A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. La Spezia for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a awe-inspiring, epic, and majestic mountain town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than La Spezia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than La Spezia and is known for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. La Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, La Spezia is not a skiing destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

La Spezia is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

La Spezia is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to La Spezia specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for its luxury resorts. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

La Spezia is a good destination for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia is a good destination for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in La Spezia. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

La Spezia is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Spezia. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very family-friendly. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

La Spezia is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable mountain town. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

For even more information, also check out Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in La Spezia. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

Families should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than La Spezia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than La Spezia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

You'll find nightlife and food around the mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

You'll find food and skiing around the epic destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit La Spezia for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Spezia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the awe-inspiring mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer.

The destination of La Spezia offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting La Spezia. This town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. And not only is La Spezia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Spezia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Spezia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than you might in La Spezia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or La Spezia?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and La Spezia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.