La Spezia
Western Europe · Italy
Did you know?
- Castello di San Giorgio recalls the gulf's military heritage.
- Mesciciüa is a local soup made from legumes and cereals.
- CAMeC exhibits modern and contemporary art.
See also
Overview
La Spezia offers a calmer coastal base than nearby Cinque Terre. The city also serves as a transport hub for trips along that coastline.
Languages: Catalan, Italian
Why Go
La Spezia offers a quieter Italian coastal experience than tourist-heavy Cinque Terre while serving as its main transport hub. The town has 91,391 inhabitants called Spezzini, with bergamot-tree-lined streets and well-maintained gardens blending sea with mountain views. Its military heritage left the 13th-century Castello di San Giorgio and several fortifications along the gulf.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
La Spezia Centrale station sits 500m northwest of the town centre. A direct night train runs from Vienna via Klagenfurt, Villach, Padua, Vicenza, Verona Porta Nuova, Milan Rogoredo and Genoa Piazza Principe, taking 16 hours. Hourly trains from Genoa Brignole take 60-90 minutes and may continue to Pisa, Rome or Naples. From Milan change in Turin; from Nice change in Genoa. These trains pass through Cinque Terre National Park with slower services stopping at Rapallo, Chiavari, Sestri Levanti, Levanto, Monterosso and Riomaggiore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
La Spezia is walkable with the train station 500m northwest of the historic centre. The seafront, port and historical centre are within easy reach of each other. Local buses serve surrounding areas if needed.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The Ligurian coast is busiest in summer months when day-trippers flood to Cinque Terre. Spring and early autumn offer milder crowds and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Winter sees fewer visitors though some seasonal services may be reduced.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
NH Jolly La Spezia at Via XX Settembre, 2 is seconds from the seafront, 150m from both the port and historical centre, and close to the main train station. Budget accommodation options near the station serve travelers using La Spezia as a base for Cinque Terre day trips.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Ligurian cuisine dominates with focaccia, pesto and chickpea flour dishes. Regional specialties include sgabei and testaroli (originating from Lunigiana), plus Extra Virgin Olive Oil and black pepper featured in local recipes. The legume and cereal soup called mesciciüa is a well-known local dish. Pumpkin flowers stuffed and vegetable pies are also typical. Evening aperitivo and dinner are popular along the seafront promenade.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Castello di San Giorgio is the oldest military building in the city, with construction prior to the 13th century by Genoese who built fortifications to defend against Muslim raids. The CAMeC (Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art) showcases local modern art. The Naval Museum appeals to maritime history enthusiasts. Chiesa del Sacro Cuore huddles below the Castello. For sports, Spezia Calcio now plays in Serie B at Stadio Alberto Picco (capacity 11,500), 2km west near the navy docks. Scola Tower on a tiny island now functions as a lighthouse.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of June 2022, La Spezia has 4G coverage from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. WiFi is available in hotels and some cafes in the centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
Cinque Terre is the spectacular coastline northwest, reachable by frequent regional trains. The five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso) offer hiking trails, coastal views and beach access. Sarzana is 15km east, an attractive small town with a Wednesday market and Luna Park for children.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Cinque Terre lies northwest along the coast with spectacular hiking between the five villages. Sarzana is 15km east with a lively Wednesday market. Genoa is south with its historic port and aquarium. Pisa and Florence are accessible via train connections through the regional rail network.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
NH Jolly La Spezia
Via XX Settembre, 2. The hotel is just a seconds walk from the seafront, and only 150 meters from both the port and the historical centre and is also close to the main train station.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Local Ligurian Restaurants
Focaccia, pesto and regional dishes at local trattorias near the port
Recorded price: €8-15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Castello di San Giorgio
The castle is the oldest military building in the city, whose first phase of construction is prior to the thirteenth century. The structure preserved and visible today is the work of the Genoese who also built several other fortifications in the Gulf to defend against Muslim raids. The development of the city's entire area of the gulf of La Spezia is therefore always been related to the military function of the area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Cattedrale di Cristo Re
Consecrated in 1975.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Naval Museum
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Nostra Signora della Salute
Consecrated in 1900.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Scola Tower
A former military building on a tiny island, later converted to a lighthouse. An interesting abandoned building worth taking a picture in, if you happen to go around.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from TIM; 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre as of 2022.
Day trips
Cinque Terre villages are 10-20 minutes by regional train. Sarzana is 15km east with Wednesday markets.
Food
Local Ligurian cuisine features focaccia, pesto, sgabei, testaroli and mesciciüa soup. Expect to pay €8-15 for a casual meal.
Transport
La Spezia Centrale station is 500m northwest of the town centre. Direct trains connect to Genoa (60-90 min), Vienna (16 hours overnight), Milan, Pisa and Rome.