84. ⚓ Gateway to the Ligurian Gems: Boating into La Spezia & Lerici
Not every great boating adventure begins in a sleepy fishing village. Some begin in a bustling naval port—La Spezia—and unfold into an elegant escape like Lerici, just around the headland. Together, these two Ligurian towns form the perfect prelude or finale to exploring the Cinque Terre or Tuscany’s northern coast.
For mariners, this stretch of the Ligurian Riviera offers modern marina services, historic charm, and access to one of Italy’s most poetic bays: The Gulf of Poets.
🗺️ Where Are We?
- La Spezia: A deepwater port city with top-notch marina infrastructure.
- Lerici: Just ~6 NM southeast, this picturesque town is tucked beneath a medieval castle.
- Both towns sit on opposite sides of the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as Golfo dei Poeti—a name earned thanks to Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and other literary romantics.
⚓ Marinas & Mooring
🚤 La Spezia – Marina di Mirabello
- Deep-water slips for yachts up to 130m.
- Full fuel, repairs, provisioning, customs, and crew services.
- Easy walking distance to the city center, rail station, and ferry lines.
⚓ Lerici Marina
- Smaller but well-maintained harbor near the town piazza.
- Suitable for vessels up to ~25m.
- Summer reservations are essential.
- Scenic mooring buoys also available in the outer bay (good holding, weather-dependent).
🌅 What to Explore from the Dock
In La Spezia:
- Naval Technical Museum – Italy’s maritime legacy on full display.
- Passeggiata Morin – Evening stroll with views of mega-yachts and ferries.
- Via del Prione – Buzzing with shops, trattorias, and local character.
In Lerici:
- Castello di Lerici – Towering medieval fortress with epic Gulf views.
- Beaches – Shelley Beach and Venere Azzurra offer clean water and gentle surf.
- Piazza Garibaldi – Grab aperitivo and soak up the sunlit charm of this historic square.
🍝 Dock & Dine Favorites
La Spezia:
- Osteria della Corte – A Michelin Plate standout for Ligurian cuisine.
- Trattoria Bellavista – Seafood with a local twist.
Lerici:
- Ristorante Il Delfino – Waterfront dining with exquisite pasta di mare.
- La Piccola Oasi – Hidden gem for risotto and grilled catch of the day.
🧭 From Here, Chart Your Next Course
- Cinque Terre: Only 7–15 NM to the iconic five villages.
- Portovenere: 4 NM west—perfect for a sunset sail.
- Elba Island or Tuscany’s Coast: Set off south along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
⚠️ Notes for Skippers
- La Spezia is a naval base: Mind traffic separation schemes and ferry zones when entering.
- Gulf of Poets offers protected anchorages, but be aware of shifting winds.
- Local fuel and mechanics are excellent—perfect spot for resupply before longer passages.
🌟 Final Thoughts
If Italy’s coast were a novel, La Spezia would be the well-organized prologue, and Lerici the lyrical first chapter. Whether you need a reliable base or a poetic escape, this dual-destination delivers depth, charm, and convenience in equal measure.
For boaters en route to Cinque Terre or beyond, docking here is less a detour—and more a sailor’s secret.