Welcome to La Spezia Guide. This is where you can find everything you need to plan your trip to La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets.
You can discover, plan, and book your perfect holiday to La Spezia, Italy!
Looking for accommodation, restaurants, and things to do to make your trip extra special? We've got you covered with itineraries, information, and our pick of local businesses.
Experience a collision of Ligurian and Tuscan flavours. Don’t miss local specialities such as salted anchovies, fresh focaccia, herbaceous pestos and honey hued wines.
La Spezia is a versatile city with adventures on the land and sea. Explore the city or use the excellent transport connections to uncover surrounding areas of the Ligurian coast.
Adventure awaits for you in the Five Lands of this UNESCO site. The terraced terrain and vibrant towns attract beachgoers, adventurers and culture seekers from around the globe.
Our blog is your ultimate reference for La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets region. Let us inspire you to explore beyond the tourist traps!
Cinque Terre Trekking Card or Cinque Terre Train Multi Pass. Find out which one you need, the current prices, and how to buy now to avoid the queues!
This isn’t just a travel blog. We live and breathe Italy, its culture, its people, and places.
Rather than offering just a passing glimpse of some highlights, we can share more intimate and hidden discoveries that aren’t immediately obvious to most tourists.
Each itinerary is a step-by-step daily planner, packed full of information and ideas.
Skip the expensive travel agencies and hours of research! Our budget-friendly itineraries are stress-free and help you explore with ease and confidence!
Cinque Terre isn’t just a postcard-perfect destination; it’s also a place to experience food, culture, history, and adventure.
If you want to travel smarter, explore deeper, and avoid the tourist traps, then take time to discover our resources and expert tips to help you plan and book an unforgettable trip!
With only one or two days here, you are spoilt for a choice of things to do! Don’t risk missing out on the best of the Ligurian Riviera.
Our dedicated cruise passenger content will help you decide what to do, where to go, and how you get there to make the most of your limited time!
Hi! We are Justin and Lu and we moved to Italy from Australia. Our new home in La Spezia near Cinque Terre, has woken us to this little corner of Italy.
La Spezia Guide is our way of embracing our new home and sharing the best it has to offer with visitors coming to the area.
Buon Viaggio!
Planning where to stay, eat, and explore doesn't have to be overwhelming. We've created three comprehensive resource hubs packed with tons of insider articles covering every aspect of your La Spezia and Cinque Terre adventure.
Our Stays, Food & Drink, and What To Do pages bring together curated guides, honest recommendations, and local insights you won't find in typical travel resources. Whether you're searching for the perfect beachside hotel, hunting for authentic Ligurian trattorias, or planning hiking routes away from the crowds, these expertly organized hubs connect you with exactly what you need.
Think of them as your personal travel research library – created by locals who actually live here and want you to experience the real La Spezia and Cinque Terre, not just the tourist highlights.
Visit Cinque Terre with local insights.
We include a visit to 3 towns, suggestions for lunch, aperitivo & dinner. Also includes wine and cultural tour options, self-guided sightseeing routes, cultural and historic notes, and where to take iconic photos.
The sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Ligurian Mountains, and picturesque villages and towns make this an idyllic setting for boat trips, hiking, sightseeing, and swimming. The Ligurian Riviera is also conveniently positioned for easy day trips to a long list of tourist destinations, including Portofino, Pisa, Florence, and Lucca!
Whether you're visiting on a cruise or planning a longer stay, discover the top must-see attractions and experiences.
As a cruise ship passenger, the Italian port city of La Spezia abounds with opportunities to see and experience the picturesque Ligurian Riviera.
The UNESCO area of Cinque Terre is a short train ride away, but there are also other towns and cities perfect for a day excursion.
La Spezia city also offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.
A vacation to Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and the Gulf of Poets has to include sampling the flavors of the region. Ligurian foods are fresh and heavily influenced by its coastal location. The types of foods to expect usually include seafood, especially mussels and anchovies that have been harvested locally. You can also expect vibrant pesto dishes, flavorful olive oils, an abundance of focaccia, and unusual dishes, including a braised rabbit in white wine and a chickpea ‘pizza’.
Experiencing the region’s food is an important part of understanding Ligurian culture and history. Our food-related content showcases the best of the area's eateries as well as places you can unwind for a coffee or cocktail!
Getting to and around La Spezia and Cinque Terre is easy when you know how. There are numerous options for local transport by train, bus, and boat, with the possibility to easily reach dozens of villages and towns along the Ligurian coast and in the hills.
With the sea and the mountains on your doorstep, your options to explore are limited only by your sense of adventure.
