I’ve been looking forward to writing this article. Up to now a lot of my posts have been practical manuals to help visitors get around La Spezia and Cinque Terre.
If you’re interested in my practical guides, then you might like to pin and save these for later:
After a few weeks of busily tapping away at my keyboard, I finally get to write from the heart.
And I do mean it too. Justin and I moved to Italy (from Australia) and chose La Spezia as our new home because it captured our imagination. It was after a one-day excursion here that we started to visualize it as a potential place for us to set down some roots.
A Little About Us
Hi! We are Justin and Lu, and we moved to Italy from Australia. It’s a long story, but we found our new home in La Spezia near Cinque Terre.
This little nook, between the mountains and the sea, is authentically Italian, and it is also a major tourist destination. La Spezia Guide is our way of sharing the best of the area.
Buon Viaggio!
Some people might scratch their heads at our decision. Why didn’t we move to a more famous city like Florence or Lucca or Pisa!
I’ve even seen some travel bloggers describe La Spezia as a gritty industrial city without much to do or see. And it’s true that if you only have time to see the world famous sights of Cinque Terre, then La Spezia can’t compete.
So, why visit La Spezia? Well, I hope to explain a little of that in this article AND inspire you to spend a day in La Spezia sightseeing to enjoy the city’s attractions.
For visitors who have the time and want to experience a more authentic Italian city then La Spezia offers rich culture, scenic vistas, a vibrant atmosphere, interesting architecture, and excellent food!
We have lots of great content to open your eyes to La Spezia and the surrounding towns. Here is some content that you may find helpful:
Who Is This Article For?
I’ll be honest that most people who visit La Spezia are here to see Cinque Terre or have a predetermined cruise stop at La Spezia port. And, some other visitors are coming because of large festivals such as the Palio del Golfo or the International Jazz Festival. Whatever the reason, even if you just have a few hours or you’re passing through, then this article is for you!
Keep reading to find La Spezia’s tourist attractions (and some lesser-known highlights) to help you plan one day in La Spezia, sightseeing and experiencing the city like a local.
La Spezia Must-See Attractions
There are several must-see sightseeing attractions in La Spezia. Below, I’ve included the things to see in La Spezia that will help you understand the city’s history and culture and experience the city atmosphere and local life.
To help you orientate, everything I talk about can be located in the interactive map below.
How to use our interactive Google My-Map
Click to view all points of interest and further information.
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View full-size map and all points of interest information.
Harbor Area & Constantino Morin Promenade (Lungomare)
The Lungomare is one of my favorite places and a must-see for anyone coming to La Spezia. There are possibly hundreds of palm trees lining the promenade and it’s always a buzz with people walking, running, cycling, and zipping around on e-scooters.
The fresh breeze from the harbor and boats bobbing around in the marina are a stark contrast to the laneways and buildings in the historical town. So much so, that sometimes, (after not venturing down to this end of town for a while) I come here and feel like I’ve been teleported to a different place!
At the north-eastern end of the Lungomare (near the La Spezia Cruise Terminal), you can extend your outing and head along the Molo Italia (pier) to Il Faro, a small red lighthouse that marks the end of the pier.
Food & Drink: There are only two cafés on the promenade and two restaurants. Both the restaurants (Mitili & Mitili and Dai Pescatori) serve fresh local seafood within sight of the fishing boats.
The cafés offer light meals and drinks. On a hot day, both these places provide some shade, but be prepared to wait because they’re often busy with locals and tourists.
Aside from the permanent eateries, in summer there is also a food tent selling local specialty street foods such as focaccia topped with mussels.
There are numerous events and festivals that pop up along the promenade. The biggest of which is La Spezia's “Palio del Golfo” (a rowing competition) held annually on the first Sunday in August. The festival takes place over a few days and concludes in a passionate final rowing race between the 13 towns of the Gulf of Poets.
Image Credit: La Spezia Comune
The south-western end of the promenade is where you can catch the ferries to Cinque Terre. The ferries run from March to October, and you can buy tickets from the kiosk at the dock. An all-day hop-on-hop-off ticket is around €45. To make the most of your trip, you may like our premade itineraries that take the stress out of planning an excursion to Cinque Terre!
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.
Porto Mirabello and The Thaon di Revel Bridge
You can reach Porto Mirabello by crossing the Thaon di Revel Bridge at the southern end of Constantino Morin Promenade (Lungomare).
This footbridge is a newer addition to La Spezia’s architecture and was built as part of a project to revive the marina area and connect the historic center with the marina.
