La Spezia: The Complete Guide

La Spezia, positioned in the far-eastern reaches of Liguria, stands as the region’s largest and most densely populated city. However, its allure lies not only in its intrinsic attractions but also in its proximity to the splendid villages adorning the enchanting Gulf of Poets.

Often, La Spezia merely brushes against the bustling tide of tourists drawn by the illustrious charms of destinations like the Cinque Terre, Lerici, and Porto Venere. Yet, venturing into the heart of La Spezia can yield delightful surprises, thanks to its captivating museums, vibrant city center, and breathtaking vistas that unveil the expansive Gulf, framed against the majestic backdrop of the Apuan Alps.

Embarking on a multi-day sojourn in La Spezia while using it as a base for exploring the surroundings can prove to be a brilliant notion. This approach allows one to fully appreciate the beauty of this Ligurian stretch, while also keeping expenses in check. The city offers an array of affordable lodging options, including budget-friendly hotels and apartments, which facilitates an economical exploration of the region’s attractions.

History of La Spezia

Portovenere, a picturesque seaside village on the Italian Riviera, near the Cinque Terre, has a rich and layered history that dates back thousands of years. The area’s strategic position and natural beauty have made it a coveted location throughout the ages.

Ancient and Roman Periods

The history of Portovenere begins in ancient times. It was first inhabited by the Ligures, an ancient Indo-European people who settled in northeastern Italy. Later, the Romans took interest in Portovenere’s strategic maritime position. They named the town Portus Veneris, attributing it to the goddess Venus. The remains of a Roman villa overlooking the bay point to the town’s significance during Roman times.

Medieval Importance

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Portovenere passed through the hands of various powers, including the Byzantines and Lombards. In the Middle Ages, it became increasingly important as a naval base. In the 12th century, the Republic of Genoa took control of Portovenere. The Genoese fortified the town and built the impressive Doria Castle on a rocky promontory to protect the bay from pirates and rival maritime powers like Pisa and Venice.

Genoese Era

Under Genoese rule, Portovenere flourished. The construction of St. Peter’s Church in 1198, a striking Gothic-style church perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, symbolized the town’s prosperity and strategic importance. The church and the castle together formed a formidable defense system for the Gulf of Poets.

Modern Era

Over the centuries, Portovenere’s strategic importance waned, and it transitioned into a fishing village, known for its quaint beauty and spectacular natural surroundings. By the 20th century, it became a renowned destination for artists, writers, and tourists, drawn by its historic charm and stunning landscapes. The town’s picturesque harbor, lined with colorful houses and narrow medieval streets, has made it a favorite subject for painters and photographers.

UNESCO Recognition

In 1997, Portovenere, along with the islands of Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto, and the Cinque Terre, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has helped preserve the architectural and natural heritage of the area, promoting sustainable tourism and protecting its historical sites.

Cultural Legacy

The Gulf of Poets, named for the literary figures like Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley who were inspired by the area’s beauty, adds to the cultural mystique of Portovenere. The Byron’s Grotto, a rocky alcove where the poet is said to have composed poetry, remains a popular site for visitors.

Today, Portovenere remains a blend of its rich historical tapestry and modern touristic appeal, offering a unique glimpse into the past while providing the amenities and experiences sought by contemporary travelers. Its history, architecture, and natural beauty continue to enchant and attract visitors from around the world.

Visiting La Spezia for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in La Spezia on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to La Spezia not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in La Spezia and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Thaon di Revel Bridge

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Helge Thomas

The Thaon di Revel bridge, a splendid piece of modern architecture, graces the port of La Spezia with its presence. Spanning 150 meters in length, this pedestrian bridge was erected in July 2013, serving as a remarkable link between the Morin promenade and the Mirabella marina. Crafted from a combination of steel, concrete, and wood, the bridge showcases meticulous craftsmanship…

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Location: Thaon Di Revel, Italy | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Thaon di Revel Bridge

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Naval Technical Museum La Spezia

Public Domain / Tangopaso

In the 1860s, the Italian navy established a significant base in La Spezia, which later evolved into one of its foremost dockyards and arsenals. The inception of the museum traces back to the 18th century, when a collection of naval artifacts associated with the royal house of Savoy found its home at Villafranca and subsequently in Genoa. In 1870, this…

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Location: Technical Naval Museum of Spezia, Viale Giovanni Amendola, La Spezia, Italy | Hours: Daily 08:30am to 07:30pm. Closed Tuesdays | Price: €1.55 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Naval Technical Museum La Spezia

