Things to Do in La Spezia & Cinque Terre: 2025 Guide

La Spezia is the ideal launchpad for exploring the Cinque Terre, but it’s more than just a gateway. Nestled between Ligurian hills and the Gulf of Poets, this underrated port city offers a calm, authentic contrast to the busy tourist hotspots. Whether you’re planning day trips to Riomaggiore, Vernazza, or Monterosso, or looking to explore naval history, markets, or seaside promenades, La Spezia deserves time on your itinerary.

Beyond the charming villages of Cinque Terre, La Spezia itself offers excellent seafood, colorful architecture, and a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with cafes and shops. The train station makes it incredibly easy to reach all five villages in under 30 minutes, while boats and hiking trails offer slower, scenic options.

In this guide, we’ll show you not only the best towns to visit in the Cinque Terre, but also hidden gems and relaxing spots within La Spezia. If you’re interested in immersive food and cultural experiences, you can also explore traditional truffle hunting experiences near Pontremoli or culinary day trips combining sea, forest, and local tradition.

La Spezia is also one of the best bases for discovering authentic food tours in La Spezia and the surrounding Ligurian countryside, combining coastal cuisine with inland traditions.

If Cinque Terre and La Spezia are not your final destination, check dedicated pages for tours in Bologna and tours in Parma. If you prefer supercars and balsamic vinegar, visit our Modena travel guide for more ideas.

La Spezia food and wine experience

La Spezia Food & Wine Experience

Explore the coastal flavors of Liguria with guided food and wine experiences in La Spezia. Walk through the historic center, stopping at authentic local eateries and traditional wine bars to sample the region’s best cuisine.

Expect freshly made focaccia, pesto Genovese, seafood specialties, and artisanal cheeses paired with local Vermentino and Sciacchetrà wines. These experiences offer insight into Liguria’s culinary heritage and everyday food culture.

Some itineraries can be paired with inland experiences such as guided truffle experiences in Lunigiana, creating a balanced journey between coast and countryside.

Location: La Spezia & Cinque Terre
Duration: Half-day or full-day


Private boat experience from La Spezia to Cinque Terre

Private Boat Experience – La Spezia to Cinque Terre

Travel by private boat along the Gulf of Poets and admire Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia from the sea. This perspective reveals the coastline in a slower, more scenic way.

After the boat journey, continue with a cooking class, wine tasting, or guided village walk led by local experts. The experience typically ends in Riomaggiore or Vernazza, with an easy return by train.

Location: La Spezia & Cinque Terre
Duration: Boat trip plus local experience

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1. Visit Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village of the Cinque Terre and one of the most photogenic. Colorful houses cascade toward a small harbor framed by cliffs. Enjoy a seaside aperitivo, explore the village lanes, and access coastal walks such as the Via dell’Amore when open.

2. Explore Vernazza

Vernazza features a natural harbor, medieval tower, and narrow streets filled with small shops and restaurants. The Doria Castle offers panoramic views, while local menus highlight anchovies, trofie al pesto, and Ligurian white wines.

3. Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza

The trail between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza is one of the most scenic hikes in the region. Part of the Sentiero Azzurro, it offers vineyard views and dramatic coastal scenery. Start early or late to avoid heat and crowds.

4. Stroll the La Spezia Waterfront and Historic Center

The La Spezia waterfront promenade is calm and palm-lined, while the historic center around Piazza Garibaldi features Liberty-style buildings, markets, and cafes. The Naval Technical Museum provides insight into Italy’s maritime history. A food walking tour in La Spezia is another way to explore the city.

5. Take a Boat Ride Along the Coast

Ferries between La Spezia, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre provide a scenic alternative to trains. From the water, you’ll see colorful villages, cliffs, and hidden coves, making this a relaxed way to experience the coastline.

Explore La Spezia Through Food, Culture & Local Experiences

If you’re spending more time in La Spezia or arriving the day before your cruise, this is where the city really reveals itself. Beyond the postcard views and ferry routes, La Spezia is a place of everyday food rituals, neighborhood bakeries, family-run gelaterias, and stories tied to the sea and literature.

Exploring La Spezia through food and local culture means slowing down: starting the day with focaccia from a corner bakery, walking the historic center with a coffee in hand, and understanding how Ligurian cuisine blends coastal flavors with inland traditions. These guides focus on how locals actually eat, live, and experience the city — not just what to see in a few hours.

If you’re interested in food-focused experiences in La Spezia, these articles also pair naturally with walking food tours, market visits, and wine tastings, helping you decide whether to explore independently or join a guided experience.

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