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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in La Spezia.
Welcome to La Spezia, the charming seaside town that offers a plethora of experiences to soothe your soul and excite your senses.
From indulging in culinary delights to soaking in the tranquility of nature, La Spezia has something for every kind of adventurer.
So, grab your wanderlust and get ready to embark on a journey filled with vibrant flavors, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in La Spezia:
1. Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre National Park is a collection of five picturesque coastal villages situated along the rugged coastline of northern Italy.
What to see or do: Take a hike along the scenic trails that connect the colorful villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
Explore the narrow alleys and hidden stairways of these charming fishing villages, and stop by the local shops and restaurants to sample the fresh seafood and wine.
Swim, sunbathe, or kayak on the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Don’t miss: Marvel at the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding hills from atop the terraced vineyards or from the panoramic viewpoints along the hiking trails.
Visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero, a beautiful church located on a hilltop overlooking the sea.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October).
Purchase the Cinque Terre Card to have access to all hiking trails, public transportation, and admission to the park’s museums and cultural sites.
Wear sturdy walking shoes for the steep and uneven trails, and be prepared for the hot and humid weather during the summer months.
2. Portovenere
Portovenere is a picturesque seaside village located on the Ligurian coast, near La Spezia.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Cinque Terre and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the colorful houses and narrow streets that lead to the ancient Gothic Church of San Pietro, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
Visit the Doria Castle, a medieval fortress that offers a panoramic view of the village and the Gulf of La Spezia.
Explore the marina, watch the boats come and go, and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss: Take a boat tour to the neighboring islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto to see their unspoiled nature and rich history.
Taste the local cuisine, especially the seafood dishes and the famous pesto alla genovese. Enjoy the sunset with a glass of locally produced white wine.
Insider travel tips: Portovenere can get very crowded in peak season, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
Plan ahead if you want to take the boat tour, as tickets can sell out quickly.
If you have a car, park it outside the village and take the shuttle bus or walk to avoid traffic congestion.
3. Museo Tecnico Navale
The Museo Tecnico Navale is a naval museum located in La Spezia, Italy, showcasing the history and evolution of Italian naval technology.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection of models, weapons, instruments, engines, and other naval artifacts spanning from the early 1800s to the present day.
The exhibits are divided into various thematic sections, including navigation, armaments, shipbuilding, and underwater activities.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the fascinating section dedicated to submarines, including the first Italian submarine designed by Engineer De Bernardis in 188Also, make sure not to miss the outdoor exhibition of naval vessels, including the World War II destroyer “Audace.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is easily accessible by train or by car, with ample parking nearby.
4. Castello di San Giorgio
Castello di San Giorgio is a historic castle located in the city of La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through the castle’s ancient walls and explore its towers and rooms while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Inside the castle are several art exhibitions and displays.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view of La Spezia and the Gulf of Poets from the Castle’s panoramic terrace.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting the castle during peak hours to avoid crowds. The best time to visit the castle is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Additionally, comfortable walking shoes are recommended because of the cobblestone pathways and steps within the castle.
5. Church of Santa Maria Assunta
A stunning 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic church located in the heart of La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful façade adorned with numerous intricate stone sculptures and reliefs, depicting stories from the Bible and various saints. Step inside and marvel at the magnificent vaulted ceiling, ornate frescoes, and the intricate marble altar.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of the city and the Gulf of La Spezia from the bell tower.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check the opening hours as the church may close during the hottest hours of the day.
Also, dress appropriately as it is a religious site, and keep in mind that photography is not permitted inside.
6. Museo Amedeo Lia
Museo Amedeo Lia is a private art museum located in the heart of La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses a collection of over 1000 works of art, ranging from Medieval to Modern art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects.
Visitors can admire masterpieces by famous Italian artists like Lorenzo Lotto, Giovanni Bellini, and Canaletto.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive collection of Renaissance ceramics and the section dedicated to the local artist Amedeo Lia, who founded the museum in 1986.
Insider travel tips: Visit the museum during the morning hours to avoid crowds. The ticket price is reasonable, and it includes an audio guide, which is available in various languages.
Make sure to spend some time in the beautiful courtyard, where you can relax and enjoy a coffee or a light snack from the on-site café.
