What To Do Around Cinque Terre & La Spezia
Welcome to La Spezia Guide, this is your ultimate resource for discovering the best experiences across the stunning Ligurian Riviera!
From memorable things to do in Cinque Terre and discovering La Spezia, to exploring charming neighboring towns like Porto Venere and Levanto, we've got you covered!
Whether you're seeking boat tours along the coast, soaking up culture at local markets and festivals, or indulging in food and wine experiences, this region has something special for every type of traveler.
We've curated guides for day-trippers, cruise passengers, beach lovers, hikers, and culture enthusiasts. Browse through our comprehensive posts below to plan your perfect Ligurian adventure, and don't miss our expert travel tips for avoiding the crowds to make your visit even more authentic and enjoyable!
Activities & Things To Do
Discover the top 10 must-see attractions in Cinque Terre to make the most of your visit to this stunning region. Cinque Terre and La Spezia are bustling areas nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
The city and towns offer many attractions including museums, shopping, theatres, galleries, and architecture.
For adventure and sightseeing, the sea and mountains are in close proximity and easily accessible, just a short distance from the towns!
If you’re looking for the best things to do in La Spezia and Cinque Terre, then our Insider Guide blog posts are sure to inspire you.
Unique Experiences
Looking for something beyond the ordinary? Explore more about Cinque Terre and Eastern Liguria, which offer incredible, unique experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable!
Join a hands-on pesto-making class to master the art of authentic Ligurian basil pesto, or embark on a wine tour through the terraced vineyards that produce the region's famous DOC wines.
For adventure seekers, try cliff diving at the hidden swimming spots locals love, or explore the underwater world with snorkeling, kayaking, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the protected marine reserve.
Book a sunset aperitivo cruise to watch the sky transform into brilliant shades of orange and pink over the colorful villages, or discover the fascinating marble quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo sourced stone for his masterpieces.
After your adventures, explore our guide to the best food and drink experiences in the region, and find your perfect accommodation to complete your Ligurian experience.
These are the experiences that move beyond typical sightseeing and connect you with the authentic culture and natural beauty of the Ligurian coast!
A Little About Us
Hi! We are Justin and Lu. The area near Cinque Terre, is full of surprises.
Whenever we are exploring the area, we are learning more and our wish list of things to do only grows longer!
La Spezia Guide is our way of sharing the best of this incredible place. We hope you enjoy our content!
Buon Viaggio!
Helpful Guides for Cruise Passengers
Activity Ideas & Experiences
Short on time or overwhelmed by choices? Our premade a day trip to Porto Venere take the stress out of planning and help you make the most of every precious moment in this spectacular region! Whether you're planning 3 days in Cinque Terre, wish to go further afield, or simply want to maximize the only day you have there, we have you covered!
These expertly crafted guides are packed with local insights, perfectly timed schedules, and insider recommendations that you simply won't find in generic guidebooks.
Each itinerary includes detailed walking routes with interactive Google Maps, restaurant suggestions, transport information, and cost estimates, so you can budget and plan ahead with confidence. Whether you have just one day or an entire week, our itineraries are designed to help you experience the authentic magic of Cinque Terre and La Spezia without wasting time figuring out logistics.
They're incredibly cost-effective compared to guided tours, yet provide all the structure and local knowledge you need for an unforgettable adventure. From a day trip to Porto Venere to exploring Levanto, these ready-to-go plans transform your visit into a seamless, memorable experience!
Visit La Spezia & Cinque Terre – Tourist Tips
Tourist Information: There is a tourist welcome center in all the Cinque Terre towns. La Spezia also has a Tourist Information Office on Via del Prione next to the Civic Museum. They have free maps and booklets that can help with your trip.
Book in Advance: Summertime in Italy is busy and if there is something that you really have your heart set on doing, then an advance booking is a good idea!
When in Rome: Due to the summer heat, aim to get out and about early and rest in a café or restaurant during Riposo (an Italian version of a siesta)!!
Opening Hours: Even during peak season some shops and tourist venues will close between 12 pm and 3 pm for Riposo. Restaurants and cafes remain open but check opening hours for attractions to avoid wasting your valuable vacation time.
Be Comfortable: The eastern Ligurian region is situated under the shadows of the Ligurian Alps and the Apennine Mountains! Combine that image with cobbled streets and winding stairways and you’re starting to get the idea. For this trip, prioritize comfort over fashion. Invest in practical footwear and a water bottle!
