A 2025 Look at the Monterosso and Portofino Shore Excursion

So, you’ve got one day in La Spezia, and honestly, the Italian Riviera is calling your name. That’s pretty much the situation I was in, looking at a map and dreaming of those picture-perfect coastal towns you always see. The Monterosso and Portofino shore excursion sort of felt like the golden ticket. I mean, it promises two of the most famous spots on the Ligurian coast in a single, stress-free day trip. It’s actually a pretty big promise, and to be honest, I was a little skeptical about whether it would feel rushed. This trip tends to attract people who, like me, are docked for just a little while and really want to see the highlights without the headache of figuring out train schedules and ferries on their own. Basically, it’s for anyone who wants a taste of la dolce vita, even if it’s just for a few hours. This is my experience, kind of a play-by-play of what you can really expect for your own trip in 2025.

The Morning Kick-Off: Departing from La Spezia

Okay, the morning started out just a little bit chaotic, in a good way, of course. You know, you step off the massive cruise ship, and the port is a beehive of activity, with guides holding up signs for all sorts of different tours. Our meeting point was actually really easy to find, which was a relief. The guide was immediately welcoming, speaking pretty clear English and just had a very friendly vibe, which frankly sets the tone for the whole day. We were a moderately sized group, not too big, so it didn’t feel like we were some anonymous herd being moved from one spot to another. Actually, it felt a little more personal than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. At the end of the day, a good guide can make or break an excursion like this one, so we definitely felt lucky. For instance, getting started on the right foot is so important for your whole day’s mood.

So, we set off from La Spezia by ferry, and I’ve got to say, this was just about the perfect way to begin. Honestly, you could just feel the excitement building as the boat pulled away from the industrial port and headed for the open sea. The coastline along here is seriously stunning. You get these views of rugged cliffs and tiny, almost hidden coves that you would completely miss if you were on a train or a bus. The guide pointed out a few small villages clinging to the hillsides, and as a matter of fact, the “Gulf of Poets” really starts to make sense when you see it like this. The boat ride itself was pretty smooth, and there was just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable. It was one of those moments where you just lean back, feel the sun, and think, ‘yep, this is what a vacation is supposed to feel like.’ I mean, you can discover more about these fantastic coastal views online.

The journey to our first destination, Monterosso, took a fair amount of time, but it really didn’t feel long at all. In fact, it was a sightseeing opportunity in itself. The guide used the time to give us a little background on the Cinque Terre region, its history, and what makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site, and so on. It wasn’t a boring history lesson, though; it was more like sharing cool stories and fun facts, you know? He talked about the difficulties of life here centuries ago and the incredible effort it took to build the terraced vineyards on such steep slopes. Apparently, this is why the wine from here is so special. This kind of storytelling, frankly, makes you appreciate the place so much more when you finally arrive. We passed by the other Cinque Terre villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza—from the water, which was almost like a bonus tour. It’s pretty much the perfect way to see their unique character from a distance before we even stepped on shore.

First Stop Charm: Exploring Monterosso al Mare

Arriving in Monterosso is, well, just a full-on sensory experience. You hear the waves lapping against the shore, you see the crazy bright colors of the buildings and the beach umbrellas, and you can almost taste the salty air. At the end of the day, it’s the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages, and it feels a little more spread out and resort-like than I had pictured. The village is split into two parts, the old town and the new town (Fegina), connected by a short tunnel. Our guide gave us a quick orientation and then, what I really appreciated, set us free with a clear meeting time and place. This kind of gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, which is something I absolutely look for in a good tour. We could either wander aimlessly or follow his recommendations, which obviously is a great balance. Exploring the area on your own can lead to some really unforgettable personal discoveries.

Strolling Through the Old Town

Naturally, my first instinct was to head straight for the old town. You walk through the tunnel and it’s like you’ve been transported back in time, just a little. The streets, or ‘caruggi’, are really narrow and twisty, shaded by tall, pastel-colored buildings with laundry hanging from the windows. It’s so stereotypically Italian in the best possible way. We pretty much just wandered without a map, discovering tiny artisan shops selling local ceramics, lemon-themed everything, and handmade leather goods. I remember ducking into one little shop that sold nothing but pesto and olive oil; the smell alone was absolutely incredible. Seriously, you feel like you are really connecting with the local culture when you see these places. These are the kinds of memories that stick with you long after the trip is over, you know?

