strangely is familiar, it may be because it was the inspiration for the village in Disney Pixar’s movie “Luca” .  

There are plenty of small cafes and shops in Vernazza’s narrow streets. There are take away options too, so you can buy some focaccia, sandwich or fried fish to enjoy by the harbour. There are benches on the square to rest your feet for a little while.

Cinque Terre: Monterosso

Monterosso is the beach resort village in the Cinque Terre. When you arrive in Monterosso you can walk out of the train station on to sea front. You will see that this village is definitely very different to the others in the Cinque Terre. 

Monterrosso can be divided into two parts with the long beach area near the train station.  If you take a left turn from the train station stay on Via Fegina, you’ll come to a tunnel that takes you to the old town.

Before the tunnel, you can also walk up to the medieval tower of Aurora.

The old town is a warren of small streets with lots of restaurants and shops.  We much preferred this to the beachfront area. 

Monterrosso has a long tradition of cultivating lemons and so you’ll be able to buy lots of Limoncello, lemon granita, lemon gelato, lemon cakes and soap here – there’s even a lemon festival that takes place here in May.

Top tips to visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia

• Visiting the Cinque Terre from La Spezia is do-able independently and we hope this guide has shown you how easy it is
• You can visit the Cinque Terre from La Spezia in one day on a cruise but it does mean that time is limited.  You could see all villages in the Cinque Terre but you wouldn’t be able to spend much time in any of them 
• We’d recommend focussing your time in Riamaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza because they are the prettiest villages in our opinion
• Start your day early because by lunch time the villages can get very busy with tourists
• Use the bathrooms in the train stations (free with the Cinque Terre Card) or buy a drink in one of the cafes and use the toilet there
• Cinque Terre is known for its wine, pesto, lemons and anchovies so try some of the local food during your visit
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk any of the coastal footpaths
• Keep your Cinque Terre Card safe as there are train conductors who will check your ticket on the train

If you have any questions about La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, please leave them in the comments section and we’ll try our best to answer them. 

Check out our guides to seeing other Mediterranean cruise ports .

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

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La Spezia, Italy

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Italy’s scenic riviera with charming Cinque Terre

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24 Sep 2025

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights.

Bolette will take you to visit a string of charming towns perched on coastal cliffs, including the emerging gem of Cinque Terre, Corsica’s quaint Bonifacio, and the picturesque village of Portofino. You can experience the allure of the Italian Riviera while immersing yourself in authentic culture and cuisine from indulging in fresh seafood to savouring focaccia and pesto in its place of origin, Genoa. Beautiful Cinque Terre, known for olive growing and winemaking, will enchant your taste buds with trofie pasta, zesty lemons and local wines like Sciacchetrà. You can also uncover the region’s rich maritime history, particularly in Genoa, home to ancient city walls and the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus.

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Scenic Coastal Cliffs and teetering towns

Translated as “Five Lands”, the emerging treasure of UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre is an iconic stretch of coastline comprising of five colourful fishing villages, renowned for its natural beauty and unique pastel-coloured terraced houses. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore all have their own distinct characters and offer unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea. Portofino exudes timeless charm with buildings perched on rocky hillsides, and cobblestoned streets winding through the village, surrounded by lush greenery and azure blue waters. The Corsican town of Bonifacio is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, where ancient forts seem to cling on precariously. Home to streets filled with medieval structures, the town’s historical architecture blends perfectly into the natural beauty of its rugged coastline.

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La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita, translating as 'the good life', is the perfect way to describe this Bolette cruise. A trio of Italian towns offer a delectable range of culinary experiences for you to try. In Portofino, sample the freshest and most delicious seafood in local restaurants, set against the backdrop of the town’s scenic beauty; while in Genoa, we reocmmend you try Pesto alla Genovese, which originated here. Focaccia bread is another locally produced favourite, often served with just a drizzle of good quality olive oil, so be sure to enjoy them both in an authentic Italian setting. Seafood also takes centre stage in Cinque Terre, with fresh catches transformed into mouthwatering traditional dishes. Fishing and agriculture in the Cinque Terre region reflect its traditional roots, particularly the long-standing practice of olive growing. Terraced vineyards and olive groves rest on steep cliffs, displaying the ingenuity of the locals who produce some of the most flavoursome olives in Italy. Genoa is also well-known for its rich history of craftsmanship, with a particular focus on the intricate art of lace-making, known as ‘merletto’, which has been practiced here for centuries. Delicate lace patterns are meticulously created, and are celebrated for their fine detail and exquisite quality.

