La Spezia sits between the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps, with Cinque Terre to the north and the Gulf of Poets to the south. As a cruise port it has more options within reach than most: coastal villages by train or ferry, a medieval town with its own food traditions, inland Lunigiana for truffle hunts and rural food experiences, and the city itself for those who prefer to stay close to the ship. All of the following are achievable within a single port day.
1. Cinque Terre by Train
The Cinque Terre Express runs regularly from La Spezia Centrale to all five villages — Riomaggiore is 7 minutes away, Monterosso al Mare about 25. Each village has its own character: Monterosso has the only sandy beach and the most restaurants; Vernazza has the best harbour; Manarola and Riomaggiore are the most compact. In summer, the villages are busy by mid-morning — arriving early or staying into the late afternoon avoids the worst of the crowds. A Cinque Terre Card covers the train and the hiking trails. See our full guide to planning a Cinque Terre visit for practical details on timing, village choice, and what to expect.
2. Portovenere by Ferry
Portovenere is 30 minutes from La Spezia by ferry and substantially quieter than Cinque Terre. The medieval castle, the striped Church of San Pietro perched on the headland, and the coloured houses along the harbour front make it one of the most photogenic small towns on the Ligurian coast. The seafood restaurants along Via Capellini are reliable for lunch. For a fuller picture of options, see our guide to what to do in Portovenere.
3. Truffle Hunting in Lunigiana
Pontremoli in Lunigiana is 45 minutes from La Spezia by road — far enough from the coast to feel completely different, close enough to fit comfortably within a port day. The oak and chestnut forests here produce black and white truffles depending on the season, hunted by local guides who have worked this terrain for decades. A full truffle experience includes the hunt with trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, a vineyard tasting, and lunch with truffle dishes and local wines.
Our truffle hunt and vineyard tasting shore excursion from La Spezia includes private transport from the cruise port and returns with time to spare before departure. For more on the area, see our guides to food experiences in Pontremoli and the complete guide to Lunigiana.
4. Lerici and Tellaro
Lerici is 20 minutes from La Spezia by bus or car, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Poets. The Doria Castle dominates the seafront; below it are small beaches, a promenade, and seafood restaurants with views across the gulf toward Portovenere. Tellaro, 5 kilometres further south, is one of the smallest and quietest villages on the coast — a cluster of pastel buildings on a rocky headland, with no cars and almost no tourism infrastructure. Worth an hour if you want somewhere genuinely unhurried.
5. Food Walking Tour in La Spezia
For passengers who prefer to stay close to the port, La Spezia’s historic centre is walkable from the terminal. A guided food walk through the city covers the Ligurian street food that distinguishes this part of the coast: farinata (chickpea flatbread baked in copper pans), sgabei (fried dough served with cured meats and cheese), panigacci (thin unleavened bread cooked in terracotta), and the local focaccia. The covered market on Via Vittorio Veneto is a good independent stop for local produce.
6. La Spezia City
La Spezia itself is underrated as a port-day destination. The Naval Technical Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale) is one of the oldest naval museums in Italy, with a collection spanning several centuries of Italian maritime history. The CAMeC contemporary art museum occupies a central palazzo and runs changing exhibitions. The waterfront promenade along Viale Italia and the Palma Sunday market (when running) give a sense of everyday life in a working Ligurian city that is not primarily built around tourism.
Practical Notes
- The cruise terminal is walkable to La Spezia Centrale station (10–15 minutes) for trains to Cinque Terre.
- Ferries to Portovenere depart from the waterfront near the terminal.
- Allow at least 60–90 minutes before ship departure to return from any excursion.
- Cinque Terre is busiest between 10am and 4pm in summer — go early or late.
- For inland excursions to Lunigiana, private transport is the only practical option; our shore excursion includes this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Cinque Terre from La Spezia cruise port?
La Spezia Centrale station is about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal. From there, Riomaggiore is 7 minutes by train, Manarola 10 minutes, Corniglia 15, Vernazza 20, and Monterosso al Mare about 25 minutes. Trains run every 20–30 minutes on the Cinque Terre Express. A Cinque Terre Card covers unlimited train travel between the villages and access to the hiking trails.
What is the best excursion from La Spezia cruise port?
It depends on what you want. Cinque Terre is the most popular option and genuinely worth doing, but the villages are crowded in high season. Portovenere by ferry is quieter and takes less time. For something completely different, a truffle hunt in Lunigiana is the most original option — 45 minutes inland, small groups, and a full lunch included. It suits travellers who have already seen the coast or want an inland food experience.
Can I visit Cinque Terre independently from La Spezia?
Yes — the train is straightforward and runs frequently. Buy a Cinque Terre Card at La Spezia Centrale station (or online in advance) to cover the train and trail access. The villages themselves are walkable without a guide. The main consideration for cruise passengers is timing: arrive in the first village by 9am to avoid the worst crowds, and allow 90 minutes to return to the ship before departure.
Is there a shore excursion to Lunigiana from La Spezia?
Yes — our truffle hunt and vineyard tasting excursion runs from La Spezia cruise port with private transport included. The day covers a guided truffle hunt in the forests around Pontremoli, a wine tasting at a local Colli di Luni producer, and lunch with truffle dishes and regional specialities. The excursion is timed to return comfortably before ship departure.
What food is La Spezia known for?
La Spezia sits on the boundary between Ligurian and Lunigiana food traditions. Local specialities include farinata (chickpea flatbread baked in wood-fired copper pans), sgabei (fried dough strips served with cured meats), panigacci (thin unleavened bread from terracotta moulds), and the local focaccia. The covered market on Via Vittorio Veneto sells local produce and is open weekday mornings.
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