LA SPEZIA

The Gateway to the Cinque Terre

Why You Can't Miss
LA SPEZIA

This port city has a soul of its own, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its blend of historic and modern architecture, museums, parks, and a vibrant city life, La Spezia is a perfect crossroads for travelers seeking authentic and diverse experiences. Excursions to the Cinque Terre start from here, but it’s worth taking the time to explore the city, discovering its squares, markets, and the spectacular view over the Gulf of Poets.

Though often seen as a transit city, La Spezia has much to offer visitors, with a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal landscapes.

La vivace passeggiata sul lungomare
Il lungomare di La Spezia è un'oasi di relax e bellezza. Con le sue ampie passeggiate ombreggiate, giardini fioriti e vista sul porto, è il luogo ideale per una pausa rilassante.
Musei di rilevanza nazionale
La Spezia è sede di importanti musei, come il Museo Navale, che racconta la storia marittima della città, il Museo Lia con importanti opere, dall’epoca classica al XVIII secolo, e il CAMeC, centro di arte moderna e contemporanea.
Il mercato del pesce e delle prelibatezze locali
Un vero e proprio must per chi ama scoprire la vita locale. Questo mercato è una celebrazione dei sapori marittimi freschi e offre un’esperienza sensoriale autentica.
Tour in barca nel Golfo dei Poeti
Una delle esperienze più iconiche è una gita in barca nel Golfo dei Poeti, esplorando Portovenere, l'Isola Palmaria e Lerici. I panorami costieri sono mozzafiato, e il mare cristallino invita a tuffarsi.
Crocevia per le Cinque Terre e oltre
Oltre a essere la base perfetta per visitare le Cinque Terre, La Spezia è anche un punto strategico per esplorare altri gioielli della Liguria come Portovenere e Lerici, o per avventurarsi verso la vicina Toscana.

What to Visit in LA SPEZIA

La Spezia, the capital of the province of the same name and the gateway to the Cinque Terre, is a charming city that blends culture, the sea, and history. Although often overlooked by tourists heading to the nearby villages, it is well worth a visit for its attractions and rich heritage.
Exterior of Museo Tecnico Navale della Spezia featuring a grand stone entrance with arches, a crest, and canal-side railings, and a cyclist in a neon jacket nearby.

Technical Naval Museum

One of the most important naval museums in Italy, where visitors can explore the history of the Italian Navy through models, instruments, and historical artifacts.

Castello di San Giorgio fortress with rugged stone walls and medieval battlements under a vibrant blue sky, walkable ramp and a historic arch nearby, coastal fortress ambiance.

Castle of San Giorgio

Perched in a panoramic position, this ancient castle offers a spectacular view of the city and houses an archaeological museum featuring artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages.

CAMeC building with a glass façade and bold logo, a modern white structure in Cinque Terre Riviera, flanked by pastel surrounding buildings.

CAMeC – Center for Modern and Contemporary Art

A cultural hub that hosts temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection of modern art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Museum gallery with a central ornate gold-framed painting on a pedestal, a smaller framed work on the dark wall, blue floor and focused lighting

MUSEO LIA E DEL SIGILLO

 The “Amedeo Lia” museum was opened in 1996 and is located in the old convent of the minimites of St. Francis from Paola, who settled in the town of la Spezia in about 1620.  Its collection includes about 1000  works of all kinds, classical, late antique, mediaeval, up to the 18th century.

Where to Eat in LA SPEZIA

La Spezia is a gastronomic paradise offering a wide selection of restaurants, trattorias, and osterias where you can savor authentic Ligurian cuisine. Fresh seafood dishes are a specialty, but you’ll also find traditional delights such as focaccia, pesto, and stuffed mussels. Every corner of the city hides a spot where you can enjoy the flavors of the land and sea.

Evening outdoor dining area with wicker chairs and tables under a large canopy, warm lighting, a stone wall backdrop, and pebble ground.