There are three good reasons to walk over the bridge. The first is to gawk and admire the luxury super-yachts, and the second (equally good reason) is to take 5 and enjoy a coffee or aperitivo at one of the Porto Mirabello cafes.
The third reason is to join a private or group boat tour. There are many Gulf of Poets boat tours to choose from. Many of the boat tours go to Portovenere and tour around the UNESCO area, including the villages of Cinque Terre.
Food & Drink: There are a few cafes and restaurants in Porto Mirabello where you can enjoy a break and admire the view.
We usually stop for a casual drink at Blu Bistrot, but if you want to treat yourself, then Mirabello Gourmet has tables next to the super yachts and serves light meals and tapas plates. There are also a couple of good pizza restaurants in the marina area.
You May Like: Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre Content
Piazza Giuseppe Verdi
Piazza Verdi is where you can experience historic La Spezia colliding with a futurist vision of the city.
Piazza Verdi is a large open space that is home to many well-maintained Liberty buildings and Art Nouveau architecture from a bygone era. There has also been a modernization of the square with a series of square arch installations, fountains, and grassed areas.
This is a nice place to relax, meander, get some gelato and take some photos.
Food & Drink: Two of our favorite cafés are in Piazza Verdi.
Mazikeen serves a refined and elegant coffee that is like the coffee I would drink in Australia. Their aperitivo is also done with style and (for me) their outdoor seating is a big tick.
Bar Tonelli is another excellent café with a range of food and drinks. The guys here are always friendly and welcome us even when we have Cooper (our dog) in tow.
The Porticos of Via Chiodo
For a continuation of the fine buildings and La Spezian architecture, you won’t be disappointed with a stroll under the porticos that extend along Via Domenico Chiodo from Piazza Verdi to Via del Prione.
Don’t forget to look up and enjoy the decorative art that adorns the ceilings of these magnificent archways.
These porticos offer shade during the heat of summer and if you’re lucky, you may also get the chance to browse a pop-up market selling locally made crafts.
For sweet and savory snacks, stop in at Fratelli di Teglia and try their local fresh-baked bread, focaccia, and sweet pastries. This little bakery also has excellent sourdough.
Detailed Info: You can hardly walk 10 paces in La Spezia without passing by a bakery (forno or panetteria) selling fresh Ligurian focaccia. You can get it plain or with toppings or stuffings.
A popular option is topped with onions (Justin’s go-to favorite). But cheese, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil are also popular additions.
Via del Prione
The busy thoroughfare running through the historic center is called Via del Prione. This is where you can shop for clothes, shoes, some artisan products, and tourist knickknacks. There are also several places to stop for food or to grab a drink.
Even though significant parts of La Spezia were flattened during World War II, there is still enough remaining of the old city to appreciate the historic architecture.
Detailed Info: During the 2nd World War, the Quintino Sella bomb shelter was an important protection for civilians living in La Spezia. This anti-air raid shelter has recently been restored and can be visited to experience a multimedia journey retelling the historical stories of La Spezia.
Quintino Sella shelter, (found on Via del Prione) is an exciting addition to the city’s exhibition venues and is open to the public from 11am to 7pm.
The La Spezia Tourist Information Point (Visit Spezia) is also on Via del Prione close to the Civic Museums.
Corso Cavour and Shopping
Running parallel to Via del Prione is Corso Cavour. Here (and in the streets and alleyways around and about) is where you can shop for designer brands and high-end fashion. There are also many wine bars, cafes, and restaurants in this area of the city.
Historical Shops
If you’re looking for something a bit different, then the old historic shops are a treasure trove of interesting and unique products that also make special gifts. We don’t have any kids, but I LOVE visiting Antica Cartoleria Bertini, which sells exquisite stationery but is also stuffed floor to ceiling with interesting and artisanal-style toys and games from another time.
You can find the historic stores by looking for the sign that reads ‘Bottega Storica Della Spezia' outside the front of the shop.
Restaurants and Foodie Experiences
Italy’s culinary heritage is always front and center to any vacation. And experiencing Italy’s traditional foods is a satisfying way to indulge in its culture. Trying local La Spezian and Ligurian specialties like anchovies, calamari, sgabei, testaroli, panigacci, and farinata is a great way to embrace the local culture with a deeper understanding.
For a small city, there are some fantastic restaurants in La Spezia. Some examples include Amo Ristorante, Fara Bistrot, and Inferno. We have a separate article (Our Favorite Restaurants in La Spezia) covering this topic in more detail.
For local foodie experiences, there are a few to recommend:
Taste Cinque Terre on a Full Meal Food Tour: Experience traditional La Spezia and Cinque Terre street food with a local. This walking tour around La Spezia's historic town includes the chance to sample five Ligurian specialties along with an experienced guide who will share interesting knowledge about the origins of each dish.