There’s a sort of peaceful, lived-in feeling to the old town, unlike the more bustling beachfront. You’ll stumble upon a small piazza with a 13th-century church, the Church of St. John the Baptist, with its cool black-and-white striped facade. It’s a moment of quiet history amid all the tourist activity, actually. We just sat on the steps for a moment, watching locals go about their day, which in a way, felt more authentic than anything else. You might see a nonna calling down from her balcony or kids kicking a soccer ball in the square. It’s those little human moments that really make a place feel real. You can basically find so many of these charming spots if you just take the time to look for them.

A Taste of Liguria: Lunch Recommendations

Alright, so after all that walking, we were definitely ready for lunch. Monterosso offers tons of options, from sit-down restaurants with sea views to quick, hole-in-the-wall takeaway spots. Our guide had recommended trying the local specialty, focaccia, and honestly, he was not wrong. We found a little bakery, a ‘focacceria’, where the warm, oily bread was just coming out of the oven. We got a huge slice topped with rosemary and sea salt, and just ate it while walking. It was simple, cheap, and quite possibly one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. At the end of the day, sometimes the simplest food is the best. If you are a foodie, you’ll be in heaven here.

If you have a bit more time or want a more substantial meal, there are plenty of trattorias serving up fresh seafood and, of course, pasta with pesto. Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, so you really have to try it here. I saw plates of ‘trofie al pesto’ going by that looked absolutely divine. The trofie pasta is a short, twisted local shape that’s just perfect for catching all that garlicky, basil-y goodness. And, of course, there’s the local white wine, which is crisp and light and more or less pairs perfectly with the local cuisine. Honestly, just picking a restaurant with outdoor seating and watching the world go by is a whole experience in itself. You can actually find lists of great local eateries to help you decide.

Sun, Sand, and Sea: The Monterosso Beach Experience

Monterosso’s biggest claim to fame in the Cinque Terre is definitely its beach. It’s actually the only village with a proper, long, sandy stretch, which makes it very popular. The new town, Fegina, is dominated by this beach, which is lined with rows of colorful umbrellas and lounge chairs that you can rent for a fee. The water looked incredibly clear and inviting. A lot of people on our tour, in fact, used their free time to go for a quick swim. You know, it’s a great way to cool off after exploring the town. We were a little short on time for a full-on beach day, but we did walk along the promenade and dip our toes in the Ligurian Sea. That’s something you definitely must do. There are even more details about the various swimming spots that you can check out before you go.

One of the most striking features of Fegina beach is the giant statue of Neptune, called ‘Il Gigante’, carved into the rock at the far end. It’s a bit weathered and beaten by the sea, having lost its arms and trident in wars and storms, but it’s still incredibly impressive. It kind of stands as a rugged symbol of the town’s relationship with the sea. Frankly, it makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. The beach area has a more modern, holiday feel than the old town, with gelaterias, bars, and cafes all along the waterfront. So, it’s pretty much the perfect place to grab a gelato and just people-watch for a while before heading back to meet the group. It is, arguably, the more tourist-focused part of the village, and has its own unique attractions to explore.

The Journey to a Jewel: Traveling to Portofino

Okay, so after our lovely time in Monterosso, we all gathered back at the dock to board the ferry for the second part of our adventure: the trip to Portofino. I mean, the mood was still very high, with everyone sharing pictures and stories from their free time. The boat ride from Monterosso to Portofino is actually a bit longer, but the scenery is, if anything, even more dramatic. You leave the Cinque Terre behind and head further down the coast, along a stretch sometimes called the “Dolphin Coast.” We didn’t see any dolphins, sadly, but the views were compensation enough, really. This part of the journey allows you to see other beautiful spots like Santa Margherita Ligure from the water. In a way, it’s a little teaser of other places you might want to visit next time.

As you get closer, the guide starts to build the anticipation for Portofino. He told us a little about its history, evolving from a humble fishing village to arguably the most famous and exclusive resort in all of Italy. He talked about the celebrities who have visited, from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to the modern-day jet set. This kind of context is really what makes the arrival feel special. You know, you’re not just going to a pretty harbor; you’re visiting a place that is literally steeped in glamour and history. It makes you look a little closer at the details when you finally pull into that famous little bay. Honestly, this rich background adds so much to the experience.

