La Spezia Travel Guide
Explore the best of La Spezia, from natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, getting around, and more.
- Introduction to La Spezia
- List of Places to Visit in La Spezia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of La Spezia
- Best Things to Do in La Spezia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for La Spezia
- Food and Drink Scene of La Spezia
- Where to Stay in La Spezia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in La Spezia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of La Spezia
- Best Time to Visit La Spezia
- Do’s and Don’ts of La Spezia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to La Spezia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in La Spezia
- Where to Go Next from La Spezia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to La Spezia
La Spezia is a beautiful port city located in the Liguria region of Northwest Italy. While it serves as a gateway to the famous Cinque Terre, it has plenty of its own attractions to offer. La Spezia is a city of culture, history, and natural beauty, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. In this travel guide, you will find all the information you need to experience the best of La Spezia.
List of Places to Visit in La Spezia
There are many must-visit places in La Spezia, from museums and historical buildings to natural attractions and scenic views. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in La Spezia:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Museo Amedeo Lia
- Castello San Giorgio
- Cattedrale di Cristo Re
- Museo Tecnico Navale
Natural Attractions of La Spezia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
- Cinque Terre National Park
- Gulf of Poets
- Muzzerone
Hiking/Biking Routes of La Spezia
La Spezia is known for its stunning hiking and biking routes, which offer breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Here are some of the most popular routes:
- Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path)
- Riomaggiore to Manarola Trail
- Portovenere to Monterosso Trail
- Cinque Terre Coastal Trail
Best Things to Do in La Spezia: Activities and Tours
La Spezia offers a range of activities and tours to suit every taste, from historic walking tours to wine tastings. Here are some of the best things to do in La Spezia:
- Historical walking tours
- Wine tastings
- Boat tours
- Cooking classes
Week-Long Itinerary for La Spezia
If you’re planning a week-long itinerary for La Spezia, here’s a suggested plan:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore La Spezia’s historic center |
| Day 2 | Visit Cinque Terre or Porto Venere |
| Day 3 | Hike the Riomaggiore to Manarola Trail |
| Day 4 | Take a wine tour |
| Day 5 | Go on a boat tour |
| Day 6 | Take a cooking class |
| Day 7 | Explore the Gulf of Poets |
Food and Drink Scene of La Spezia
La Spezia is known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on fresh seafood and locally grown produce. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pesto alla Genovese
- Farinata
- Focaccia col Formaggio
- Spaghetti alle Vongole
Local Beverages
- Sciacchetrà
- Vermentino dei Colli di Luni DOC
- Cinque Terre DOC wines
- Limoncino di Monterosso
Where to Stay in La Spezia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
La Spezia offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of the best places to stay in La Spezia:
- Hotel NH La Spezia
- B&B Mare Liguria
- Hostel Ospitalia del Mare
- Affittacamere La Torretta
What to Buy in La Spezia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
La Spezia is known for its handmade crafts, delicious food products, and beautiful ceramics. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:
- Ligurian olive oil
- Handmade jewelry
- Ceramics from La Spezia’s craftsmen
- Local wines and liqueurs
Local Culture and Customs of La Spezia
La Spezia has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its festivals and celebrations. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to keep in mind while in La Spezia:
- Respectful clothing in churches.
- Keep in mind siestas when planning your day.
- Ruga di Jancu festival in August.
Best Time to Visit La Spezia
The best time to visit La Spezia is between April to June or September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner than during the summer months.
Do’s and Don’ts of La Spezia
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Try the local food and drink.
- Take advantage of La Spezia’s outdoor activities.
Don’t:
- Wear revealing or offensive clothing in public.
- Be loud or disrespectful in quiet or religious areas.
- Touch or damage the local flora and fauna.
Safety and Health
Safety in La Spezia
La Spezia is a safe city, but visitors should obey normal precautions related to petty crime in busy areas that attract tourists. Here are some safety tips:
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Avoid dark areas at night.
- Stay alert and aware when walking in public.
Health in La Spezia
Italy has socialized healthcare available to citizens and visitors. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind while traveling in La Spezia:
- Bring health insurance that covers overseas travel.
- Take precautions to prevent tick bites
- Be aware of food allergies and intolerances.
Getting to La Spezia: Transportation Options and Logistics
La Spezia is easy to reach by train, bus, or car. Here are some transportation options and logistics:
Airports Near La Spezia
- Pisa International Airport (PSA)
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)
Bus Stations Near La Spezia
- La Spezia Centrale train station
- Piazzale Bonaparte bus stop
Other Options
- Boats and ferries are available for traveling to the nearby islands and Cinque Terre.
How to Get Around in La Spezia
La Spezia is a small city, and most of its attractions are located within walking distance. Taxis, buses, and trains are also available. Here are some tips for getting around:
- Consider walking or biking to see attractions.
- Use public transport to reach farther locations.
- Taxis are available but may be costly.
Where to Go Next from La Spezia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
There are many stunning destinations to visit near La Spezia, here are some of the best:
- Florence (approx. 2 hours away by train)
- Genoa (approx. 1.5 hours away by train)
- Pisa (approx. 1 hour away by train)
- Portofino (approx. 1 hour away)
Conclusion
La Spezia is a must-visit destination in Italy. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and delicious food, it offers something for everyone. This travel guide has given a comprehensive look at the top things to do, where to eat and sleep, and how to stay safe while enjoying all that La Spezia has to offer.
