Getting around by boat

The Cinque Terre, The island of Elba, The Isle of Capri, Portofino, and Genoa are just some of the many places you can visit in Northern Italy on modestly priced day excursions by boat using the services provided by the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico. There are also regular "shuttle" services between some local ports and trips to see special events such as fireworks displays. Timetables and prices are available at their English-language website: Consorzio Marittimo Turistico. Boat excursions are a relaxing way to see some of the beautiful and historic sights of Italy during your holiday.

Here is a general list of what's available;

Lerici - Portovenere Line

From about the third week in March this line runs an hourly "shuttle" service between Lericei and Portovenere which takes about 30 minutes each way. For an extra few Euro you can add a trip round the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto with panoramic views of Byron's Grotto, and the Grotta Azzurra along the way. The trip runs half-a-dozen times a day and takes about 40 minutes.

La Spezia - Portovenere Line

La Spezia - Portovenere shuttle

Departures from La Spezia: 09.15 - 10.00 - 11.15 - 14.15 - 15.30

Departures from Portovenere: 11.45 - 14.45 - 17.05 - 18.10

Return ticket € 6,00 - Reduced rate or one way only € 03,50

La Spezia - Palmaria Island (Terrizzo)

Departures from La Spezia: 09.15 - 10.00 - 11.15 - 14.15 - 15.30

Departures from Palmria Island: 11.50 - 14.50 - 16.45 - 18.00

Return ticket € 6,00 - Reduced rate or one way only € 03,50

Cinque Terre Line

Full day excursions leave every day from La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere, Levanto, Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Marina di Massa, and Marina di Carrara stopping at each of the five villages (Riomaggiore - Manarola - Vernazza - Monterosso).

There are also half day excursions from La Spezia, Lerici and Portovenere which stop for about an hour at either Vernazza or Monterosso.

For more information about the Cinque Terre see our sightseeing guide.

Monterosso - Vernazza - Manarola - Riomaggiore Line

This line runs a shuttle service from Monterosso to Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and vice-versa. The full trip takes only 30 minutes and does not include Corniglia, the middle (an least visited) of the five villages which stands aloof on a high promentory. There are nine or ten sailings each way from mid-morning to early evening making "boat-hopping" between the islands an easy and economical way to visit this fascinating area.

Elba Island

From mid-July to the end of August boats run from La Spezia, Marina di Carrara, Marina di Massa, Viareggio, and Marina di Pisa to the island on which Napoleon was imprissoned. the boats stop for about 4 hours at Marciana Marina.

The Isle of Capri

This excursion to Capri (Capraia) stops at the island for about 4 hours and affords wonderful views on the Italian coastline along the way. Departures from; La Spezia, Lerici, Marina di Carrara, Marina di Massa, Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Marina di Pisa. Departure days vary so please check carefully when planning your trip.

Portofino

Stopping for about 3 hours in Portofino and giving panoramic views of S. Fruttuoso di Camogli on the way, these trips run from early July into September. Departure days and times vary depending on your starting point. Departure points are; La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, Levanto, Bonassola, Deiva Marina, Moneglia, Viareggio, Marina di Massa, and Marina di Carra.

Genoa's Aquarium

Cruising along the most beautiful part of the Ligurian Riviera (Cinque Terre - Golfo del Tigullio - Golfo Paradiso) we reach Genoa for a stop of about 4 hours. Admission tickets for a visit to the renowned Genoa Aquarium and Porto Antico can be purchased as part of the price. Departures from La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere, Monterosso, Levanto, Viareggio, Marina di Massa, and Marina di Carrara.

Events

A series of "one-off" trips are run by members of the Consorzio Marittimo Turistico to special events which are held throughtout the year along the coast.