La Spezia Cruise Port is located on the Ligurian coast and has become a busy cruise port for tourists on a Mediterranean cruise.
If your cruise is departing from La Spezia and you need to plan your arrival at the cruise port, then this is the article for you! This post also includes:
- Things to do in and around La Spezia
- Conveniently located accommodation options
- A FREE download – Useful & Emergency Contact Information
- A useful map of La Spezia
If you have a 1 or 2-day cruise port stop at La Spezia then check out our other useful articles, especially for cruise passengers:
Getting to La Spezia Cruise Terminal
La Spezia is well connected by train and road. You can find more transport information on our getting to and around La Spezia page.
The La Spezia Cruise Terminal (officially known as Spezia & Carrara Cruise Terminal or SCCT) is located in the city. But the cruise ships dock at the main port. But don’t worry because free shuttle buses transport passengers between the SCCT and port.
By Train
From Rome Airport and Rome City to La Spezia Cruise Terminal:
The Leonardo Express train runs between Fiumicino Rome Airport and Roma Termini (the main train station in Rome city). Departures are 3-4 times per hour and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport.
- Your best connection between Rome Termini and La Spezia Centrale is the Freccia trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca high-speed trains) which take around 4 hours.
- It’s best to book long-distance trains in advance. You can find the most convenient train and get lower advance booking pricing. Choosing trains that leave you enough time for transit and delays.
From La Spezia Centrale station (I imagine you’ll have luggage) you can get a taxi from the train forecourt (Station Piazza). The cruise terminal is less than 2 miles away and should cost around 15 Euros.
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From Milan Airport and Milan City to La Spezia Cruise Terminal:
The Malpensa Express train connects Milan Malpensa Airport directly with Milan city. You need to get off at Milan Centrale (main train station).
- There are fast intercity trains as well as Freccia trains running between Milan and La Spezia. And the journey can be done in just over 3 hours. You can get tickets for less than 30 Euros if you book in advance!
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See above for information on getting between La Spezia Centrale and the Cruise Terminal.
From Pisa Airport and Pisa City to La Spezia Cruise Terminal:
The total journey time (airport to cruise terminal) can be done in under 2 hours, making this the closest airport:
- From Pisa Airport (also named Galileo Galilei Airport) the PisaMover connects the airport to Pisa Centrale train station.
- From Pisa Centrale you can get a train to La Spezia Centrale and then a taxi to La Spezia Cruise Terminal.
Tickets for the PisaMover and train to La Spezia can be purchased in advance with Trenitalia in one transaction.
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By Car
The quickest roads in Italy are the highways or freeways. When you’re planning your route, it doesn’t matter what direction you come from (if you use the freeways) you’ll either use the E80 (A12) or the E33 (A15) freeways to connect to La Spezia.
Of course, there are other routes and local roads to see more of the countryside, but this will take you twice as long.
When you get off the freeway, look for signs to La Spezia.
- As you approach the industrial part of the outer city you need to head for the city center (centro).
- Then closer to the city center you’ll see signs for the port (porto).
- The cruise terminal is on Viale Italia, opposite the large round modern-looking Cathedral in town. It’s hard to miss.
Parking at the Cruise Terminal
There is parking available close to the cruise terminal on the southern side of Viale Italia. It’s possible to reserve a parking spot for the duration of your cruise.
Otherwise, there is underground parking at Piazza Europa. Which is just across the road from the cruise terminal building.
You may also like our other transport related content
Where to Stay Before Your Cruise
La Spezia offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are a few recommendations:
Hotels in La Spezia
Located within a few steps of the train station, Hotel Firenze e Continentale is a 4-star hotel with classic rooms, buffet breakfast, and private parking (reservations needed). It’s also within an easy 5-minute walk into the historic center of La Spezia!
If you’re arriving by train, you really can’t book a hotel that’s any more convenient!
The Poet is a beautifully styled hotel at the northern end of the old town, but still easily accessible to all the local sights.
You can enjoy the comforts of a well-appointed hotel plus a buffet breakfast and private parking (reservations needed).
If you’re arriving by train, you really can’t book a hotel that’s any more convenient!
Located close to the harbor and cruise terminal, NH La Spezia is a 4-star hotel offering elegant rooms, sea views, and a rooftop bar. Separate private parking is located nearby.
For cruise ship passengers arriving by car, this hotel is easy to get to and conveniently located for the historic city and harbor.
Apartments and Guest Houses in La Spezia
Most apartments and guest houses in La Spezia don’t have designated private parking. If you arrive by car then you have the option to park on the street, use paid private parking facilities or free parking lots. You can find more information in our ultimate guide to car parking in La Spezia.
