A practical guide for cruise passengers, from Cinque Terre and Portovenere to lesser-known inland and food experiences.

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La Spezia, a port city nestled between the Ligurian Sea and the Apuan Alps, serves as both a bustling maritime hub and an excellent starting point for exploring northern Tuscany and Liguria. If your cruise ship is docking in La Spezia, the region offers a wide range of experiences—all achievable within a single day.

Below is an overview of things to do from La Spezia cruise port, including coastal destinations, cultural highlights, and inland food traditions.

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1. Food Walking Tour in La Spezia

If you prefer to stay close to port, a food walking tour is an easy introduction to local cuisine. A guided walk through the historic centre typically introduces Ligurian street foods such as sgabei, panigacci, frittura mista, and farinata, finishing with artisan gelato.

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2. Cinque Terre by Train

One of the most popular excursions from La Spezia is travelling by train to Cinque Terre. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore offer dramatic coastal views and compact village centres that are easy to explore independently.

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3. Boat Trip to Portovenere

Portovenere is reachable by ferry and offers a quieter alternative to Cinque Terre. Highlights include the medieval castle, the Church of San Pietro overlooking the sea, and a scenic harbour lined with restaurants and cafes.

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4. Inland Experiences in Lunigiana

North of La Spezia lies Lunigiana, a rural region known for medieval villages and food traditions. Seasonal activities may include guided walks with local truffle hunters, visits to small farms, and traditional lunches based on local produce.

This is one of the few shore excursions that takes cruise passengers beyond the typical tourist circuit, offering a seasonal and locally rooted experience.

• Truffle hunting shore excursion from La Spezia
• Introduction to seasonal truffle varieties
• Lunches featuring regional recipes and wines

Lunigiana is approximately one hour from La Spezia and is well suited to travellers looking to explore beyond the coast.

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5. Lerici and Tellaro

Lerici and Tellaro offer relaxed coastal scenery, historic centres, and sea views. Lerici features a prominent castle and beaches, while Tellaro is known for its quiet lanes and cliffside setting.

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6. La Spezia Cultural Highlights

For visitors staying in town, La Spezia offers museums, shopping streets, and waterfront promenades. The Naval Technical Museum and CAMeC museum provide insight into the city’s maritime and artistic history.

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Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers

• Distance: Central La Spezia is walkable from the cruise terminal.
• Timing: Plan to return at least one hour before departure.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

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Final Thoughts

La Spezia offers access to coastal villages, inland food traditions, and cultural sites within a compact area. With thoughtful planning, a cruise stop here can become a balanced day of exploration across Liguria and northern Tuscany.