8 Best Things to do in La Spezia, Italy 

Planning a trip to La Spezia? Let’s talk about what’s actually worth doing.

Often seen as just the gateway to Cinque Terre, La Spezia is easy to overlook—but after spending time here, we realized it has a charm all its own. Think fewer crowds, more local vibes, and surprisingly great food and views. It feels a bit more “real Italy,” which honestly made us enjoy it even more.

In this guide, we cover the best things to do in La Spezia, from scenic boat tours and sunset kayaking to hands-on cooking classes and hidden local gems. Whether you’re here for a quick stop on a cruise or a few nights, these are the experiences we genuinely loved (and think you will too)!

Things to do in La Spezia, Italy

1. Visit Cinque Terre with a private guide

Trying to tackle how to visit Cinque Terre from La Spezia on your own can feel like a bit of a puzzle—packed trains, confusing schedules, and crowds everywhere. That’s exactly why doing this tour with a private guide ended up being one of the best decisions we made.

From the moment we met our guide in La Spezia, everything just flowed. She handled all the logistics (which honestly saved us so much time and stress), and we were able to move between Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza by train and boat without thinking twice about tickets or timing.

What I really loved was how flexible the day felt. We weren’t rushed through the villages or stuck to a rigid schedule. Instead, we lingered at viewpoints, ducked into quieter corners we never would’ve found ourselves, and had time to sit down for lunch in Vernazza right by the harbor (easily my favorite stop!).

It also felt way more personal. Instead of just walking around snapping photos, we actually learned about the history and local life in each town, which made the whole experience feel more meaningful.

It’s easy to see why this tour has so many 5-star reviews. If you want to see Cinque Terre without the chaos, this private experience is worth it!

2. Taste Ligurian specialties on a food tour of La Spezia

I’ll be honest—La Spezia wasn’t on my radar as a “food city”… until this small-group food tour completely changed my mind.

We did the evening departure and spent about three hours wandering through the historic center, stopping at places we 100% would’ve walked right past on our own. Our guide, Chiara, was amazing—super friendly, full of local insight, and the kind of person who makes you feel like you’re exploring with a friend rather than being led around on a tour.

The food just kept coming. We started with crispy farinata and fresh focaccia, then moved on to pesto with local pasta (which was just as good as it sounds), and finished with fried seafood by the harbor that honestly melted in my mouth. By the end, I was completely full—you definitely get more than a meal’s worth of “tastings”, so make sure you come hungry!

One thing I’m really glad we did was upgrade to the drink card package. It includes at least three alcoholic drinks, and pairing local wine with each stop just made the whole experience feel even more fun and relaxed.

If you want to actually taste La Spezia and not just pass through it, this is such a good way to do it.

3. Explore Castello di San Giorgio

If you’re looking for one of the best free things to do in La Spezia, Castello di San Giorgio is absolutely worth the walk up.

Perched above the city, this 13th-century fortress was originally built for defense and later expanded during Genoese rule. Getting there does involve a bit of an uphill climb, but honestly, that just makes the views at the top feel even more rewarding. You get a sweeping look over the harbor, colorful buildings, and surrounding hills.

Inside, there’s a small archaeological museum that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. It features artifacts from prehistoric times through the Roman era, which adds a lot of depth to the area’s history. It’s not overly long or heavy, so even if you’re not a huge museum person, it’s still worth popping into.

What stood out most to me was how peaceful it felt. We spent about 1.5 to 2 hours just wandering around, taking in the views, and enjoying a quieter side of La Spezia.

It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm and is completely free, which makes it the perfect addition to your itinerary if you want something a little different from the usual coastal stops.

4. Go kayaking at sunset in the Gulf of Poets

Honestly, we almost skipped out on this sunset kayaking experience—but I’m so glad we didn’t!

You meet right on Baia Blu beach in the late afternoon, and after a quick briefing, you’re out on the water paddling along the coastline. Within the first 10 minutes, it already felt completely different from anything we’d seen on land. We were slipping into little coves and caves that you just can’t reach any other way, especially since boats aren’t allowed in these protected areas.

I will say, it’s not the easiest paddle. It’s definitely a moderate-level tour, so having a bit of kayaking experience makes a big difference. That said, the pace felt manageable, and we had plenty of breaks to swim, take photos, and just float around.

The timing is what really makes this special. As the sun started to set, the whole bay turned this soft golden color, and everything felt calm and quiet. We ended the tour back on the beach where we enjoyed a simple aperitivo of snacks and drinks, with a gorgeous view of the setting sun.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the coast in a unique and active way. It will become one of the highlights of your trip, trust me! 

5. Relax at the beach

If you’re craving a slower day in La Spezia, heading to the beach is honestly the perfect reset.

Most of the best spots are just a short drive away toward Lerici, and we loved how easy it was to beach hop depending on the vibe we were in the mood for. Baia Blu was probably our favorite for a classic beach day—clear water, a mix of sandy and rocky areas, and great for swimming. It felt a bit more polished, but still relaxed.

San Terenzo Beach and Lido di Lerici are both great if you want something a little more lively. Think rows of umbrellas, calm water, and easy access to cafes for snacks or a spritz. We ended up grabbing lunch nearby and just lingering way longer than planned.

If you want something quieter, Spiaggia di Arenella in Portovenere is worth the extra drive (about 25 minutes). It felt more local and low-key, with fewer crowds and really beautiful views of the coastline.

What I liked most was that each beach had a slightly different feel, so you can easily tailor your day. Whether you want a full beach club setup or somewhere peaceful to just lie out and swim, there’s a spot nearby that fits.