This spacious and modernized apartment is in the historic center of La Spezia but within a 5-minute walk of the harbor front. This spacious apartment includes all the modern conveniences and a balcony.
This modernized apartment with classic finer touches is your home away from home. Located on the outskirts of the historic town, you’ll have the pleasure of a terrace and mountain views.
This is a newly renovated guest house located close to the train station and a few minutes into the heart of the old town. The rooms are stylishly appointed, and your local host is welcoming and friendly.
What is There to See and Do in La Spezia
Lots! We live in La Spezia and every time we venture into town is a surprise. Apart from the old town, marina, architecture, and civic museums and theatres, there is also a busy cultural and events calendar.
Summer Activities and Events
In summer there is a whole schedule of concerts and shows in Piazza Europa. As well as popup markets, music events, and cultural festivals around the city.
Winter Activities and Events
During the winter months, there are over 100 events that take place including Christmas markets, an ice skating tent, nativity scenes, circus and theatre shows.
Ideas For Things To Do Before Your Cruise
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets and admire the colorful buildings and Liberty architecture.
- Do a little shopping: Discover shops for every budget and there are markets in La Spezia almost every day of the year!
- Take a Boat Trip around the Gulf of Poets: Discover the stunning villages around the coast all within an hour of La Spezia.
- Enjoy the Seafood: Indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in town or around Porto Mirabello. The local town of Portovenere also has some fantastic restaurants! It’s easy to get to using the local bus “P” that connects La Spezia with Portovenere.
- Relax on the Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun on one of the nearby beaches at Lerici or Portovenere.
- Visit the Naval Museum, Museo Lia Art Gallery, or Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art (CaMeC).
Take a look at our posts to help you plan your time in La Spezia
What is There to See and Do Near La Spezia
You could spend two weeks in La Spezia and not run out of things to do. This little corner of Italy is perfectly located for numerous easy day trips around Liguria and Tuscany, including:
- Florence
- Cinque Terre
- Pisa
- Lucca
- Portofino and Santa Margherita
- The Gulf of Poets including nearby Portovenere, Lerici and Tellaro
- The perfect little trio of seaside villages: Levanto, Framura and Bonassola.
- A number of beautiful towns along the Ligurian coast (Sestri Levante, Chiavari)
- The Tuscan coast including the fancy coastal resorts of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio
Tips for a Smooth Cruise
1.
Checking In: La Spezia cruises dock at a working port. So, you have to first check in at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal. Shuttle buses then transport you from the cruise terminal (about 5 minutes) to your ship.
2.
Arrive Early: Avoid getting stressed and arrive at the cruise terminal well in advance. You need to allow time for any delays in transit as well as for check-in and baggage transport to the ship. If you arrive early, the cruise terminal at La Spezia is a comfortable place to wait, with air conditioning and toilet facilities.
3.
Staying Connected: La Spezia has free Wi-Fi in the city, but this is usually an added extra onboard your cruise. If you don’t want to pay for Wi-Fi then make sure you can access all essential documents and paperwork offline, before setting sail!
4.
Allergies: If you have food allergies, prepare a card that is translated into Italian (and other languages for countries you’ll visit). You can give this to the wait staff to help avoid issues.
5.
Plan Your Port Stops:
- Don’t waste time at port scrambling to find a tour. If there is something you really want to see, then book these tours and excursions ahead of time.
- If you use reputable sites like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Tiqets then the terms and conditions and cancellation policies are made clear.
- The shore excursions usually also guarantee arrival back to your boat on time.
- You can also book day excursions through the cruise ship, but these are usually significantly marked up.
- Or if you’re an experienced traveler and feel comfortable with navigating a foreign place, you can save money by planning a D.I.Y. day out!
6.
Take a Day Pack: Include all the usual suspects (sunscreen, sunglasses, etc). But also:
- a towel in case you get a chance for a swim.
- a refillable water bottle to make use of the free water fountains.
- your cruise passenger key card and photo ID or passport.
7.
All-Aboard Time: When you disembark for a port stop, take special note of the all-aboard time. This is the time you must be back on the ship. When embarking at La Spezia you should allow extra time to clear check-in at the cruise terminal and for the return shuttle bus to your ship!
Free Download - Information for La Spezia Cruise Passengers
Useful Interactive Tourist Map of La Spezia
How to use our interactive Google My-Map
Click to view all points of interest and further information.
Share our map to your email, socials, and more for later use.
View full-size map and all points of interest information.
Summary
La Spezia is a busy cruise port welcoming over 750,000 cruise passengers in 2023 and with cruises docking throughout the year.
This small but lively city is also a great place to start your cruise.
In this guide, I have shared everything you need to know for your cruise departure at La Spezia. Including getting to La Spezia, where to stay before departure, and things to do!
Now all I have left to do is wish you smooth sailing!
