🧭 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, consider our truffle hunting near Pontremoli, or culinary day trips combining sea, forest, and tradition.

If Cinque Terre and La Spezia are not your final destination, check dedicated pages for tours in Bologna and other other tours in Parma (which is nearby). Or if you prefer super cars and balsamic vinegar check out the Modena resource for more info about planning your holiday in Italy.

Things to Do in La Spezia & Cinque Terre

La Spezia Food & Wine Tour

La Spezia Food & Wine Tour

Explore the **coastal flavors of Liguria** with a guided **food and wine tour in La Spezia**. This experience takes you through the **historic streets of La Spezia**, stopping at **authentic local eateries and traditional wine bars** to sample the region’s best cuisine.

Enjoy freshly made **focaccia, pesto Genovese, seafood delicacies, and artisanal cheeses**, paired with **local Vermentino and Sciacchetrà wines**. Learn about Liguria’s **culinary heritage**, meet passionate food artisans, and discover the **hidden culinary gems of La Spezia**.

For those wanting a **full Ligurian experience**, this tour can be combined with a **Cinque Terre day trip**, offering a perfect balance of **food, wine, and stunning coastal views**.

📍 Location: La Spezia & Cinque Terre

⏳ Duration: Half-Day or Full-Day Tour

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Private Boat Experience La Spezia to Cinque Terre

Private Boat Experience – La Spezia to Cinque Terre

Set off on a private boat adventure from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre. Cruise along the Gulf of Poets, admire Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia from the sea, and enjoy a unique perspective of this UNESCO coastline.

After the sea trip, choose your cultural experience: a hands-on traditional cooking class, a wine tasting with local producers, or a guided walking tour through charming villages. Each option is led by expert local guides to immerse you in the authentic spirit of Liguria.

The experience ends in Riomaggiore or Vernazza, where you can continue exploring and return easily by train.

📍 Location: La Spezia & Cinque Terre

⏳ Duration: 1-Hour Boat Trip + Local Experience

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1. Visit Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is the southernmost village in the Cinque Terre and one of the most photogenic. Colorful houses stacked on steep cliffs overlook a small harbor with fishing boats and cafés. It’s a great place to begin your Cinque Terre experience, with access to coastal hikes and the famous Via dell’Amore trail (when open). Enjoy a seaside aperitivo, then climb up into the village for incredible views over the Ligurian Sea.

2. Explore Vernazza

Often called the most beautiful of the five villages, Vernazza features a charming harbor, medieval tower, and narrow alleys filled with artisan shops. The Doria Castle offers panoramic views, and the tiny beach is perfect for a dip. Vernazza also boasts some of the best local restaurants in the region — ideal for sampling anchovies, trofie al pesto, and Ligurian white wine.

3. Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza

For active travelers, the scenic hike between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza is a must. This well-marked trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rugged coastlines. It’s part of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), and best hiked early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

4. Stroll the La Spezia Waterfront and Historic Center

Don’t skip La Spezia itself. The waterfront promenade is peaceful and lined with palm trees, while the Piazza Garibaldi area is filled with Liberty-style architecture, lively markets, and trattorias. Visit the Naval Technical Museum to learn about Italy’s maritime history, or just enjoy a relaxed coffee before catching a train to the coast. What about a food tour in La Spezia.

5. Take a Boat Ride Along the Coast

While the trains are efficient, the ferry service between La Spezia, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre offers a more magical experience. From the water, you’ll get postcard-perfect views of colorful villages, cliffs, and hidden coves. Boats run regularly during the warmer months and let you hop on and off in multiple villages — a slower, more scenic way to enjoy the coastline.

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