6. Take a cooking class

If you love Italian food as much as I do, this cooking class is one of those experiences you’ll still be thinking about long after your trip—especially when you’re back home trying to recreate it!

There are actually two class options depending on how much time you have. A shorter 2-hour class focuses on pesto pasta, while the 3-hour version (the one we did) dives deeper with two types of fresh pasta and tiramisu. If you have the time, I’d definitely go for the longer one—it feels like a full experience rather than a quick lesson.

The class takes place in a local home, and our host, Daniela, was amazing. From the moment we walked in, she made us feel completely welcome, like we were cooking in a friend’s kitchen rather than attending a class. We started with a little aperitivo (Prosecco and snacks), which helped everyone relax before getting hands-on.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did. Rolling and shaping the dough and layering tiramisu from scratch was so satisfying. But sitting down with the group at the end to enjoy everything with wine was easily the highlight.

This is also a great activity if you’re visiting on a cruise, since it’s easy to fit into your day and gives you a real local experience in La Spezia.

7. Explore Portovenere and its stunning islands on a boat tour

If you want to see this coastline the way it’s meant to be seen, getting out on the water is a must—and this boat tour was such an easy, fun way to do it.

We boarded right along La Spezia’s waterfront and within minutes were cruising past colorful seaside villages and rugged cliffs. What I loved most was how much you get to see in a short time. You’ll pass places like Fezzano and Le Grazie before heading out toward the three islands—Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto—which are part of a protected UNESCO area.

Along the way, you’ll spot things you really can’t fully experience from land, like the ruins of Torre Scola sitting right in the sea and Byron’s Grotto carved into the cliffs. It honestly gives you a whole different perspective compared to just sticking to land.

But the highlight for me was stopping in Portovenere. You get free time to wander the narrow streets, grab a gelato, or walk out to the Church of San Pietro for those unreal coastal views. It felt less crowded than Cinque Terre but just as beautiful.

If you’re short on time but still want that classic Ligurian coastline experience, this is a really great option.

8. See the local museums

La Spezia isn’t packed with big-name attractions, but that’s kind of what makes its museums so interesting.

They’re small, a little quirky, and feel very local—in a good way. It’s a nice change of pace from Cinque Terre, where everything can feel a bit more touristy. Here, you actually get a glimpse into the city’s history and everyday life without the crowds.

The Naval Technical Museum is probably the standout. La Spezia has a strong connection to the Italian Navy, and this place does a great job of showing that through old equipment, artifacts, and exhibits. You can tell it’s something the city takes pride in.

The Museum of Contemporary Art was a bit of a surprise for me. It’s not huge, but the collection is solid and worth popping into if you enjoy modern art. It felt like a bit of an unexpected find.

And if you’re traveling with kids, the Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti is a fun one. It has vintage trains and transport displays that are easy to explore and a bit more interactive.

You don’t need a full day for these, but they’re a great way to fill a few hours and see a different side of La Spezia.

Related Read: Planning to explore beyond La Spezia? Check out our guide to renting a car in Italy for tips on driving, costs, and what to expect.

Where to Stay in La Spezia

The Poet Hotel – $$$

If you want something a little more stylish and polished in La Spezia, The Poet Hotel is a really solid pick. It’s right in the city center, just a short walk from the train station, which makes getting around super easy. The rooms feel modern and comfortable with nice touches like parquet floors and rainfall showers, and the whole place has a cool, slightly artsy vibe. I also love that there’s a cozy lounge/bar area—it’s a nice spot to unwind after a busy day exploring.

Rooms usually range from about €130–€350 per night, depending on the season. You can check availability and secure your stay on booking.com.

Boutique Hotel Novecento – $$

This is one of those small boutique hotels that feels a bit like a hidden gem. Boutique Hotel Novecento sits right in the historic center, tucked down a quiet little street but still close to everything. The building itself used to be an old mill, and now it’s filled with bright, modern rooms and artsy touches that give it a lot of character. The location is a huge win too—you’re about a 10-minute walk to both the train station and the harbor, which makes day trips really easy.

Prices are typically around €120–€200 per night, which is great value for the location and vibe. You can browse rooms and book your stay online here.

Nautilus Hotel – $

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want something clean and comfortable, Nautilus Hotel is a great no-frills option. It’s located near the port in a quieter part of La Spezia, and while the rooms are simple, they’re well-kept and have everything you need for a short stay. What stood out most to me was how friendly and helpful the staff are—it makes a big difference when you’re figuring out trains or planning your day trips.

You can usually find rooms here for as low as €80 per night, making it one of the more affordable stays in the area. Check current prices and availability on booking.com.

Want more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for La Spezia here!

Thanks for reading!

La Spezia might not have been the main reason we came to this part of Italy, but it quickly became one of the places we enjoyed the most. Between the laid-back atmosphere, incredible food, and easy access to the coast, it’s the kind of destination that surprises you in the best way. Whether you’re hopping over to Cinque Terre, getting out on the water, or simply slowing down and enjoying the local side of Liguria, these experiences are a great starting point for planning your time here.

If you’re continuing your trip through Italy (or beyond), be sure to check out our other Europe travel guides for more ideas, tours, and tips—we’ve included some of our favorites below to help you keep planning!

How to Spend ONE to TWO DAYS in Bergamo, Italy: The Best 1 to 2-day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Taormina, Italy: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

How to Spend ONE to TWO Days in Turin, Italy: The Best 1 or 2-day itinerary