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in La Spezia . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

CAMeC - Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Public Domain / Icarus83

Nestled within the historical heart of La Spezia stands the CAMEC - Center of Modern and Contemporary Art, an artistic haven ensconced within a 1920s building that once served as the seat of Justice. This dynamic institution boasts a remarkable and diverse array of artworks, solidifying its role as a hub for modern and contemporary expression. The museum's collection is…

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Location: CAMeC - Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Piazza Cesare Battisti, La Spezia, SP, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 - 18.00 | Price: € 5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting CAMeC - Centro Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

San Giorgio Castle

Public Domain / Tangopaso

The Castle of San Giorgio, perched above La Spezia, boasts a lineage that harks back to a watchtower's inception. The first semblance of the castle emerged in 1262, crafted by the region's ruler Nicolò Fieschi. This stronghold served the purpose of fortifying his dominance over the territory. Presently, only the foundational segment of the original watchtower endures, ingeniously integrated into…

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Location: Castello San Giorgio, Via XXVII Marzo, La Spezia, SP, Italy | Hours: Winter: from Wednesday to Sunday 10.00-12.30 / 14-17; Tuesday 10-17. Spring/Autumn: Monday to Sunday 10:00-12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 Summer: Monday to Sunday 10:30-17:00. | Price: Adult:€ 5.50 | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting San Giorgio Castle

Civic Museum of the Seal

Public Domain / Cribegh

Situated within the captivating historic center of La Spezia, the Civic Museum of the Seal finds its abode within the venerable confines of the Paolotti convent, a structure steeped in 17th-century history. This museum's inception took place in the year 2000, a testament to the generous donation from Lilian and Euro Capellini. Their unwavering dedication over three decades fostered relationships…

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Location: Via del Prione, 236, La Spezia, SP, Liguria, Italy | Hours: Daily: 10:00 - 18:00 Closed Monday | Price: €3.50 | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Civic Museum of the Seal

Amedeo Lia Civic Museum, La Spezia

CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko

At the vibrant core of La Spezia stands the Civic Art Museum, a treasure trove housing a constellation of artworks that span across centuries. This remarkable repository boasts approximately 1000 masterpieces, dating from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, comprising an array of sculptures, ceramics, bronze pieces, and delicate glassware. However, the true essence of this collection emanates from…

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Location: Museo Civico Amedeo Lia, Via del Prione, La Spezia, SP, Italy | Hours: Daily 10:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays | Price: € 8.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Amedeo Lia Civic Museum, La Spezia

Roman villa of Varignano

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Donatella Chiapponi

The Roman Villa of Varignano enjoys a truly idyllic setting, nestled at the base of a picturesque valley adorned with water sources. It graciously overlooks the sea, enveloped by an estate adorned with olive groves, and quite possibly enriched with woodlands and pasturelands. Archaeological endeavours have unveiled an expansive villa with a private harbor, its story stretching across time from…

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Location: Varignano Roman Villa, Via Varignano Vecchio, Le Grazie, Portovenere, SP, Italy | Distance: 4.5km

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Visiting Roman villa of Varignano

Portovenere

Porto Venere, a hidden gem in the heart of Liguria, Italy, sits just a stone's throw away from the renowned Cinque Terre. Despite its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site designation and its position as a scenic marvel on the Gulf of the Poets, this enchanting town remains somewhat undiscovered by the multitude of global travellers converging on the Cinque Terre.…

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Visiting Portovenere

Porta del Borgo, Porto Venere

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap

The "Porta del Borgo" of Porto Venere stands as a historical gateway, adorned with a significant Latin inscription "Colonia Januensis 1113." This inscription serves as a reminder of the year 1113 when Portovenere was fortified by the Republic of Genoa, thus assuming a vital role as a defensive stronghold against the Maritime Republic of Pisa. Upon passing through this ancient…

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Location: Porta del Borgo, Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Distance: 5.7km

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Visiting Porta del Borgo, Porto Venere

Castello Doria

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Lorenzo Maffucci

Castello Doria stands as a commanding fortress, perched atop a rocky hill that gracefully oversees the coastal village of Portovenere. It stands as a resplendent exemplar of military architecture hailing from the Republic of Genoa. Historical threads weave into the castle's narrative, with its origins rooted in an ancient fortress that occupied the terrain. The Republic of Genoa gained control…