Dining Experience at a Local's Home: Step into a local's home for an intimate 3-course dining experience. Watch a private cooking demonstration, learn the secrets behind traditional recipes, and enjoy the delicious and authentic meal together.
Pasta and Tiramisu Class at a Local's Home: This experience is held by a passionate home cook who will teach you the art of making local specialty pasta and Italian tiramisu. And of course, you will sit down with your group to enjoy your delicious creations.
Markets and Delis
Justin and I love our food and coming from Australia, we’ve been spoilt with fresh produce from the land and sea. I still miss the sweet plump prawns and Moreton Bay bugs we’d treat ourselves to at Christmas! The seafood is fabulous here too, but some things can’t ever live up to the memory and feeling of home.
I’m not ashamed to say that one of the reasons we chose La Spezia as a place to live is because of the access to seafood, the fresh food market, and the range of traditional shops selling local foods.
We regularly visit the market stalls (open Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to early afternoon). But two delis we adore are on Corso Cavour at the northern end of the markets:
Detailed Info: When ordering fresh produce, most stores will charge by weight. This includes bread and pasta! You can order by asking for 100 grams ‘un etto’ or 200 grams ‘due etti’ etc. You can also ask for a piece of something (un pezzo), for example bread or cheese. And don’t feel embarrassed using hand signals to mime the quantity or size that you want. Have some fun!
Historic Stairways
For a different perspective of the city, then take a walk up one of the city’s historic stairways. We walk the stairs regularly, and for someone with reasonable fitness, it will take around 10-15 minutes of uphill stair climbing to get to the top of the stairs.
For anyone not keen on walking up, then a good option is to take the two elevators that go to the castle (Castello di San Giorgio).
After the first elevator (across from CDH Hotel), there is a newly restored historical ruin of the convent of Le Clarisse and the church of Santa Cecilia, dating back to 1593. The historical buildings have had a turbulent history and were repurposed as a college, a hospital, a mental asylum, and after WWII, the buildings were left to crumble. In the last year, the ruins were made safe for the public, and you can now visit what remains of the 16th-century convent.
At the top of the elevators, you get a nice view of the city, and you can experience the historic stairways by walking them back down into the old town.
In the map attached, I’m suggesting you do a loop using the elevators and a walk back down the stairs (Salita Quintino Sella) to arrive at the newly restored Quintino Sella bomb shelter.
If you have time for a detour, then I recommend you grab a coffee, aperitivo, or light lunch at Le Clarisse di Apolline (formerly il Poggio Orto) in the gardens opposite Castello di San Giorgio.
Food & Drink: il Poggio Orto (now known as Le Clarisse di Apolline), is a little gem where you can sit and relax away from the city bustle. We love going here because it’s truly hidden away, and the owner (Apolline) serves delicious homemade food with a French influence.
The “Taglieri” (charcuterie board) is a good way to sample some cured meats and cheeses! And if you've had your fill of pizza and pasta then this is a nice place to get a low-carb meal, tucked away from the bustle of the city.
Other Important La Spezia Attractions
Culture, Museums & Arts
There are dozens of museums, churches, galleries, and architectural buildings to visit around the city that contribute to the city’s cultural heritage.
Image Credit: Civico Museo del Sigillo
Amongst others are an archeological museum at the castle, the oldest naval museum in the world, and a museum housing the greatest collection of seals and stamps.
Our favorite of the museums is Museo Amedeo Lia, smack bang in the middle of the historic town. Of course, there is no Statue of David or Mona Lisa, however, there are many interesting artifacts. From time to time, the museums have special exhibitions and masterpieces on loan from other famous museums and galleries.
Parks and Gardens
I already talked about the promenade area, but there are several other green areas where you can walk, relax, and picnic. Two that are accessible from the city are:
- Parco della Mura: You can access this 4km stretch of walking trail, parklands, and picnic areas from behind the Church of Jesus Christ (near Piazza Europa). This is hilly in parts, but the long slog uphill will reward you with panoramic views of the city and harbor.
- Giardini Publici (Public Gardens): A large rectangular area running parallel to the harbor area & Constantino Morin Promenade (Lungomare). These historic gardens (dating from 1870) include plenty of benches, shade, and a children’s play area. The park is also famous for being the home of the bronze equestrian Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Other Things To Do In La Spezia For The Day
- City Bike Ride & e-Scooters: Throughout the city you can rent share bikes and e-scooters. If you’re short on time, then these will help you cover more ground! Because much of the area for tourist attractions is pedestrianized, these are an easy way to get around.
