If you’re coming to La Spezia in summer, you are in for a treat. Not only is the weather perfect for the beach, it’s also ideal for getting out and enjoying the summer events and festivals.
From July to September, there are numerous things to do in La Spezia and the surrounding towns. But it isn’t always immediately obvious what’s going on, and it’s easy to miss out. It’s particularly hard for visitors to figure things out, and of course, not everything is suitable for non-Italian speakers.
So, here’s my pick of the summer events that are happening in the area (that are suitable for Italians AND non-Italian speakers). I’ve also tried to consider a wide variety of activities to suit different people.
To help locate the events, you can use this handy map.
1. La Spezia Jazz Festival
Right in the heart of the city at Piazza Europa with the backdrop of the Gulf of Poets, La Spezia hosts its annual Jazz Festival also known as the La Spezia Jazz Festival Internazionale.
This popular event is ticketed and booking in advance is advisable!
Dates: 24th July to 30th July 2024
Location: Piazza Europa, La Spezia Italy
Typical Ticket Price: 20-50 Euros
More Information: La Spezia Jazz Festival
Established in 1969, the La Spezia Jazz Festival is one of Italy's oldest jazz festivals.
It has a long-standing tradition of showcasing renowned jazz artists and has built a reputation for its high-quality performances.
Unlike larger festivals, La Spezia offers a more intimate atmosphere, making it a must-attend event for lovers of jazz and music.
This year Russell Crowe is bringing his band (The Gentlemen Barbers) and some celebrity sparkle to the event.
During summer there are several music festivals around the Gulf of Poets from intimate events hosted by local restaurants to large-scale events organized by the city authorities. Amongst others, a good place to find upcoming music events is on the La Spezia Summer Festival website.
2. Nina Zilli
Once dubbed as Italy’s version of Amy Winehouse, Nina Zilli is touring and is performing in La Spezia as part of the summer festival in Piazza Europa.
To my amazement, there are still tickets available for this event!
Dates: 10th August 2024
Location: Piazza Europa, La Spezia Italy
Typical Ticket Price: 30 Euros
More Information: Nina Zilli In La Spezia
Nina Zilli is a dynamic and multi-talented Italian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and eclectic musical style.
With multiple albums, hit singles, and prestigious awards to her name, Nina Zilli continues to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and innovative musical fusion.
Her charisma and stage presence make her live performances unforgettable experiences.
3. Sunset Aperitivo & Music Cruise
Join Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti for “The Grand Tour”. A sunset tour of the Gulf of Poets. Aperitivo includes local mussels, focaccia and local vino AND live music!
Dates: Friday 26th July
Location: La Spezia ferry dock (Passeggiata Morin) aboard the Albatross boat.
Typical Ticket Price: 20 Euros Plus 12 Euros for aperitivo
More Information: Navigazioni dei Poeti
The Albatross boat will follow the coast, reaching the main locations of the Gulf, where you can bask (and take pictures) in the light of the sunset and twilight.
The Gulf of Poets has many beautiful locations of interest including Lerici, Porto Venere, and the towns and coastline in between.
This tour is particularly special since you can also indulge and enjoy the locally farmed mussels and typical Ligurian focaccia.
If you like the idea of a sunset cruise but prefer a more personalized experience, then there are several boat operators that depart La Spezia to tour around the Gulf of Poets.
4. Circo Marinella Festival
This year's Marinella Festival is ten days of contemporary circus performances for all the family to enjoy.
Dates: 8th to 18th August 2024
Location: Big Top set up in Pope John XXIII Street.
Typical Ticket Price: 12 Euros
More Information: Circo Marinella
Performances include eye-popping acrobatics, comedic clowns, and all the wonders of a contemporary circus production.
Different shows are planned for each evening with artists and shows that will make you laugh, cry, and gasp.
The finale to each evening will include a DJ set and a music concert.
Food trucks for aperitivo and dinner will also be available.
5. “Soffitta nella Strada” Antiques Market
This is THE event for lovers of antiques and retro oddities! Soffitta nella Strada returns to Sarzana with over 100 stalls selling furniture, clothing, books, art, and every type of curios imaginable!!
Dates: Friday 2nd August to 18th August 2024
Location: Sarzana: Piazza Cittadella, via Fiasella and via Mascardi
Typical Ticket Price: Free Entry
More Information: Soffitta nella Strada
Soffitta nella Strada comes back again to Sarzana, but 3 times bigger than ever before.
Stalls will be selling antiques, retro and vintage curios, and collectibles.
Held over several days in the historic piazzas, streets, and laneways of Sarzana, the event will also include street entertainment, music, and exhibits of classic cars.
Further Reading
6. Groove Waterfront
This is a brand new open-air space that was inaugurated on the 19th of July 2024. Groove is a place for locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of local food, drinks, street performers, DJ sets, and music events.
Dates: Friday 19th July onwards (open year round with events through summer).
Location: Porta Paita (behind the Cinque Terre Cruise Terminal) in La Spezia
Typical Ticket Price: Free Entry
More Information: Groove Waterfront
Groove is a 5,000-square-meter urban space. Previously an old port that has been returned to the city as the first part of the new waterfront and future vision for La Spezia.
Not only is Groove conceived from reclaimed land, but it’s also run sustainably with solar energy and other waste reduction systems.