Traveling to and around La Spezia and Cinque Terre? Here are some of our best travel hacks and insider tips that will get you on your way. Don't forget to check out the Cinque Terre Card options to save money on your journey!
Even before living in Italy, we had visited La Spezia and Cinque Terre in 2019 as part of our honeymoon. We hiked the ancient pilgrimage trails of Cinque Terre, ate heavenly seafood at the water's edge in Monterosso, and enjoyed invigorating views and aperitivo on the cliffs of Riomaggiore.
A magical experience that drew us back here when we were in search of our Italian home.
Through La Spezia Guide, we hope to inspire visitors to explore beyond Cinque Terre for a richer, more authentic Italian experience.
La Spezia Guide is the ultimate reference for La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of Poets region. A complete resource that includes what to see and do, where to stay, the best places to eat, as well as practical information to help you get around. Everything you need to create your own authentic travel memories.
Spend a little time with us here on La Spezia Guide and let us inspire you to explore and elevate your holiday experience!
Explore our comprehensive guides:
We're here to help you fall in love with La Spezia and Cinque Terre just like we did. Let's make your Italian adventure truly unforgettable!
This 3 town itinerary covers the must-see sights in Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Including a walking tour with panoramic lookouts, historic places of interest, and old town shops and restaurants.
A complete full day, that covers good ground but leaves sufficient time for a traditional lunch, aperitivo, and dinner with a view.
For a more immersive experience, we’ve included recommendations for an optional winery tour and sunset cruise.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability
Levanto has plenty to offer, including a long sandy beach, a cute historic town, shops, and restaurants serving traditional cuisine.
This itinerary covers a lot of ground. The one-day adventure starts with an (optional) hike from Monterosso, lunch in Levanto, and sightseeing around the historic town.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll have already experienced panoramic lookouts, cultural and historic landmarks, and charming old town streets.
In the late afternoon, there’s an option to enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) – back in Riomaggiore.
And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is well-structured so that you know where you need to be and when. And (because everyone is a little different), we’ve included options so that you can customize it to make your own adventure.
Start Time: 9 am
Duration: Full day (12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
Portovenere is not to be missed!
This one-day adventure starts with a ferry ride (from either Cinque Terre or La Spezia) and includes panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and a picturesque harbor.
The day continues with sightseeing, historic landmarks and views, or an optional loop hike from Portovenere, and a stop for lunch with spectacular sea views.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) back in Riomaggiore.
And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is structured with timings, location information, transport guidance and cultural and historical notes. But we’ve given you options, so you can customize it to make your own adventure. We’ve also included notes on a trip over to Palmaria Island, or an optional, organized boat tour of the Gulf of of Poets.
We’ve crafted a three day self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso), plus Portovenere.
This multi-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) and two optional hikes.
You will have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.
The itinerary is carefully planned out so that you have enough time at each location to enjoy the best bits and get a feel for each town. Most of the activities are free, but (if you’re looking for something extra special) we’ve selected an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, or pesto-making class that can be slotted into the itinerary!
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a complete self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) and Levanto.
This three-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) plus two optional hikes.
You will have the opportunity to taste seafood and Ligurian cuisine at local spots, and we’ve included our favorite places to enjoy an aperitivo with a view.
The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, pesto-making class, or bike tour if you’re looking for something extra special.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a complete self-guided adventure of all five Cinque Terre towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
This two-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors) plus an optional hike.
The itinerary includes options to enjoy local food and aperitivo with a view.
The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose to slot in an optional winery tour, sunset cruise or pesto making class to make it extra special.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 2 full days (2 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)
This is a seamless self-guided adventure through four of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
This full-day journey maintains a good pace and covers four stunning villages. The itinerary gives you a little bit of everything, so you’ll discover panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors.
There’s also enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch, a scenic aperitivo, and a delightful dinner with a view.
The itinerary is jam-packed, but you can also choose to pump the breaks and opt for a winery tour or sunset cruise.
Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation
Activity Level: Reasonable walking ability and good stamina are a must!
Make the most of your limited time in Cinque Terre with this specially designed itinerary tailored for cruise passengers and day trippers!
This is a seamless self-guided adventure through three of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza.
You can expect to experience stunning panoramic viewpoints, historic sites, and charming old town streets. With this easy-to-use plan, you’ll also have enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch and an aperitivo with a view.
For an even easier day, you may wish to opt for a short winery tour or boat tour from Riomaggiore!
Start Time: Just before 9 am (adjustable to suit your cruise schedule)
Duration: 8 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability
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