- Boat Trips around the Gulf: The harbor is a significant feature of the La Spezia landscape. If you want to experience the area by water, then you can use the ferries or join a boat tour. The ferries and tour boats also circumnavigate the headlands to Cinque Terre.
You may not realize that the coast around La Spezia (beyond the military base and working port) is stunning. The boat tours give you a privileged vantage point to appreciate a panorama of dramatic cliffs plunging into the azure depths and charming pastel-hued villages clinging to the hillsides. Each vista is a postcard come to life, a photographer’s dream, and the stuff of lingering memories.
Things To Do Near La Spezia For The Day
There are also lots of things to do around La Spezia that are within easy reach. Even though the city is a major attraction for us, we also feel fortunate to have so much within 30 minutes of our door.
Sometimes after a long day at the keyboard, we jump in the car and can be hiking in the hills above Cinque Terre within 20 minutes! Or on those horrible muggy summer days we find a secluded beach for a swim to cool down.
Here are some ideas, if you want to explore the towns close to La Spezia:
- Historical Towns Near La Spezia: There are several extraordinary towns within a short drive of La Spezia and close enough for a day trip. Even if you don’t have a car, the trains and public bus system are reliable and frequently run to interesting places like Sarzana, Lerici, and Porto Venere.
- Hiking & Cycling: The wilderness and mountains creep right up to the city limits. Lucky for us we have access to several paths that merge with an extensive network of trails through the Ligurian hills. We use Komoot and Waymarked Trails to plan our day hikes. If you prefer a paper map, then many of the newsstands sell local walking maps for a few euros. The La Spezia Tourist Info Point also has maps available.
You can rent mountain bikes and get cycle route recommendations at several shops around town including Ciclopoint and eBike5.
- Go to the Beach: The closest beaches are at San Terenzo, Lerici, and Porto Venere. These are easily reached (within 30 minutes) from La Spezia by bus or car.
During summer, our favorite day excursion is to Palmaria island, where we can swim and relax under the shade of the trees. You can catch the ferry directly to Palmaria from the dock at the Constantino Morin Promenade.
- Visit Cinque Terre: This is an obvious one and you can get to the UNESCO area in under 10 minutes using the Cinque Terre Express. We have lots of content relating to Cinque Terre.
If you’re interested in Cinque Terre, then you might also like to read these posts:
- Boat Trips around the Gulf: The harbor is a significant feature of the La Spezia landscape. If you want to experience the area by water, then you can use the ferries or join a boat tour. The ferries and tour boats also circumnavigate the headlands to Cinque Terre.
Wrap Up
Even though most people come here to visit Cinque Terre, there are still plenty of attractions and sightseeing to do in La Spezia.
I hope this blog post has inspired you and piqued your interest to spend a little time enjoying what the city has to offer.
Do you have more questions about La Spezia? Please connect with us using the comment feature below. And, if you can spare a minute, please also rate this article.
It’s been a pleasure sharing my local knowledge of La Spezia. Thank you for reading our blog.
FAQ
Does La Spezia have a beach?
There are no beaches at La Spezia. The harbor is occupied by a working port, a naval base, and a marina. The closest beaches are at San Terenzo and Lerici. Porto Venere also has several beaches and places to swim.
Where can I swim at La Spezia?
You can swim at AKUA pool (and restaurant) at Porto Mirabello.
A public pool is located close to Stadio Alberto Picco.
What is there to do in La Spezia when it rains?
If you have a rainy day in La Spezia, then you have a few options for things to do. For a start, there are several museums and galleries that make up the Civic Museums of La Spezia. If history and art aren’t your thing then you can have a long lazy lunch at one of the many restaurants. Or go shopping at Le Terraze (an undercover shopping mall within a short taxi ride of the city).
If none of that sounds appealing then you can always pamper yourself with a massage, facial or beauty treatment at one of the local spas like Le Vie Della Bellezza.
Can you park in La Spezia?
There are lots of options for parking in La Spezia. There is even some free parking. We have an article dedicated to parking in La Spezia and you can find our normal parking spots on this map.
When is the best time of year to visit La Spezia?
The best time to visit is probably May, June, September, and October. July and August are very busy and hot. From October to March the weather is a bit more unpredictable and we get more rain.
What day excursions are there for cruise passengers docking at La Spezia?
La Spezia cruise port is an ideal base for excursions to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, and Porto Venere. There are dozens of tour operators offering organized tours.
Or you can do a self-guided excursion by exploring La Spezia or taking a train to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Parma, or other day trip destinations.
