7-Day Italian Riviera Yacht Itinerary–La Spezia to Portofino

The port city of La Spezia is an ideal place to begin your Italian Riviera sailing itinerary. The closest international airport is Pisa (PSA), approximately 40 miles away, and there are several marinas with facilities for yachts, such as Marina Del Fezzano and Porto Mirabello. Charters with a skipper or full crew are available from here, along with bareboat charters for experienced captains. There’s plenty to see before setting sail, with the city center close to the port, including the Naval Technical Museum, the Amedeo Lia Museum featuring art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, and the 14th-century Castle of Saint Giorgio, which hosts an archaeological museum and offers panoramic views.

Via del Prione is one of the main central streets offering shopping and dining, and you’ll find more along vibrant Corso Cavour. You can also mingle with the locals at the La Spezia Food Market, which offers local goods and various produce.

You’ll be awe-struck by the beauty of Portovenere. One of the best places to visit by yacht in the Mediterranean, it’s home to a pretty harbor, colorful buildings, and a promontory jutting out into the sea looking like a massive ship. You can dock in the Marina di Porto Venere harbor, widely regarded as the best for yachts with a wide range of facilities and services, although Marina del Fezzano is an alternative with the essentials. Simply strolling the picturesque harbor is enjoyable here, with the sea and Palmaria Island on one side and the other featuring colorful buildings. Along the way, find a seat at one of the waterfront cocktail bars or enjoy a meal at an enticing restaurant. 

It’s also possible to visit Porto Venere Regional Natural Park, which includes Palmaria Island, idyllic beaches, caves, and scenic walking trails, while the fortress-like Gothic-style Church of St. Peter sits atop a rocky headland, creating an Instagram-worthy scene. 

Riomaggiore is a charming Cinque Terre village that offers the liveliest nightlife in the region, with many bars and restaurants, although it’s not a party destination and there is no full-service marina. It does have a small, natural harbor framed by pastel-painted homes, with boats docking on the eastern side. Visitors enjoy wandering the quintessential colorful streets the Cinque Terre is known for while soaking up the enchanting atmosphere. Visiting the 13th-century castle, Castello di Riomaggiore, offers panoramic views of the sea and the town, easily accessible via a short walk from the center of Riomaggiore. There’s also a beach where you can relax among the beautiful scenery and enjoy a refreshing swim. If you’re up for a walk, as with all the villages in the region, you can take advantage of the numerous scenic trails.

Manarola is the hamlet that you’ll immediately encounter after Riomaggiore as the second of the Cinque Terre, coming from the Gulf of Poets. Due to its location, it’s very challenging for yachts to moor here, but it’s also a place that shouldn’t be missed. Especially popular among hikers, you might want to consider reaching it by walking the flat, easy path from Riomaggiore. The photo ops are nearly endless with the village built on a towering rock, made up of tall, narrow tower houses connected by a series of stairways and a network of narrow streets and alleyways known as carruggi. Incredibly tranquil, you won’t find much nightlife, but there are multiple outstanding restaurants for dining with a view.

Vernazza is often called the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages. It’s home to the only natural port in the region and has recently refurbished mooring buoys in the national park with access to the village by dinghy. History enthusiasts can explore an intriguing past that dates back to at least 1080, when it was a fortified town. Take a walk through the maze of streets and visit the ruins of Doria Castle for a glimpse at what it might have been like centuries ago. From the castle, you can also take in a stunning panoramic view of the village and the coast.

Beach lovers might want to toss down a towel on Vernazza Beach and relax while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. While the waves are often too strong for swimming, the pebbly beach is free and ideal for sunbathing. Strolling the main street, Via Roma, is a must, with its many shops and cafes, but you’ll also want to take time to simply wander, with many photogenic buildings housing stores that sell artisanal items throughout. Hidden alleyways will bring you away from the crowds and are ripe for discovery.

Monterossa is tucked between Punta Manara and Punta Mesco on the rocky cliffs, overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The largest village in the region, it’s also the only one with sandy beaches, as all the others are made up of pebbles. Anchor your vessel outside the harbor and access Monterossa by tender, or utilize one of the mooring buoys available, as the harbor is primarily for smaller boats and the local ferries. The village has two distinct areas with a newer and older section that are linked by a small tunnel. Just behind Fegina Beach and its long stretch of sand is the liveliest area with the main square, Piazza Garibaldi. It hosts a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

From the piazza, you will see the 16th-century Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista bell tower and the old market building out front. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the bell tower while getting an interesting look into the village’s past. Be sure to step inside the historic church too, which features beautiful stonework and frescoes.

Finally, Portofino provides the perfect end to your Italian Riviera sailing adventure, located within the Regional Natural Park of Portofino. Marina di Portofino is widely regarded as the best harbor with high-end amenities and all the services you might need. The typical Ligurian coastal village itself is surrounded by colorful tower houses that are arranged around the famous piazzetta. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine by the water and perhaps browse the upscale fashion boutiques. The Portofino Lighthouse, located at the tip of the promontory, can be accessed via a scenic walk from the piazza, renowned for its breathtaking views. 

There are several attractions to explore in Portofino too, such as Brown Castle with the remains of a watchtower dating to Roman times, the Romanesque-Lombard Divo Martino Church, and the Church of San Giorgio set atop the cliff, which is reached by walking the steep path from town.