Things To Do
in La Spezia
La Spezia is a compact coastal city in Liguria that serves as a transport hub and gateway to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere. The harbor and naval presence give the city a working-port character, balanced by seaside promenades, pastel buildings and lively markets. It’s practical for day trips yet rewards strolls through neighborhoods, waterfront cafés and hilltop viewpoints.
Expect friendly, down-to-earth local life with excellent seafood and easy access to dramatic coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café, enjoying a cappuccino paired with a cornetto. Afterward, stroll through the picturesque streets of La Spezia's historic center, marveling at the charming architecture and vibrant local shops. Visit the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where you can appreciate the intricate frescoes and serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a trattoria, sampling local specialties like trofie al pesto. Afterward, head to the Museo del Castello di San Giorgio, where you can explore the fascinating history of the area and enjoy panoramic views from the castle's terrace. Spend some time wandering around the beautiful waterfront, taking in the sights of the marina and the Gulf of Poets.
As the sun sets, find a cozy bistro for dinner, savoring fresh seafood dishes and a glass of local white wine. After your meal, take a relaxing walk along the promenade, watching the boats return to harbor as the sky turns to dusk. Conclude your evening with a gelato from a nearby gelateria, enjoying the sweet treat as you soak in the charming ambiance.
Set off early on a train ride to the enchanting Cinque Terre, where you'll be greeted by colorful cliffside villages. Begin your exploration in Monterosso al Mare, where you can relax on the beach or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a seaside café, fueling up for a day of adventure.
Hike the scenic trails connecting the villages, taking in breathtaking views of the coastline and vineyards. Stop for lunch in Vernazza, where you can enjoy fresh seafood pasta while gazing at the picturesque harbor. Afterward, visit Corniglia, perched high above the sea, and wander its charming streets filled with local artisan shops.
Return to La Spezia as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, relishing the flavors of Ligurian cuisine and perhaps trying the region's famous focaccia. After dinner, unwind at a bar with a glass of limoncello, reflecting on a day filled with stunning landscapes and rich culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍝Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕️Coffee (espresso) | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚆Train to Cinque Terre (one-way) | $4-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent gateway to Cinque Terre and coastal attractions
- Fresh seafood and authentic Ligurian cuisine
- Compact city center that's easy to explore on foot
- Good transport connections by train, ferry and road
- Can be crowded in high summer with limited accommodation availability
- Working-port and naval areas give parts of the city a utilitarian feel
- Some tourist infrastructure (boats/trains) is seasonal
- Narrow streets and limited parking can be challenging for drivers
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
- "Buonasera" - Good evening
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Dove si trova la stazione?" - Where is the train station?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in La Spezia
Visit one of these nice places.
Hilltop castle with panoramic views over the gulf, rooftops and harbor — excellent for sunrise or late-afternoon light.
Scenic waterfront promenade and marina offering reflections, boats and naval contrasts — great for golden-hour shots.
From the deck of a ferry you get dramatic coastal vistas, colorful villages clinging to cliffs and sweeping sea views ideal for wide-angle shots.
Rocky coves, Mediterranean scrub and panoramic viewpoints provide varied natural compositions and sunset possibilities.
Narrow lanes, textured walls and everyday life scenes capture the city’s character and offer intimate street photography opportunities.
Food in La Spezia
La Spezia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ligurian focaccia — crisp on the outside, soft inside — is essential. Find it at bakeries across La Spezia; try plain, with olives, or the cheese-filled variant (focaccia col formaggio) from nearby Recco.
Must-Try!
Short, twisted pasta dressed with Genovese basil pesto, often served with potatoes and green beans — a Ligurian classic available at most trattorie.
A mixed fried seafood plate (small fish, calamari, shrimp) served hot and crunchy at seaside restaurants and fish markets.
Anchovies marinated, salted or stuffed — a local specialty often served as an antipasto in bars and osterie.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market stalls with fresh fish, vegetables, Ligurian cheeses and prepared foods — a great spot for sampling local produce and picking up picnic ingredients.
Seasonal stalls and small stands near the waterfront and ferry terminals selling panini di mare, fried seafood and quick focaccia slices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings: Buongiorno (good morning) and Buonasera (good evening). A simple 'Grazie' and 'Per favore' go a long way.
Meals are social and often leisurely — lunch can be late and dinner commonly starts after 8pm. Avoid rushing and follow local meal pacing.
Casual dress is fine, but smart-casual is common for restaurants. Respect quiet hours (especially after 10–11pm in residential areas) and keep noise down on public transport and streets.
La Spezia has an important naval presence — do not attempt to enter restricted areas and follow signage near the base and docks.
Safety
Tipping in La Spezia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: most restaurants include a servizio (service) or coperto (cover charge) on the bill. Leave small change or round up the bill for good service; 5–10% is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small cafés, markets and some family-run places may prefer cash. ATMs are common in town; contactless/mobile payments are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot temperatures, busy tourist crowds and frequent ferries to Cinque Terre. Book accommodations and trains/ferries in advance; expect lively nightlife and open beaches but higher prices.
Mild, pleasant weather with thinning crowds and vibrant sunsets — a great time for hiking and wine/food festivals. Some seasonal services may reduce timetables late in the season.
Cooler, wetter and quieter; many businesses remain open but some coastal boat services and small restaurants may close for low season. Good for lower prices and authentic local life, but swimming and some hikes may be less pleasant.
Blooming hillsides, comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists than summer. Ideal for hiking, photography and sampling spring produce at markets.
La Spezia at Night
Hiking in La Spezia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic coastal path linking the five Cinque Terre villages with spectacular sea views, terraced vineyards and steep sections — sections may close for maintenance, so check local updates.
Short island trails with rocky promontories, Mediterranean vegetation and secluded coves; suitable for half-day hikes and photography.
Diverse inland trails through olive groves, forests and panoramic overlooks above the Gulf of La Spezia — quieter and less touristy than the immediate coastline.
A short uphill walk from the center that provides history, viewpoints and access to surrounding neighborhoods — an easy option for stretching legs and getting city views.
Airports
How to reach La Spezia by plane.
About 1.5–2 hours by train or car; frequent train/bus connections from Pisa to La Spezia make it the most common international gateway for the area.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or 1.5–2 hours by train/bus; convenient for some domestic and European flights, with road links along the coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents with ties to maritime, fishing and small-scale commerce traditions; often family-owned businesses and bakeries.
La Spezia hosts a significant naval presence, contributing to a community of military and technical professionals.
Seasonally numerous visitors, especially in summer, including international tourists exploring Cinque Terre and nearby coastal towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport — local teams, youth leagues and fan culture are part of community life.
The gulf’s sheltered waters make sailing, yachting and rowing widespread recreational and competitive activities.
With coastal trails and nearby regional parks, hiking and trail running are popular among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Spezia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common: pesto-based pasta, vegetable antipasti, salads and focaccia. Ask about broths and sauces as some recipes use anchovy or fish stock.
Vegan choices are available but more limited; order simple vegetable dishes, salads (ask for oil and lemon, no cheese) and focaccia made without butter. Larger restaurants and cafés can usually adapt dishes if asked.
Gluten-free pasta and breads are increasingly available; inform staff about celiac needs. Cross-contamination can occur in bakeries and small kitchens.
Seafood is central to local cuisine — always mention shellfish or fish allergies. Pharmacies are helpful and staff at tourist-focused restaurants can usually accommodate requests if warned.