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Europe

Tuscany/Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy

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.

Adventures in Antipasti

Enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of Tuscany with a culinary visit to a local farmhouse.
View Details

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.
View Details

Florence Street Eats & Culinary Customs

Explore Florentine traditions from the perspective of cuisine, enjoying street food and local specialties.
View Details

Freedom in Florence

Enjoy a round-trip transfer for a day to discover Florence as you like.
View Details
Explore all Tuscany/Cinque Terre (La Spezia) Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore 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.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Adventures in Antipasti

Enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of Tuscany with a culinary visit to a local farmhouse.
View Details

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.
View Details

Florence Street Eats & Culinary Customs

Explore Florentine traditions from the perspective of cuisine, enjoying street food and local specialties.
View Details

Freedom in Florence

Enjoy a round-trip transfer for a day to discover Florence as you like.
View Details
Explore all Tuscany/Cinque Terre (La Spezia) Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

48-75F (9-24C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

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