🛳️ What to Do from La Spezia Cruise Port: Day Trips, Coastal Charm & a Truffle Hunt in Lunigiana

La Spezia, a port city nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps, serves as both a bustling maritime hub and an incredible launching point for exploring the heart of northern Tuscany and Liguria. If your cruise ship is docking in La Spezia, you’re in for a treat. From charming coastal villages to hidden inland gems, the region offers a range of unique experiences—all doable within a day.

Here are the top things to do from La Spezia cruise port, including something truly unforgettable: a truffle hunt in Lunigiana.

🚶‍♀️ 1. Join a Food Walking Tour in La Spezia

If you want to stay close to port and soak in the local flavor—literally—a food walking tour is a perfect introduction. Within a short walk from the cruise terminal, Emilia Delizia’s La Spezia Food Walking Tour invites you to explore the city’s historic center while tasting iconic Ligurian street foods like sgabei (fried dough), panigacci, frittura mista (mixed fried seafood), and farinata (chickpea flatbread), all topped off with artisan gelato. In just 2 hours, you’ll discover the city’s maritime and culinary history without straying far from your ship.

🚂 2. Explore Cinque Terre by Train

One of the most popular excursions from La Spezia is a quick train ride to Cinque Terre, the famous string of five colorful villages perched along the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore each offer postcard-perfect views, winding lanes, and seaside charm. You can hike between the villages or simply hop on and off the local train to explore each one. Just make sure to keep an eye on the clock—these villages will steal your heart and sense of time.

⛵ 3. Take a Boat Ride to Portovenere

Less crowded but equally beautiful, Portovenere is accessible by ferry and offers stunning views, a medieval castle, and the picturesque Church of San Pietro overlooking the sea. The colorful houses, seafood trattorias, and seaside cliffs make it a dreamy escape. Many consider Portovenere the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre—and you’ll quickly understand why.

🌿 4. Go on a Truffle Hunt in Lunigiana

For those craving a unique and authentic inland experience, head north to the hills of Lunigiana, a hidden region where Tuscany and Liguria blend seamlessly. Known for its medieval castles and slow food traditions, Lunigiana is also a prime location for truffle hunting.

Several farms and truffle estates in the area offer half-day excursions led by expert truffle hunters and their well-trained dogs. These experiences typically include:

• A guided walk through oak and hazelnut groves in search of black or white truffles, depending on the season.
• An introduction to the tradition and ecology of truffle hunting.
• A farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh truffle dishes, homemade pasta, local cheeses, and wine.

Only about an hour’s drive from La Spezia, a truffle hunt in Lunigiana is a rare chance to escape the tourist trail and engage in one of Italy’s oldest culinary traditions. Some tours offer round-trip transportation from the cruise terminal, making it a stress-free and enriching day trip.

🏛️ 5. Discover Lerici and Tellaro

For a quieter coastal adventure, consider visiting Lerici, a scenic fishing town just a 30-minute drive from the port. Overlooked by a dramatic castle and home to lovely beaches, Lerici is a great spot for lunch or a seaside stroll. A bit further down the coast lies Tellaro, a postcard-worthy hamlet perched over the sea, known for its pink houses, small coves, and peaceful atmosphere.

🖼️ 6. Stay Local and Dive into La Spezia’s Culture

If you prefer to stay close to port, La Spezia itself has much to offer. Visit the Naval Technical Museum, home to maritime artifacts and submarine tech, or the CAMeC museum, which showcases modern and contemporary art. Stroll the waterfront promenade, shop in the lively Via del Prione, or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the elegant Art Nouveau cafes.

🧳 Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers

• Distance from Port: Most attractions in central La Spezia are walkable from the cruise terminal. For day trips, taxis and local trains are widely available.
• Tour Timing: Aim to return at least 1 hour before your ship’s departure. Always check transport schedules in advance.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and of course—a hearty appetite!

🍄 Final Thought

Whether you’re exploring colorful coastlines, discovering medieval villages, or foraging for truffles in Lunigiana’s misty forests, La Spezia is more than just a port of call—it’s a portal to Italy’s most authentic experiences. With the right plan, you can turn a short cruise stop into a journey full of stories, flavors, and unforgettable moments.