Maritime History

Genoa’s maritime history is a tapestry of global influences, and was known as a commanding force during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The city’s shipbuilding industry and maritime trade networks enabled Genoese sailors and explorers to play a pivotal role in discovering new continents. Christopher Columbus was born here in 1451, and spent much of his childhood in the city before leaving to discover the New World. La Spezia is home to Italy’s largest naval base, which still produces warships for the Italian Navy; and Cinque Terre was seen as a strategic coastal location for pirate attacks. This resulted in the construction of watchtowers and fortifications to prevent further occurrences and which can be climbed still today.

Cruise Itinerary

Life On Board

Introducing bolette.

With just 690 cabins Bolette fits perfectly in our fleet of smaller ships. With her warm, welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising.

Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Bolette is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.

Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

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We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Dr. Armida Luciana Bordi

Local of Genoa, Dr. Armida L. Bordi, will be joining us on board to provide valuable insights into Italian culture and the local way of life.

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Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.

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In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabin Options On Your Cruise

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B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins on Bolette are on decks 6 and 3, with a picture window.

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Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower

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The Cinque Terre

Jean roberts, five ancient and remote villages on the, rugged northern italian coast......

Monterosso al Mare ,  Vernazza ,  Corniglia ,  Manarola , and  Riomaggiore are the five small towns that make up the Cinque Terre, the Five Lands. The first settlers came in about 1100, and cultivated the slopes in order to plant grapes and olive trees. These terraces were built with dry stone walls, an art. These people were self sufficient, living off the sea and the land. Forts were built to protect the towns from pirates.

Until 1870 the towns were virtually isolated, and then the railway was put through. After that the towns were not isolated, but people became less self sufficient and there was a lot of emigration.

In 1970 an American wrote about the lovely villages, and tourism began. Now most of the hillside terraces are still used, and the fishing continues to a lesser degree as the inhabitants cope with tourism but want to keep up their traditional customs.

Today the cruise ships and tours bring hundreds of tourists each day to visit the Cinque Terre. Yes, it is crowded, but the charm is still unchanged.

Getting there by excursion....

Cruise ships have tours that go to three or four of the Cinque Terre villages. As always, cruise excursions are good because the ship will wait if your tour has difficulty and the passengers are late. They are expensive, however, and sometimes use difficult routes that are hard for some people. As a personal experience..... the bus took us to Manarola, and because there is no road access into the town, we were let off the bus high on the hill. The first bit was to come down a steep slope on uneven steps (the photo beside), easy for younger people, but three of the older women in the group had difficulty.

Then there was about a kilometer of quite steep paths and more steps down to the waterfront - the bus drop-off point was 380 feet above sea level. The rest of the tour was fine - by boat to Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, and then back to La Spezia by train.  Check the difficulty of the excursions. and understand that they can be tricky for some people.

©2018 Google   ©2009 GeoBasis-DE BKG

Getting there on your own by boat......

The boat (passenger ferry) leaves La Spezia from the waterfront, a short walk from the cruise port terminal, so it is handy. It goes about every hour, so check the times on-line, and the schedule is different off-season. Of course, taking the boat will depend on the weather - if it is raining or windy the trip would not be pleasant, or the boat may not go at all. The boats go to  Portovenere and then it appears that you transfer to another that goes to the villages of the Cinque Terre. (See the section on Portovenere.)

This is about a two hour boat trip to the farthest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso Al Mare. This is wonderful in nice weather, and you get to see the villages from the sea - and that's the only way Corniglia can be seen.

Going both ways by boat and walking the villages would take too long, so it is suggested that you do a combination of boat and train.

Getting from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre by train.....

The train station in La Spezia is 2 km./1.25 miles from the cruise port terminal. Walk down the waterfront to the end - there is a traffic light on the waterfront street. Turn towards the town and walk straight up the street, Via Prione. The street curves sometimes and the name changes, but stay on it, walking as straight as possible and you will come to the station. Don't walk under the tracks, the station is on the near side, to your left. (There is a somewhat shorter route, but the chances of getting lost are much higher.)

Or...... get a taxi from the cruise terminal.

Check the train schedules. They run about every half hour during the day in peak season.

This is a fast way to travel - you can be at Monterosso al Mare, the farthest of the villages, in 30 minutes. The trip is not attractive as most of it is in tunnels, just poking out long enough to stop at the towns.

It is also inexpensive. If you are going both directions by train, you can get a Cinque Terre day card for 13 Euros in the off-season and 16 Euros in peak season, and get on and off as you please - or about 2 Euros between towns. 

Understand that this is Italy, and delays are only to be expected. I stood on the platform in Monterosso al Mare for close to an hour as a pickpocket had locked himself in a train bathroom.

