A Travel Price Comparison for Italy La Spezia vs. Finale Ligure for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

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 La Spezia and Finale Ligure. 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.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a convenient, cultural, and lively town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic area. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

La Spezia and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Finale Ligure. Although La Spezia and Finale Ligure are popular destinations, Finale Ligure has more sights and attractions for tourists. Finale Ligure is very popular for its museums, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia attracts visitors for its nightlife and historical sights. La Spezia is more touristy than Finale Ligure and is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. Finale Ligure is famous for its sandy beaches and great food. It is also well known for the sandy beaches.

How is La Spezia different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a good destination for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Finale Ligure offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.


Is the Food Better in La Spezia or Finale Ligure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Both La Spezia and Finale Ligure offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

La Spezia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Finale Ligure is an experience not to be missed. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

La Spezia is a popular place for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Finale Ligure makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.


Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a very popular place for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Many people visit Finale Ligure for it's beautiful beaches. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

La Spezia is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to see the historical old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Finale Ligure does not have a historic old town.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Finale Ligure. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both La Spezia and Finale Ligure.

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.

Many visitors go to Finale Ligure to go shopping. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure 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, Finale Ligure is very family-friendly. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

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 La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

La Spezia and Finale Ligure both superb destinations for a couple.

La Spezia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Couples visit Finale Ligure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.


Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

La Spezia is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Finale Ligure is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

Visitors will find nice public transit in both La Spezia and Finale Ligure.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

You'll find some public transit in Finale Ligure, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both trains and buses through the area.

Is La Spezia or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

La Spezia
Finale Ligure

La Spezia is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.


For even more information, also check out Is La Spezia Worth Visiting? and Is Finale Ligure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or La Spezia?

How long in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either La Spezia or Finale Ligure. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Finale Ligure due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for La Spezia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Finale Ligure.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Spezia than Finale Ligure if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in La Spezia.


  • How many days in La Spezia or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Spezia 2-3 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of La Spezia. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the area of Finale Ligure. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Finale Ligure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the convenient destination of La Spezia. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing area of Finale Ligure. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the town of La Spezia. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Finale Ligure is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure or La Spezia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Spezia is €198, while the average daily cost in Finale Ligure is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for La Spezia and Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Spezia 113
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Spezia 226
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in La Spezia and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in La Spezia or Finale Ligure? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in La Spezia


Hotels in Finale Ligure


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Spezia Hotel Prices and Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Spezia 41
    Finale Ligure 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $252
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure and La Spezia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    La Spezia 56
    Finale Ligure 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $160
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $160
  • Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Spezia 37
    Finale Ligure 28

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $18
  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
  • A sightseeing tour with Italian-inspired music: $43
  • From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $50
  • Private trip La Spezia to La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station: $50
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $59
  • From Cinque Terre Tour with Limoncino: $65
  • Cinque Terre tour with limoncino tasting from La Spezia Train Station: $66
  • Cinque Terre tour with limoncino tasting from La Spezia Port: $66
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Spezia 35
    Finale Ligure 6.99

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Spezia and Finale Ligure, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Finale Ligure much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Finale Ligure would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Finale Ligure 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Finale Ligure.

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


Which is Bigger, La Spezia or Finale Ligure?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Finale Ligure. When comparing the sizes of La Spezia and Finale Ligure, 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.

Related Articles for La Spezia
Related Articles for Finale Ligure