La Spezia Travel Guide – History, Travel, Hotels, and More!

Nestled between the rolling hills and the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea, La Spezia offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation. This charming Italian port city is a gateway to the picturesque Cinque Terre, making it an essential stop for any traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience. As the home to Italy’s largest naval base, La Spezia boasts a fascinating maritime heritage, adding depth to its beautiful coastal scenery.

While wandering through the city, you’ll discover pedestrian-only zones, allowing you to explore quaint streets filled with local shops and cafes at a leisurely pace. March brings the vibrant festival of San Giuseppe, illuminating the city with bustling markets and lively celebrations. Whether you’re taking a stroll along the port or planning a boat trip to nearby Portovenere, La Spezia has a range of activities to suit every traveler.

La Spezia 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in La Spezia! Look for deals here:
La Spezia Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

For those looking for practical advice, knowing the best places to eat, stay, and explore is key to enjoying your holiday. With connections to major cities like Pisa, Genoa, and Florence, La Spezia serves as a perfect hub for further Italian adventures. Let this guide help you uncover the charm and beauty of one of Italy’s hidden gems.

How To Get To La Spezia

La Spezia is a scenic city in Italy that is both easily accessible and beautifully charming. You have several options to reach it, depending on where you are coming from and your preference.

By Plane: The nearest airport to La Spezia is Pisa Airport, approximately 80 km away. You can rent a car here to drive, or take a train directly from Pisa to La Spezia Centrale station. The train ride offers a convenient and quick way to start your journey.

To make your arrival hassle-free, we recommend booking a private taxi.

By Train: Trains are one of the best ways to travel to La Spezia, thanks to Italy’s extensive railway network. Direct trains run frequently from major Italian cities, providing a relaxing and scenic route to your destination.

By Car: Driving offers flexibility. The drive from nearby cities like Genoa or Florence allows you to enjoy the Italian countryside on the way.

We recommend booking a rental car in advance to ensure you have a car waiting for you.

By Ferry: If you prefer a maritime approach, ferries operate seasonally from nearby coastal areas to La Spezia. This route is an adventurous way to experience the beauty of the Ligurian Sea.

What To See In La Spezia

La Spezia offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Start at the La Spezia Waterfront, where you can enjoy lovely views of the harbor and stroll along the promenade lined with palm trees.

Explore the Castello di San Giorgio, an ancient fortress with stunning city views. Nearby, the Archaeological Museum showcases historical artifacts from the region.

For a taste of local culture, visit Piazza Cavour. Here, you can savor Italian cuisine at charming restaurants and cafés. Don’t miss trying a classic Italian pizza or gelato.

Cinque Terre is just a short train ride away. It includes five unique villages, including Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. Each offers breathtaking cliffside views and colorful houses.

Adventure seekers can take a boat trip to Portovenere and the nearby islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. These spots are perfect for hiking and exploring secluded beaches.

Visit Lerici, with its gorgeous beaches and the historic Doria Castle. Nearby Tellaro offers charming, picturesque streets perfect for a day trip.

The Ponte Thaon di Revel is an eye-catching pedestrian bridge offering great photo opportunities. For nature lovers, the Cinque Terre National Park provides trails and scenic walks with unforgettable views.

Best Tours in La Spezia

Going on a tour can create an even more memorable vacation. Here’s the ones we recommend:

Check out our articles on the best things to do in La Spezia, Italy and best restaurants in La Spezia, Italy for even more ideas!

Where to Stay in La Spezia

Read our article on hotels near La Spezia, Italy for the best options for your stay. Here’s a short list of some options:

If you’re looking to stay in a vacation home, apartment, BnB, or VRBO in La Spezia, Italy, we recommend you search on VRBO, Hotels.com, and Booking.com for up-to-date options.

History Of La Spezia

La Spezia, located in the beautiful Liguria region of Italy, is a city with a rich and intriguing history. This port city sits at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Gulf of Poets. This picturesque location has inspired writers like Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The city has ancient roots, with its beginnings tracing back to Roman times. During the Middle Ages, La Spezia became important as a Genoese naval base, thanks to its proximity to the Italian Riviera and Tuscany. The strategic significance of La Spezia was recognized again in the 19th century when it became Italy’s main naval base.

Today, you can explore the city’s history at the Navy Museum, which showcases La Spezia’s maritime past. The surrounding Apuan Alps provide a stunning backdrop to this historical site, offering a blend of culture and natural beauty.

While visiting La Spezia, take the chance to explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Cinque Terre. Not only do these locations offer breathtaking views, but they also give insight into the area’s cultural heritage and evolution over centuries.

Nearby Towns to La Spezia

La Spezia, a bustling port city on the Ligurian coast, is surrounded by several larger towns that offer a variety of attractions and experiences. Here are five of the closest big towns to La Spezia:

Genoa: Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is known for its rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include the historic port, the Aquarium of Genoa, and the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli.
Pisa: Pisa, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, offers a wealth of historical and architectural attractions, including the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Pisa Cathedral, and the Pisa Baptistery.
Lucca: Lucca is renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the historic city center. The town features charming cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and vibrant piazzas.
Carrara: Carrara is known for its high-quality marble quarries that have been used since Roman times. The town offers fascinating tours of the marble quarries and a rich history linked to its stone-working heritage.
Viareggio: Viareggio is a popular seaside resort town known for its long sandy beaches, elegant Art Nouveau architecture, and the famous Carnival of Viareggio, one of the most renowned carnivals in Italy.