OSTERIA DELLA CORTE

Via Napoli, 86,
19122 La Spezia SP

Golden-brown garlic bread slices on a white plate with a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior, torn into pieces for sharing.

LA PIA CENTENARIA

Via Magenta, 12,
19121 La Spezia SP

Cozy underground dining room with whitewashed stone walls, arched brick ceiling, and warm pendant lights above wooden tables set with napkins and glassware.

OSTERIA ALL’INFERNO

Via Lorenzo Costa, 3,
19121 La Spezia SP

Close-up of a plate of ravioli with mushrooms and squash in a light sauce, showing golden-brown edges and glossy pasta pockets with sautéed mushrooms.

LA GIRA

Via Genova, 622/630,
19134 La Foce della Spezia SP 

Where to STAY in LA SPEZIA

The gateway city is the practical choice: restaurants, services, easy parking and the Cinque Terre Express running to all five villages from dawn to late evening. Our Graffiti House puts a luxury apartment at the centre of it all. And soon we’ll have another rental jewel in La Spezia, Mareman Studio.

Where to Park in LA SPEZIA

La Spezia, unlike the small villages of the Cinque Terre, offers several options for those arriving by car. In addition to the solutions we recommend, there are also free parking areas in the outskirts, from where you can easily reach the city center using public transportation.

Blue parking sign icon with a white P and a black car silhouette, representing Vernazza parking areas in Cinque Terre.

La Spezia Centrale Station

GPS 44.110838, 9.814870

Blue parking sign icon with a white P and a black car silhouette, representing Vernazza parking areas in Cinque Terre.

LA SPEZIA STAZIONE MIGLIARINA

GPS 44.123025, 9.840491

Blue parking sign icon with a white P and a black car silhouette, representing Vernazza parking areas in Cinque Terre.

LA SPEZIA MIRABELLO PORT

GPS 44.100248, 9.826923

Blue parking sign icon with a white P and a black car silhouette, representing Vernazza parking areas in Cinque Terre.

La Spezia Centrale Station

GPS 44.107908, 9.828185

A La Spezia car parking facilities map shows locations near Stazione Centrale, Europapark, Palasport and Mirabello beside the harbor.
Multicolor abstract logo featuring overlapping orange, blue, teal, gray, green, and pink rectangular panels arranged around a white sunburst shape in the center.

Why Choose
Cinque Terre Riviera

At Cinque Terre Riviera, we offer much more than just a place to stay. Every apartment and experience is designed to provide a true connection with the local culture and traditions. Our commitment goes beyond hospitality—we strive to preserve and enhance the region, ensuring that every visitor enjoys a unique experience in harmony with nature and the authentic rhythm of the Cinque Terre. With a team of professionals who have turned hospitality into an art, we meticulously craft every detail of your stay, blending luxury, authenticity, and impeccable service.

Travel icon with a blue airplane over a stylized coastline and sea, hinting at Cinque Terre Riviera adventures in Vernazza, Italy for authentic coastal getaways and exploration.

Over 30 Years of Experience

With decades of expertise in luxury travel and property management, we ensure reliability and excellence. Our profound knowledge of the region allows us to craft stays that exceed expectations, offering a perfect balance of comfort and authenticity.

Cinque Terre Riviera scene in Vernazza with colorful buildings along the coastline, capturing UNESCO coastal charm and Cinque Terre heritage

Exclusive and Authentic Stays

Our carefully selected properties provide the highest levels of comfort, elegance, and strategic locations. Whether by the sea or nestled in the hills, each stay is designed to reflect the true essence of the Cinque Terre.

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Sustainability and Personalized Services

We are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the region through sustainable practices and offer tailored services to meet every traveler's needs, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.

NEED INFORMATION?

Fill out our contact form, and we will be happy to get back to you as soon as possible, providing all the support needed to organize your next vacation in the Cinque Terre. Our team is always available to offer advice, suggestions, and create a tailor-made stay perfectly suited to your needs.