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Location: Via dei Mulini, 19025 Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Hours: Daily 10:00 to 17:30 | Price: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 5.8km

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Visiting Castello Doria

A day trip from La Spezia offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around La Spezia provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Davide Papalini

The Church of San Pietro stands as an ancient testament to devotion, perched on a rugged promontory in Portovenere that gazes out upon the captivating Gulf of Poets. History of Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere) The foundations of the original church trace back to an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Erycina. In 1198, it was consecrated…

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Location: Chiesa di San Pietro in Portovenere, Piazza Lazzaro Spallanzani, Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Website | Distance: 6.1km

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Visiting Church of San Pietro (Porto Venere)

Porto Venere Regional Natural Park

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elio Pallard

The promontory cradling the charming village of Portovènere, stretching towards the Albana valley, and the protective embrace of the marine area that enfolds the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto islands together constitute the realm of the Porto Venere Regional Natural Park. Encompassing 400 hectares of extraordinary environmental, scenic, and historical significance, this sanctuary earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status…

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Location: Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, Porto Venere, SP, Italy | Website | Distance: 6.8km

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Visiting Porto Venere Regional Natural Park

Riomaggiore

CC BY-SA 2.0 / chensiyuan

The Via dell'Amore is a pathway that links Riomaggiore to its frazione, Manarola, which is also a part of the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore, situated in a small valley within the Liguria region of Italy, serves as the southernmost village among the five Cinque Terre when traveling north from La Spezia. Dating back to the early thirteenth century, this village is…

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Visiting Riomaggiore

Manarola

CC BY-SA 2.0 / chensiyuan

Manarola, known as Manaea in the local dialect, is a small town located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It is a frazione of the municipality of Riomaggiore and is renowned as one of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists. Despite being the second-smallest town in the area, it has a population of 353. The…

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Visiting Manarola

Lerici

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Evelyscher

Lerici stands as a cherished and renowned tourist destination along the captivating Riviera di Levante, celebrated for its stunning beaches and picturesque vistas. For those seeking a seaside escape on the Riviera di Levante, where basking under the sun and the allure of the sea are paramount, Lerici emerges as the ideal destination. Each day beckons a new and distinct…

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Visiting Lerici

Corniglia

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cs.adri

Corniglia, known as Corniggia in Ligurian and locally referred to as Curnigia (citation needed), is a hamlet within the comune of Vernazza in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northern Italy. It has a population of approximately 150 people as of 2016. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not situated directly by the sea. Instead, it…

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Visiting Corniglia

Vernazza

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Med Cruise Guide

Vernazza, known as Vernassa in Ligurian and Vernasa in the local dialect, and derived from the Latin name Vulnetia, is a town and comune situated in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. It is one of the five towns that collectively form the renowned Cinque Terre region. As the fourth town when traveling north,…

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Visiting Vernazza

Monterosso al Mare

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Ilya Orehov

Monterosso al Mare, referred to as Munterussu in Ligurian, is a town and comune situated in the province of La Spezia, within the Liguria region of Northern Italy. It is one of the five villages comprising the Cinque Terre. Located at the centre of a small natural gulf, protected by a small artificial reef to the east of Punta Mesco…

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Visiting Monterosso al Mare

Portofino

Located to the south of the Italian city of Genoa, Portofino stands out as one of the most captivating destinations to explore in Northern Italy. Despite its relatively small size, it exudes an entirely picturesque and charming atmosphere. There are numerous excellent activities to engage in while in Portofino, all along the coastline. Our fondness for traveling in Italy is…

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Visiting Portofino

Santa Margherita Ligure

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Michal Osmenda

Santa Margherita Ligure is situated on the Gulf of Tigullio, nestled between Rapallo and Portofino.  Santa Margherita Ligure stands as one of Liguria's most renowned and beloved tourist destinations, capturing the hearts of visitors from around the world. Nestled within a protective bay along the stunning coast, this coastal town is often referred to as the "Pearl of Tigullio." This…

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Visiting Santa Margherita Ligure

Camogli

Camogli stands out as one of the most enchanting and romantic towns in the Golfo Paradiso, nestled along the Riviera di Levante. This seaside village's allure lies in its breath-taking panorama: a picturesque marina embraced by historic buildings adorned with vibrant hues that line the seafront, complemented by the evocative remains of a medieval castle. The stunning seaside promenade, reminiscent of…

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Visiting Camogli