Pebbly Beaches: Most of the beaches in Liguria are pebbly. We highly recommend beach shoes. They aren’t very glamorous, but they do protect your feet from sharp stones and painful pebbles.
For more helpful advice, check out our comprehensive travel tips section.
More Popular Things To Do
La Spezia & Cinque Terre Attractions
Our blog is a great place to find ideas for your holiday to the area. If you looking for an easy solution then you may also like our premade itineraries. In the meantime here are some tourist attractions that might pique your interest include:
In La Spezia
Museums & History: Visit one of the numerous churches and museums, including the Civic Museum, National Transport Museum, Naval Museum, and Castello San Giorgio.
Music Events: There are dozens of special events during the year. In summer you can enjoy the International Jazz Festival in Piazza Europa and the recently renovated Civic Theatre hosts Opera and Classical Concerts that transcend the language barrier!
City Shopping: The city has a variety of boutique shops, craft and antique markets, and a daily fresh food market selling cheese, meats, seafood, and local specialties like Ligurian focaccia and pesto.
In Cinque Terre
Take a boat trip or hike between the towns. Explore the 5 villages that have captured the hearts of tourists from around the world. Traveling effortlessly between the towns on the Cinque Terre Express.
Sidestep the mass tourists and join select experiences such as winery tours, artisan gelato classes, and learning the culinary art of making authentic Ligurian pesto and focaccia.
Around The Gulf of Poets
Visit nearby towns and beaches like Tellaro, Lerici, and Porto Venere by car, boat, or local bus. By boat, you can discover the UNESCO islands off Porto Venere and swim in grottos and coves accessible only by sea.
Beaches & Swimming Spots
The Ligurian coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs and colorful villages, but it also offers some spectacular beaches and swimming spots!
Whether you're looking for sandy shores or rocky coves, the region has options for every preference.
Cinque Terre beaches offer unique swimming experiences, from sandy beaches in Monterosso to the cliff-jumping spots in Riomaggiore.
During summer months, there's nothing quite like a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean after a morning of hiking or sightseeing.
Don't forget to pack your swimsuit – even in the villages, you'll find locals cooling off in the sea at any available spot along the rocky coastline!
Markets & Local Shopping
Immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture by discovering the covered and street markets of La Spezia! These vibrant markets are where locals shop for fresh produce, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties.
The daily covered market is a sensory explosion of colors, aromas, and flavors, perfect for picking up picnic supplies or ingredients to take home.
Browsing the market stalls isn't just about shopping – it's an opportunity to witness everyday Italian life, chat with friendly vendors, and discover products you won't find anywhere else.
The antique markets that pop up monthly are treasure troves for collectors and those seeking unique souvenirs with real character and history!
Seasonal Experiences
The Ligurian Riviera offers different charms throughout the year! While summer brings bustling beaches and long sunny days, La Spezia in winter reveals a quieter, more intimate side of the region.
Winter months feature Christmas markets, cozy trattorias serving hearty Ligurian soups, and crisp coastal walks without the crowds. This is when you'll experience the area at its most authentic, when locals reclaim their towns, and you can enjoy a cappuccino in a piazza without fighting for a seat!
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the best of both worlds – pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and nature in full bloom or displaying autumn colors along the hiking trails.
Making the Most of Your Time
We understand that planning a trip to this region can feel overwhelming with so many options and limited time! That's why we've created the Essential Cinque Terre Itinerary to help you hit the highlights efficiently.
All our guides are born from our experience living here and showing countless friends and family members around. We know which villages work best together, how long things really take, and where to find the best views without the tourist hordes.
Our goal is to help you experience this spectacular corner of Italy at its very best – whether you have just a few hours or several days to explore. The key is strategic planning, early starts, and knowing when to slow down and simply soak in the beauty around you!
Day Trips Beyond Cinque Terre
While Cinque Terre steals the spotlight, the surrounding region deserves equal attention! Charming coastal towns and historic cities make for fantastic day trips.
Porto Venere, part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site as Cinque Terre, offers stunning architecture, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Levanto attracts surfers and beach lovers with its long sandy beach and laid-back vibe.
If you're based in La Spezia, you have easy train access to explore further afield too. Florence is just two hours away, making it possible for a day trip from Cinque Terre to Florence – though we'd recommend saving Florence for a longer visit if possible!
If you're arriving by cruise ship, don't miss our dedicated cruise passenger articles, covering everything you need to know, including tailored itineraries.
