Here I am in my fourth day of 60 in Italy. I was talking to a couple about Cinque Terre, and they suggested a water vessel from La Spezia. Anyone familiar with that mode of transport?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
It is the same boat service discussed on p. 349-50 of Rick's Italy book, but the route to or from La Spezia takes longer, probably with a connection at Porto Venere. See schedules at www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it. You might prefer to get to your hotel quickly by train and drop off luggage before enjoying a boat ride.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
Yes. I took it last summer (2014). At that time I bought tickets from a ticket office inside the port building at the entrance to the port. The actual boat is a short walk (maybe 1/4 mile) down the waterfront. Tickets were cash only.
The views from the water are great. You will have a layover in Porto Venere in both directions. It was very brief on our way out, but almost 45 minutes on the way back.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
Well, let me say you are on to a very good idea. We have gone by ferry twice from Portovenere, not from La Spezia. I think everyone who wants to see 5 Terre should see it from the sea. It is a different perspective. You can overnight in Portovenere, or stay longer, if you want. You can get off the ferry at any of the towns. One caveat, it is weather dependent. Seas can be quite choppy along the coast.
Do it, you won't regret it. La Spezia or Portovenere.