Or use both boat and train.....

Depending on the weather and your interests, combine the two. Perhaps go to the farthest village, Monterosso al Mare by boat, and then take the train between the villages - or take the train to Monterosso and use a combination of train and boat, getting off at each stop for exploration.

Monterosso al Mare

©2018 Google     Image©2009 TerraMetrics

Train station                                 ferry docks        the old town

We are starting at the north end of the Cinque Terre, the farthest from La Spezia.

Monterosso al Mare is different from the other four towns on the Cinque Terre. It is along the shoreline and up two valleys that widen out as they reach the sea. The train station is between the valleys, and as you come down to street level in the station, turn left to the older part and right to the newer part of town. Monterosso has beaches, and you can rent a big umbrella in all three parts of town.

Walk to the left first - along the sidewalk by the edge of the beach. The path goes into a tunnel (photo beside top), and when you are through it, you are in the old part of Monterosso. Walk up the main street by the church with the bell tower (photo beside). There are lots of shops, restaurants and colourful buildings for good pictures. There are lots of outdoor restaurants with great Italian food.

When you have had a look, walk back through the tunnel and past the train station to see the newer part of the town. Here are apartment blocks and more modern architecture - and cars..... the only place in the Cinque Terre to allow cars.

©2018 Google    

Vernazza is a favourite! It has the only natural port of the Cinque Terre, so was important from the 11th century onwards. By the 1300's there were dreadful raids by pirates, and the port was fortified with a wall that still can partly be seen from the ocean, and a castle and lookout tower, standing on the point of land.

Vernazza has many terraced vineyards, some built in the late 1800's when the town became well known for wine making. You can see them in the air photo above. This doesn't show how steep the hills are!

The harbour is dominated by the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia of Vernazza. It is thought that it has been there since the 1100's, and renovated in the 16th century. The main square at the harbour is colourful with umbrellas over the restaurant tables, and as in three of the Cinque Terre towns the main street has the little boats parked, as there is no room in the harbour for them. The train station is over the main street.

It is possible to climb to the castle and tower above the harbour entrance, but the way is a bit difficult to find - there are steps and passages up between the houses. There is a marvelous view from the castle deck, and even better from the top of the tower. There is a small charge to climb the tower.

Corniglia is different from the other Cinque Terre villages, as it isn't actually on the sea. It is on the top of a rocky cliff, so is less touristy. If you go on the train, there are 33 flights of brick stairs, with 382 steps to get to the town....., or a long winding road.

It is named from the Roman family who originally owned it.

Martin Stiburek ,  Vernazza 626 ,  CC BY-SA 4.0

Lynda Thompson

Riomaggiore.

The train to Riomaggiore stops just to the north of the town, and there is a 5 minute walk through a tunnel.

The colourful houses on the steep hills often have a door at the bottom and another door at the back, three or four stories up. This was useful when the town had attacks from the pirate Saracens.

The town is in two parts - from the overpass the section below  by the sea is the place of the fishermen. There are the little boats on the streets, and nets, floats and other fishing gear there for use and for decoration. 

Above the overpass is the section for the vineyards and wine-making.

The towns of the Cinque Terre are lovely.  If they are on your bucket list, I hope you get to enjoy them!

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Cinque Terre and cruise ship schedules

Our upcoming trip back to Italy next month is almost upon us and I’m so excited. Thank you to everyone on this forum as reading all your comments have helped us with our plans. I just have a few more details to confirm.

We will be spending three nights in Cinque Terre, arriving from Milan around 1pm. We will have spent the previous night in Milan due to a 9:30pm arrival from the US. I had planned on dedicating the rest of the day of arrival and one full day exploring Cinque Terre, and one day exploring outside the five towns. I had been checking the La Spezia terminal schedule to see how many ships would be docked on the days we are there. My question is do the ships in Livorno also bring in their passengers for day trips to the Cinque Terre? I know that the best time to enjoy the towns are before and after the cruise day trippers but just wanted to get an idea of what our experience might be like. Thank you.

"My question is do the ships in Livorno also bring in their passengers for day trips to the Cinque Terre?"

Sometimes, but the main day trips for cruisers from Livorno are Florence and Pisa.

The answer may depend on which excursion options are chosen by passengers. The Cinque Terre is likely one of the options offered on ships that dock in Livorno. I would expect that the number of cruise ship day trippers will be decreasing in October, so you may not have to much of a problem. As you plan on spending one day exploring outside the five towns, you shouldn't have any problems with cruise hordes on that day.

Which of the five towns will you be staying in?