Afternoon Glamour: Discovering Portofino’s Magic

Basically, nothing quite prepares you for the moment the ferry rounds the headland and you see Portofino for the first time. It is almost impossibly picturesque. The water in the tiny, protected harbor is a brilliant shade of turquoise, and it’s packed with everything from traditional wooden fishing boats to some seriously impressive superyachts. The harbor is ringed by a crescent of tall, slender houses painted in beautiful shades of pastel—terracotta, ochre, pink, and yellow. It genuinely looks like a film set. Our guide gave us another generous chunk of free time here, with clear instructions on what we could see and when to be back. At the end of the day, you want to just soak it all in. You can see why this location is one of the most photographed harbors in the world.

The Heart of the Harbor: People-Watching in the Piazzetta

The main square, the Piazzetta, opens right onto the harbor and is really the heart of Portofino. It’s lined with high-end restaurants and cafes where, frankly, a single coffee can cost a small fortune. But, it’s all about the experience, you know? We decided to just find a spot on a bench and people-watch, which is an activity in itself here. You see incredibly stylish people, families enjoying gelato, and yacht crews polishing already gleaming fixtures. The atmosphere is very relaxed but also very, very chic. It feels a world away from the more rustic charm of Monterosso. So, in that way, the tour gives you a really nice contrast. You can learn more about the cafes and atmosphere before you even go.

A Walk to Remember: Castello Brown and the Lighthouse

For the best view of the harbor, you pretty much have to do the walk up to Castello Brown. It’s a fairly gentle uphill stroll through beautiful gardens, and the path is clearly marked. The castle itself is a historic fortress turned house-museum, and you can pay a small fee to go inside. Honestly, the real prize is the view from its terrace. You get that iconic, postcard-perfect shot of the entire harbor and the colorful buildings below. It’s absolutely breathtaking. It is arguably the best photo spot in town. Many guides will point out that the walk itself is as beautiful as the destination.

If you have the energy and time, I’d seriously recommend continuing the walk past the castle and out to the lighthouse, or ‘il Faro’. The path winds along the cliff’s edge, offering stunning views of the open sea. The lighthouse sits at the very tip of the peninsula. There’s a little outdoor bar there where you can grab a drink and just sit in awe of the incredible scenery. It feels a little more rugged and windswept out here, a real contrast to the perfect little harbor. I mean, it’s just a spectacular spot to end your exploration of Portofino. This part of the day, in some respects, was my absolute favorite, so check out some guides for this amazing walk.

A Shopper’s Paradise (or Window-Shopping Wonderland)

Away from the Piazzetta, the narrow lanes are home to a collection of incredibly upscale boutiques. You’ll find all the big names here: Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and so on. For most of us on the tour, this was more of a window-shopping experience, as the prices are definitely in the stratosphere. Still, it’s fun to look. The storefronts are beautiful, and it’s all part of the glamorous Portofino experience, right? Tucked in between the global luxury brands, you can still find some small, local art galleries and shops selling high-quality linen and leather goods, which feel a bit more authentic. So, basically, there is a mix of things to see. For those who love to shop, you can find a directory of all the top stores.

Is This Excursion Right for You? A Practical Breakdown

So, at the end of the day, is this trip the right fit for you? Well, you have to consider the physical side of things. There’s a fair amount of walking involved, often on uneven cobblestone streets and, in Portofino, up a significant hill if you want to see the castle. The villages are not exactly flat. So, if you have mobility issues, this could be a real challenge. You should definitely wear very comfortable shoes; this is absolutely not the day for stylish but impractical footwear. If you’re prepared for the walking, then honestly, you’ll be perfectly fine.

Let’s talk about time, because that’s really the key. Does it feel rushed? In some respects, yes, a little. You are getting just a “taste” of two incredible, but very different, places. You won’t have time for a long, leisurely three-course lunch or hours of sunbathing on the beach. However, given that it’s a shore excursion designed to fit into a single port day, the pacing actually felt pretty good. We had enough free time in both locations to see the main highlights, grab a snack, and take plenty of photos without feeling like we were constantly running. I mean, if you want a deeper experience, you’d need to stay for several days, but for a one-day tour, this is more or less perfect. You can find people discussing strategies to make the most of your time.

So who would really love this trip? I mean, it’s literally perfect for first-time visitors to the Italian Riviera who want to see the “greatest hits.” It’s great