Located in the Gulf of Poets, La Spezia is the southern gateway to the Cinque Terre, making it an ideal starting point for trips to the famous coastal villages. The city itself also boasts a number of interesting attractions, such as the Castello di San Giorgioand theMuseo Tecnico Navale.
For shopping, the vibrant Via del Prione is the perfect spot, but a visit to the Piazza Giuseppe Verdi and the Morin Promenade, with its breathtaking views over the gulf to the Apuan Alps, is equally rewarding. Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the typical Ligurian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.
In the surrounding area, you'll find picturesque villages like Portovenere, along with countless hiking trails in the Montemarcello-Magra Nature Park. The five villages of the Cinque Terre are easily and conveniently accessible by train or boat, while the coastline offers fantastic opportunities for boat trips and sailing.
Top Highlights of La Spezia
Activities
Discover the Charm of the Old Town
Explore the Middle Ages
The is an impressive fortress that towers over the city, offering visitors a stunning view of the sea and the harbor. Originally built in the 13th century as a defensive structure, the castle now houses an archaeological museum showcasing finds from the region.
Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
The Cinque Terre
La Spezia’s proximity to the Cinque Terre makes it the perfect base for those wanting to explore Italy’s most stunning coastal villages. A key advantage is the wider selection of accommodations and restaurants, offering better value for money. A short train or boat ride will take visitors to the charming fishing villages, famous worldwide for their colorful houses and narrow streets.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasantly mild and the crowds are smaller.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is perfect for outdoor activities. Temperatures rise from an average of 11°C in March to a comfortable 18°C in May, with generally mild weather and moderate rainfall. April and May, in particular, are ideal for exploring La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, thanks to the blooming nature.
Summer (June - August)
Summer in La Spezia is warm to hot, with temperatures often ranging from 24-29°C in July and August. The sea also warms up to a pleasant 25°C, making it perfect for beach lovers. The summer months are dry, especially July and August, with very few rainy days. As this is the peak tourist season, the Cinque Terre tend to be quite crowded.
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn, particularly September, still offers pleasant, warm weather with temperatures around 21-25°C, though rainfall becomes more frequent, especially in October and November. Early autumn provides a peaceful alternative to summer, making it ideal for hiking and enjoying the scenery. By November, it cools down, with average temperatures around 13°C.
Winter (December - February)
Winter is cool but rarely very cold. Average temperatures range from 8-10°C, with occasional rainfall and high humidity. Snow is extremely rare in La Spezia. Winter is the quietest season.
Getting There
La Spezia’s well-connected train station makes it easy to reach all nearby attractions—there’s no need for a car. The city is strategically located between the main routes of northern and central Italy.
By Air
The nearest international airports are Pisa (PSA) and Genoa (GOA), both about an hour away and easily reachable by train. Alternatively, airports in Florence and Milan are also options, with longer but manageable train or rental car connections.
By Train
La Spezia Centrale is the main train station, conveniently located in the historic center. From here, there are regular trains to the Cinque Terre (around 10 minutes to Riomaggiore), as well as direct services to cities such as Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. The Cinque Terre Express trains provide a fast connection between the villages.
By Car
La Spezia is well-connected by highways A15 (Parma–La Spezia) and A12 (Genoa–Livorno). The "La Spezia-Santo Stefano" exit leads directly into the city. However, traffic in the city can be heavy, and many central areas are car-free or have limited access (ZTL zones). There are also scenic coastal routes around La Spezia, such as the Litoranea, which offer stunning views of the Gulf and the Cinque Terre.
By Ferry
During the warmer months, ferries run between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, Lerici, and Portovenere. These routes are known for their breathtaking coastal views and depart from the harbor at Passeggiata Costantino Morin.
Culinary Delights
The cuisine of La Spezia is influenced by both Ligurian and Tuscan traditions, reflected in its hearty and authentic specialties. The region is known for simple dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Seafood
Regional Classics
Some of the region's signature dishes include Testaroli, a type of flatbread that is boiled in water and served with pesto or cheese. A similar dish is Panigacci, served hot and often filled with cold cuts or cheese. Another favorite is Sgabei, fried yeast dough served either plain or filled, typically as a snack or appetizer.
Traditional Soups & Stews
The vegetable soup Mesciüa, made from a mix of legumes and grains, is an ancient dish traditionally enjoyed by the dockworkers of La Spezia. It represents the simple, nourishing cuisine of the region. Another typical dish is Minestrone alla Ligure, a vegetable stew enhanced with pesto, as well as savory vegetable or rice pies, which are widely enjoyed in the area.
Wine and Desserts
A typical meal is complemented by regional wines such as the Ligurian Vermentino, along with the dessert wine highlight Schiacchetrà from the Cinque Terre. For a sweet conclusion, you can often enjoy Gelato from one of the many local gelaterias or fresh pastries from local bakeries, flavored with lemon and basil, inspired by the region’s natural ingredients.