We will be in Monterosso. Of the two full days there, there is one ship docked in La Spezia on the first day and none on the next day. However, Livorno will have 4 on the same day! So that may be the day we go to either Portofino/SML or Portovenere (still deciding between the two).

Harold, thank you. That's good to know as there are less ships from La Spezia

This doesn't have to do with cruise ship schedules, and you may have already read this advice, but wanted to let you know that we were there last Oct 5-8 (stayed in Vernazza). When we were on the train from our flight to Pisa, I was very concerned as we were packed in like sardines. But we absolutely loved our time there and would go again (although probably not in the summer). We spent some time in Manarola, and when we walked away from the harbor taking RS's self walk, there were hardly any people and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Our other full day we spent some time in Monterosso, hiked back to Vernazza, and also took the walk past the train station that afternoon for beautiful views. Mornings and evenings were delightful and we met some wonderful people. Enjoy your time there!

Debbie, so glad to hear you had a great experience. We have tried not to let other comments that warn of overcrowding and disappointing experiences discourage us. I believe it's all managing expectations. We're looking forward to it!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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7 replies to this topic

https://cruisedig.com/ports/la-spezia-italy/arrivals

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Riomaggiore:

https://tinyurl.com/3ju7vy47

https://tinyurl.com/2r345mr7

Thank you Greggie & Francophool!

It depends on what you do during the day. It may or may not impact you if cruise tours are in town. For us, we are either hiking or at the beach so it is of no consequence other than walking within a village.

We plan to try to hike Monterosso to Vernazza and possibly on Vernazza to Corniglia one day, starting early-ish like 7 or 8 so we finish by mid-day. Was planning to stay in Monterosso, so then I figured after that hike and lunch, we could go back there and relax either at the beach or our hotel for a bit during the hotter and more crowded afternoon. Then go back out in the evening to visit another place - maybe a short hike like Riomaggiore ring if we're energetic enough and dinner / sunset there. Then the next day ferry to Porto Venere and stay a few hours... not sure there is too much to do but wander around a bit it seems (?). On the return ferry get off for another hike starting in late afternoon, maybe disembarking Manarola , short wander around there, bus to Volastra and then hike to Corniglia from there. The last day half day we have after that would just be flexible for what we missed or wanted more time for. Our main goal for our trip is to have some nice hikes (up to 4 hours at a time) and enjoy the scenery and maybe get a bit of beach time (but would only go for 1-2 hrs at a time... we're not the types to sunbathe all day). Thanks for any suggestions :)

The suggestions I would give, based on your comments, are as follows:

Hikes between villages are strenuous because of vertical elevation, rather than distance or time. I cannot think of any inter village hike that takes close to four hours other than riomaggiore to Portovenere , which is more than four.

Make reservations at a beach if you want loungers and an umbrella. The public beaches offer no shade and are packed. Not our style, but they are free.

In general, cruise ship crowds are parasitic and do not offer much of a benefit to the villages as they simply wander around, use the infrastructure, and spend little (comparatively speaking). Since they are on a schedule, they don’t hike as much (except for perhaps one of the blue trails) but, in general, the demographic that enjoys a cruise vacation generally doesn’t enjoy a cardio workout, Since they don’t have reservations on a beach usually, they wander along the beach searching for the elusive chair in the shade while baking in the sun looking unhappy.

Once the late afternoon hits, they clear out. They will use the ferries and trains so those will be negatively impacted during the day.

Your take on Portovenere is correct but it is a bit larger and there are some nice historical sites,

Your timing for hikes depend on the route. If you start at your stated time at 7am and did a blue trail from Monterosso to Vernazza, and on to Corniglia, you will finish by mid morning, not mid day. Instead, take the route to Soviore and down to Vernazza for an arguably far better experience or go over to Levanto. Vernazza to Corniglia via La Cigoletta is beautiful and gets you up quite high, taking far longer than the lower trails, instead of busing to Volastra, hike from Manarola to Volastra and down to Corniglia. Instead of a short level and downhill trail, it will take a bit more time.

Of course, these suggestions assume a reasonable level of fitness but your post states a desire to hike.

If we couldn’t or wouldn’t hike and go to the beach, the 5T would be a one and done vacation as there aren’t a large number of major sites to visit and the villages are so tiny, they can be done in a very short time. Training between them takes minutes and even the ferries are fairly quick, offering great views.

As you can tell, our strategy for coping with cruise crowds is to simply avoid them, and they don’t impact us much. Explore the villages in the morning and evening rather than mid day. Hike and beach mid day instead,

Thank you - having the specific suggestions of some trails to consider is helpful! I will look into them.

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