Things to do in  La Spezia

Occupying a bay on Italy’s northwest coast, La Spezia boasts a port history that traces back to the days of the French Empire. It remains an important seaport today, home to a major naval base and a cruise port for visitors heading to Italy’s headline destinations like the Cinque Terre region nearby.

For most travelers, La Spezia is a jumping-off point for forays further into Italy. It’s a port city and so has fewer tourist attractions compared to other coastal towns. If you have time to linger, however, a wander along the seafront’s palm-lined promenade—Passeggiata Morin—gelato in hand, is pleasant.

Start with some boat-watching at the seafront, and stroll to La Spezia’s Naval Technical Museum where collections of model ships, cannons, and battleship paraphernalia await. Stop for a lunch of Ligurian specialties in a traditional trattoria, then check out the hilltop Castle of San Giorgio, where sea views abound.

One day will cover La Spezia perfectly; but if you plan to use the town as a base for exploring the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, then five days is ideal. A week would give you time to hike in the National Park of Portovenere and flop on the beaches of Forte dei Marmi, too.

If you plan to spend more time exploring the Cinque Terre and you have a decent budget, you would be better off staying in one of the region’s five villages: Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso-al-Mare, Riomaggiore, or Vernazza. If you want fewer tourists and more wallet-friendly accommodations, La Spezia is the better option.

The Cinque Terre trails cover around 75 miles (120 kilometers) of coastal terrain. If you wanted to hike between Monterosso-al-Mare and Riomaggiore the quickest way possible, you could maybe do it in around six hours. A much better idea is to dedicate two or three days to the journey, soaking up the views that abound.