Groove Waterfront is an eating and meeting place for locals and tourists to experience the harbor. Set in a contemporary space that includes a relaxing solarium area where you can soak up the summer sun and enjoy the views and activity of the harbor.
7. PIN
PIN La Spezia is a multi-use space for meeting friends, eating, drinking, dancing, and partying.
Dates: Open every day from 6:30 pm
Location: via Diaz 2 (Public Gardens), La Spezia
Typical Ticket Price: Free Entry
More Information: PIN La Spezia
PIN La Spezia has a lively energetic atmosphere where you can enjoy casual street food or modern dining in their new restaurant.
The outdoor space is a diverse area and welcomes performers, musicians, and guest speakers.
Events take place throughout the year and the summer schedule includes DJ sets and musical events.
8. Floats – Art Exhibition
“Floats” is an exhibition of new paintings and drawings by the highly successful and acclaimed Cuban artist Diango Hernández.
Dates: 5th to 25th July 2024
Location: Castello San Giorgio, Lerici
Typical Ticket Price: 6 Euros
More Information: Floats: Diango Hernández
The paintings on display capture the light and distorted shapes of the Mediterranean, where human figures float in magical abstract water.
Hernández is a Cuban artist who has exhibited in places such as The Museum of Modern Art in New York, USA, and at events like the Venice Biennale.
This solo exhibit can be viewed at the castle at Lerici during normal opening hours.
Lerici has a summer program of festivals and events. For more information visit the official Lerici Tourism website.
9. Monterosso – Four Bands For Four Fridays
Enjoy an authentic Italian evening of aperitivo and music in Monterosso al Mare Organized by the Pro Loco Monterosso!
Dates: 12th July, 26th July, 9th August and 23rd August 2024
Location: Punta Corone, Monterosso
Typical Ticket Price: TBC
Exact location and Booking Information: moc.liamg@ossoretnomocolorpofni
Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five stunning Cinque Terre villages, entices visitors with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. But, beyond the beach, you can hike from Monterosso to Vernazza and be awed by breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline.
This picturesque trail features dramatic cliffs and panoramic vistas, including the Punta Corone, just a short distance from Monterosso.
Punta Corone is high on the hill and is the setting for this relaxed and enjoyable evening of music and local food.
For other local events in Cinque Terre then visit the Cinque Terre Tourism Consortium website.
10. Fireworks at the Castle & Palio del Golfo
To celebrate the opening of the Palio del Golfo (annual rowing race and events) there will be a firework display that can be admired from the roof terrace at Castello San Giorgio, La Spezia.
Dates: 4th August 2024
Location: Castello San Giorgio, La Spezia.
Typical Ticket Price: 5 Euros
Booking Information: ti.ps.enumoc@aireterges.oigroignas
La Spezia's “Palio del Golfo” (a historic rowing competition) is held annually on the first Sunday in August. The festival includes food tents, market stalls, and of course the namesake rowing race between the 13 towns around the Gulf of Poets.
The Castello San Giorgio is a significant monument that has survived the many historical events in the city of La Spezia. Situated on a small hill called Poggio, it’s within easy reach of the old town.
During summer 2024, there is a schedule of events to celebrate the history of the city and the surrounding territory.
11. Cocktail Fest
Cocktail Fest is where you can try experimental flavors created by local mixologists. This event was already in La Spezia in May and is now touring to Sarzana.
Dates: 26-28th July 2024
Location: Piazza Luni, Sarzana.
Typical Ticket Price: 20 Euros for 10 Drink Ticket
Booking Information: Cocktail Fest
Cocktail Fest in Sarzana is an exhilarating celebration for cocktail enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good party! This vibrant festival takes over the heart of Sarzana, offering a mix of creativity, flavor, and fun.
It’s a simple formula! Buy a tasting ticket, get a map, and wander the streets to discover participating bars.
This event helps showcase the local bartenders and venues in the area AND is a wonderful way to sample some unique cocktails.
Other Things To Do in La Spezia
So, I've given you 11 things to do in La Spezia this summer. I’ve focused my list on events, but there are also other fun activities and attractions including:
- Shopping for local produce and crafts and tourist knickknacks around the old town.
- Sightseeing to admire the local Liberty-style architecture
- Local Ligurian food and wine experiences including pesto making and wine tasting.
- Walking tour to experience the best of the city
Wrap Up
La Spezia is a vibrant town, especially in summer where festivals and events run throughout the season.
Whether you’re here for the day or having an extended visit, you will find lots of fun things to do in La Spezia and the local surrounds. There’s a variety of events and something for everyone!
FAQ
Where can I park in La Spezia?
La Spezia has several free and paid parking lots and also free and paid on-street parking.
We have provided detailed instructions in our article: Parking in La Spezia.
Is La Spezia a good base for visiting Cinque Terre?
La Spezia is a very good option to use as a base for visiting Cinque Terre, Porto Venere, Lerici, Sarzana, and many places around eastern Liguria.
The town is safe for tourists, has a good variety of accommodation options, many restaurants and has EXCELLENT transport connections to towns around and about.
How far is La Spezia from Cinque Terre?
The train to Cinque Terre takes under 10 minutes to reach Riomaggiore. The train station is in the northern section of the old town and within an easy walk of the main tourist parts of the city.