7. La Spezia Cruise Terminal
La Spezia Cruise Terminal is a popular port-of-call for cruise ships in Italy, located in the Liguria region.
What to see or do: – Visit Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five scenic coastal villages with colorful houses and crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss: – The seafood specialties of the region such as Ligurian-style stuffed mussels, anchovies in lemon juice or pesto sauce and many more.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to book tours of Cinque Terre in advance to avoid crowds.
8. Mercato del Pesce
Mercato del Pesce is a fish market located in La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: At Mercato del Pesce, you can find a variety of seafood such as fish, shellfish, and squid. You can watch fishermen and vendors go about their business, preparing and selling their catch of the day.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some fresh seafood at one of the restaurants adjoining the market.
Insider travel tips: The market can get quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Also, bring cash as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
9. Parrocchia Sant’Andrea Apostolo
Parrocchia Sant’Andrea Apostolo is a Catholic Church located in the city of La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend mass and witness the beautiful architecture and decor of the church.
Don’t miss: The stunning stained glass windows and intricate designs on the ceilings and walls are a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Dress modestly when visiting the church and be respectful of those who are attending mass.
10. Orto Botanico di Villa Marigola
Orto Botanico di Villa Marigola is a beautiful botanical garden situated in the heart of La Spezia, Italy. It is a green space full of diverse vegetation, including rare and exotic plants.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the winding paths of the garden, and explore the various zones that showcase flora from different continents.
You can also admire the fountains, ponds, and sculptures that add to the charm of this garden.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the greenhouses, where you can see tropical plants, orchids, and carnivorous species. You can also take part in educational activities such as workshops, guided tours, and nature walks.
Insider travel tips: – The garden is open every day from morning till evening.
11. Museo Civico Amedeo Lia
Museo Civico Amedeo Lia is a museum located in the historic center of La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the 13th to 18th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and furniture.
Visitors can admire works by Italian masters such as Botticelli, Titian, and Canaletto, as well as international artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of ceramics from the Ligurian region, which includes rare pieces from the 16th century.
Another must-see is the Sala delle Colonne, a room with stunning frescoes and a remarkable ceiling.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
12. Passeggiata Costantino Morin
Passeggiata Costantino Morin is a scenic coastal walkway that stretches along the Gulf of Poets in La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the well-paved path and admire the panoramic views of the sea and colorful buildings along the coast.
The walkway is about 2 km long and is dotted with benches, flower beds, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop at the viewpoint halfway through the walkway to get a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Poets and the picturesque village of Portovenere in the distance.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during sunset when the sky turns a stunning shade of orange and the sea reflects the colors of the sky.
13. Museo del Sigillo
Museo del Sigillo in La Spezia is a fascinating museum dedicated to seals and their history dating back to ancient civilizations.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a vast collection of seals ranging from wax seals used to seal letters in the Middle Ages to modern-day seals used for legal and commercial purposes.
The museum also houses a collection of seals used by famous historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Catherine the Great.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive exhibit, where visitors can create their own seal using traditional methods and take it home as a souvenir.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located in the historical center of La Spezia and can be easily reached on foot or by public transportation.
It’s a great off-beat attraction worth a visit for history and art enthusiasts.
14. Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve
Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve is a beautiful Catholic church located in La Spezia, Italy.
It is one of the most prominent churches in the city and is known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking paintings.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful Baroque-style architecture of the church, which was built in the 17th century. The interiors of the church are equally impressive, adorned with intricate paintings by renowned Italian artists.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the stunning frescoes by artist Nicolò Barabino, which are some of the most impressive works of art in the church.
Also, don’t miss the altar, which is made of precious marble and decorated with intricate carvings.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer months, it’s best to come in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a religious site. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning beauty of Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve.
15. Parrocchia Di Nostra Signora della Salute
Parrocchia Di Nostra Signora della Salute is a parish church located in La Spezia, Italy.
What to see or do: The church has a stunning facade with intricate designs and detailed sculptures. Visitors can witness the beautiful frescoes and paintings inside the church.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Bell Tower of the Church, which provides a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
Insider travel tips: Keep in mind that the church can get crowded on Sundays and during religious festivals. It is advisable to dress modestly before visiting the church.