La Spezia

Travel Guide

Cinque Terre featuring a coastal town, night scenes and a marina
La Spezia which includes a marina and a coastal town
La Spezia showing a bay or harbour, a coastal town and boating
Castello San Giorgio featuring a city
La Spezia

This port town exudes energy with a busy harbour and streets buzzing with local activity. It’s also home to places of historic and cultural interest.

Hop off the tourist trail and experience the lively atmosphere of this busy La Spezia. Visitors use this naval city as a gateway to the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre coast. A pretty harbour, art nouveau-style villas, appealing museums and interesting churches also make La Spezia a worthy destination on its own.

The city is in an attractive setting, situated between the olive tree-strewn hills of the Ligurian Apennines and the deep blue waters of the Gulf of La Spezia. It is easy to navigate the city on foot as it has a pedestrianized grid system. Head to the deep-water harbour and watch the ferrymen, fishermen and tourists dock at the bustling port. Then stroll along the palm-fringed promenade for views of the beautiful craggy coast. 

La Spezia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlements in this area. Learn about its varied history at the town’s museums. Examine historical artifacts at Castello San Giorgio and Museo Civico Etnografico Giovanni Podenzana or educate yourself on its naval heritage at Museo Tecnico Navale.  

Wind your way through the narrow lanes of La Spezia’s Old Town to discover several sacred buildings including Cattedrale di Cristo Re, the Church of Santi Giovanni e Agostino and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The latter is home to an impressive array of renowned religious artworks. 

Art lovers should also pay a visit to the popular Museo Civico Amedeo Lia to admire fine Renaissance pieces from Tintoretto, Titian and others. Stop in the covered market at Piazza Cavour to pick up snacks or supplies for dinner. 

Take the train or drive from major Italian cities to reach La Spezia. Leave your car here and continue to Cinque Terre for a daytrip or longer visit with a regional hike-and-ride rail trip year-round or passenger ferry in the summer.

With great museums and an exciting urban ambience, La Spezia is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Mediterranean life.

Where to stay in La Spezia

Castello San Giorgio featuring street scenes, a city and heritage architecture

La Spezia Historic Centre

4/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of La Spezia Historic Centre include the cafes and waterfront views. Make a stop by Castello San Giorgio or Piazza Garibaldi while you're exploring the area.

La Spezia Historic Centre
Hotel Firenze E Continentale

Hotel Firenze E Continentale

4 out of 5
Via Paleocapa 7, La Spezia, SP
The price is S$194 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$194
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Spezia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"The property seems relatively new , great breakfast buffet . Spacious rooms . Front desk staff knowledgeable and helpful. Perfectly located to grab the train to Cinque Terre."

Reviewed on 28 Jul, 2025

Hotel Firenze E Continentale
The Poet Hotel

The Poet Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Roma, 139, La Spezia, SP
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Spezia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (822 reviews)
"Great hotel, close to central train station and the main street"

Reviewed on 28 Jul, 2025

The Poet Hotel
AllegroItalia La Spezia

AllegroItalia La Spezia

3 out of 5
Piazzale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1, La Spezia, SP
Stay at this 3-star beach property in La Spezia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (209 reviews)
Hotel with rooftop view and small rooms
"Location is very nice with public parking conveniently located next to the hotel. The room itself is very small. We were very tight with our bags open in the room. The bathroom was actually a bit more spacious. It could’ve been the room we stayed in. Breakfast was good and the rooftop bar has an ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

AllegroItalia La Spezia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elegant Apartments 5 Terre La Spezia

Elegant Apartments 5 Terre La Spezia

Via Del Prione 144, La Spezia, SP
Stay at this aparthotel in La Spezia. Enjoy parking (surcharge), premium bedding, and hydromassage showerheads. Popular attractions La Spezia Cruise Terminal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (43 reviews)
"Great place. The property owner was amazing and helped answer our questions about transportation and ideas."

Reviewed on 26 Jul, 2025

Elegant Apartments 5 Terre La Spezia
Mira-mare Apartments & Suites

Mira-mare Apartments & Suites

Via della Lizza 23, La Spezia, SP
Stay at this condo in La Spezia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions La Spezia Cruise Terminal and Lerici Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Mira-mare was without doubt my most favourite accommodation in Italy in Le Spezia ! Absolutely stunning, fully self contained 3 bedroom apartment with kitchenette. Immaculate and well equipped with all kitchen needs. When we arrived there was a welcome letter and 2x bags of cookies which was a beautiful ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Mira-mare Apartments & Suites
HOTIDAY Apartment Collection - La Spezia

HOTIDAY Apartment Collection - La Spezia

3 out of 5
Piazzale Papa Giovanni XXIII 1, La Spezia, SP
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in La Spezia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions La Spezia Cruise Terminal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Staff very pleasant ( esp in dining room)…but all helpful. Only downside was acoustics as I could hear conversations etc if people in next suite not good when people are JettLaggeclagged and wide awake when you are trying to sleep."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

HOTIDAY Apartment Collection - La Spezia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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