Step ashore in La Spezia, your direct gateway to the Italian Rivieras most iconic coastline. Easy to love, even easier to explore.
Quick Facts
Weather Range
48-75F (9-24C)
Currency
EUR
Language
Italian
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Overview
La Spezia is your gateway to the Cinque Terres five legendary coastal villages, and the train connection makes day-tripping ridiculously easy. The villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—each have their own personality, from Monterosso's beaches to Vernazzas tiny harbor and Manarolas wine terraces. Hiking the coastal sentiero azzurro (blue trail) between villages delivers those famous views, though some sections close due to landslides and erosion. La Spezia itself is an underrated Italian port city with palm-lined promenades, a lively market, and seafood restaurants serving fresh-caught anchovies and pesto (Liguria invented it). Portovenere, a UNESCO site just south of La Spezia, has Gothic church ruins, sea caves, and views across to the island of Palmaria. Lerici and its castle provide another quieter coastal escape with Italian Riviera charm. You can also reach Pisa, Lucca, or Florence from here, though those require more travel time.
Top Sights
Sentiero Azzurro
The blue trail connecting Cinque Terre villages offers spectacular coastal hiking between towns. Some sections close due to. erosion, but open portions deliver those famous views over villages and sea.
Portovenere
UNESCO World Heritage village south of La Spezia with colorful houses, Gothic church ruins on a promontory, and. Byrons Grotto sea cave. It's less crowded than Cinque Terre but equally picturesque.
Cinque Terre Villages
Five cliff-clinging fishing villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) connected by train and coastal hiking. trails. Each village has distinct personality but uniformly spectacular settings.
Neighborhoods
Centro Storico
Local eats and photo spots
Piazza Verdi
Local eats and photo spots
Migliarina
Local eats and photo spots
Shore Things Excursions
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Cruising the Gulf of Poets & Portovenere Visit
See the spectacular coastline village of the Gulf of Poets from a small boat, including a stop in Portovenere to explore.
Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator
Cruising the Gulf of Poets & Portovenere Visit
See the spectacular coastline village of the Gulf of Poets from a small boat, including a stop in Portovenere to explore.
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