Should You Visit La Spezia?

Are you thinking about visiting La Spezia, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is La Spezia worth visiting?

La Spezia is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. La Spezia is a port city that's located near Cinque Terre. It has a maritime museum and an old town with restaurants and shops. For visitors who choose not to stay in Cinque Terre, it makes a convenient base for exploring the area.

La Spezia, Italy La Spezia, Italy

Reasons to Visit La Spezia

Food
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.

Nightlife
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.

Beaches
The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Historical Sights
The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Shopping
There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.




Is La Spezia worth visiting in the Summer?

The peak season for travel is summer in La Spezia, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, admire the historic sights, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Is La Spezia worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in La Spezia. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town.

Is La Spezia worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in La Spezia. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the historic old town, and the nightlife.

Is La Spezia worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in La Spezia, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away.

Things to Consider Before Visiting La Spezia

Museums: La Spezia isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. 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.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, La Spezia might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for La Spezia here or see if La Spezia is expensive here.

Related

What is La Spezia most famous for?

La Spezia is most famous for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. People visit this impressive town for its great food. It's also known for nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as convenient, cultural, and lively.

What is the most famous sight in La Spezia?

The most popular sight in La Spezia is The Maritime Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in La Spezia on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Maritime Museum and other attractions here.

How touristy is La Spezia? Is it a popular town to visit?

La Spezia is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Cinque Terre Boat Tours Experience: $144
  • Boat tour 5 terre & Portovenere Food - drink - music - swim: $163
  • Tour 5 hours with sunset aperitif: $130
  • Daily Tour 5 Terre: $206
  • Didi Boat Tour with Davide-Explore the island and Portovenere: $281
  • Sunset Boat Tour in the Cinque Terre: $121
  • The miracles of Genova - walking tour (starts by train from La Spezia): $293
  • Name your recipe: food market tour and workshop with a Cesarina in La Spezia: $169

How long should I spend in La Spezia?

The ideal length of time for a trip to La Spezia is two to three days. Since La Spezia has activities such as dining, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in La Spezia? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in La Spezia?.