A Perfect Port Day: Sailing into Cinque Terre from La Spezia

Choosing a Shore Excursion: “Sail the Italian Riviera”

I have mixed views on cruise ship shore excursions (a topic I will definitely come back to another time!), but on this occasion I decided to let someone else handle the logistics. I wanted to maximise my time without worrying about ferry timetables or train connections along the coast. So I opted for Royal Caribbean’s shore excursion “Sail the Italian Riviera”, which combined time in La Spezia, a visit to Portovenere, a scenic cruise along the Cinque Terre coast and free time in Monterosso al Mare. It turned out to be a brilliant way to get a taste of this beautiful region in just one day.

Morning in La Spezia: Coffee, Croissants and First Impressions

After disembarking the ship by tender, we boarded a coach that took us into the town of La Spezia. It was the perfect gentle start to the day: time for a little stroll through the streets and, of course, a much‑needed coffee stop. I paired my coffee with a pistachio croissant and it was every bit as indulgent as it sounds. Soft pastry, creamy pistachio filling and that wonderful feeling of being in Italy, watching local life unfold around you before a day of exploring.

Portovenere: Pesto, Sea Views and a Pistachio Gelato to Remember

From the centre of La Spezia we boarded our ferry and set off toward our first destination: Portovenere. Although not one of the five official Cinque Terre villages, it is a UNESCO‑listed gem in its own right and an absolute delight. We spent the first ten minutes on board learning about Portovenere’s history and its striking setting, including the oceanfront Church of St Peter perched dramatically on a rocky promontory. Once ashore, we had free time to wander the narrow streets at our own pace. The area is famous for its pesto, so naturally I took every opportunity to sample it. Little shops offered tasters of fragrant green sauce made with local basil, pine nuts and olive oil, and it was impossible to resist. Before jumping back on the ferry, it was time for what turned out to be one of the highlights of the day: pistachio gelato. If you are a pistachio lover, this was unforgettable. Creamy gelato with thick ribbons of pistachio crème woven through it, rich and nutty and utterly delicious. It is one of those simple holiday moments that lodges itself firmly in your memory.

Cruising the Cinque Terre Coastline

Back on board, we set off for a 45‑minute cruise along the coast toward Cinque Terre. This was when the scenery really came into its own.

As we sailed, we admired the spectacular views of Cinque Terre’s postcard‑perfect seascapes and colourful facades: tiny villages clinging to cliffs, terraced vineyards stepping down towards the sea, and bright houses stacked up in a jumble of pinks, yellows and oranges. Seeing the “Five Lands” from the water gave a real sense of how remote and dramatic this coastline once was for the local fishing communities.

It was one of those journeys where you keep taking photos, and then putting your camera down just so you can simply sit and take it all in.

Monterosso al Mare: Wine, Pasta and a Hidden Gem

Our final stop was Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages. We began with a tasting of local wine, a lovely way to ease into our free time ashore and sample the region’s flavours. After that, we wandered off to explore the cafes and restaurants that line Monterosso’s streets. This is how we stumbled across a little family‑run spot, Tosco Bistrot, and decided to give it a try. It turned out to be one of those serendipitous travel finds you never forget. We were treated to some of the best pasta we have ever had, perfectly cooked and full of flavour, paired with a wonderfully refreshing drink: freshly made lemonade followed by prosecco. Simple, local and absolutely delicious.

Sitting there, in a tucked‑away bistro, with plates of pasta, chilled glasses in hand and the buzz of Italian voices around us, felt like the essence of what I love about Italy: fantastic food, warm hospitality and a real sense of place.

Back to La Spezia by Train

All too soon, it was time to make our way back to the ship. From Monterosso we hopped on the local train, which runs directly back to La Spezia. It was quick, easy and a nice contrast to the ferry journey earlier in the day, whisking us through the tunnels and along the coastline in no time at all.

Before we knew it, we were back on board Legend of the Seas, shoes a little sandy, camera full of photos and that happy tiredness that comes from a day of good food, sea air and exploring somewhere new.

Final Thoughts: A Flying Visit I Cannot Wait to Repeat

My time in Cinque Terre and the surrounding coastline was brief, but it made a big impression. From La Spezia’s gentle charm and Portovenere’s historic streets to the dramatic cliffs and colourful villages of Cinque Terre and the delicious discoveries in Monterosso, it felt like stepping into an Italian paradise full of flavour, beautiful scenes and intoxicating scents.

I would love to return and spend longer here, perhaps staying overnight to enjoy quieter evenings and early mornings when the villages are less busy. But as a day in port, this itinerary was absolutely perfect and I would highly recommend it to anyone cruising into La Spezia who wants a taste of the Italian Riviera without the stress of planning it all themselves.

If you are thinking about a cruise that includes La Spezia, or you would like to build Cinque Terre into a wider Italian itinerary, I would be delighted to help you piece it all together: from the right ship and shore options to extra nights on land, scenic trains and those little hidden bistros that turn a good holiday into a truly memorable one.

If Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera are calling your name, get in touch and I will help you turn that dream into your own colourful, flavour‑packed adventure.