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

Planning a trip to La Spezia? You’re in for something truly special! 

While a lot of travelers rush straight to the villages of the Cinque Terre, they often overlook this vibrant port city that’s just around the corner. It has all the charm of the Ligurian coast but with a fraction of the crowds, much better prices, and a fantastic local food scene that easily rivals its famous neighbors. Plus, it is incredibly well-connected, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring the entire Gulf of Poets. 

We know planning a trip here can be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve put together this complete three-day itinerary so you don’t have to stress about where to go and what to do.  

Ready to start planning? Let’s get to it!

Itinerary Overview

La Spezia sits right at the heart of the Gulf of Poets, and this three-day itinerary is built around using the city as a base to explore both the city itself and the stunning coastline on its doorstep. 

To help you really get the most out of your trip, we’ve given each day a different focus. For the first day, you’ll stay in La Spezia. On the second day, you’ll venture out to the Cinque Terre villages. And finally, on the last day, you’ll head south by boat to Portovenere before finishing the trip in Lerici.

In terms of logistics, most of the activities and evening meals are completely walkable from any city center hotel in La Spezia. And for the second day, when you venture out a bit further, your Cinque Terre tour takes care of all transportation between the villages by boat and train, so you won’t need to organize anything yourself. 

The only time you’ll need public transport is for your final afternoon and evening in Lerici, but this is a straightforward bus ride on Line L from La Spezia Centrale station. It only takes around 30 minutes and costs just €2.50 each way, which isn’t too bad at all! 

Before we get to all the details, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be up to: 

Day 1: Explore La Spezia’s historic center, learn to make fresh pasta in a local’s home, and visit a medieval hilltop fortress before enjoying a traditional Italian aperitivo and dinner. 

Day 2: Take a private guided tour of the iconic Cinque Terre villages, followed by this evening street food tour back in La Spezia.

Day 3: Cruise to Portovenere and the three islands on this boat tour, then spend a slow, relaxing afternoon and evening in the coastal town of Lerici.

Day 1

Breakfast – Pastry Café Dolci Magie 

For your first morning in La Spezia, we’re sending you to the award-winning pastry cafes: Pastry Café Dolci Magie. 

This cafe is widely regarded as the best pastry spot in the whole city. And best of all, it’s located directly on the main pedestrian shopping street, so it should be an easy walk from most city center hotels.

On our trip, we tried their scratch-made sourdough wholemeal cornetto, which was absolutely delicious! If you want something richer, we recommend trying the Sicilian ricotta or pistachio cornetti. They also have a beautiful pastry mignon display with rows of artful mini bites for around €1 each, which is perfect if you want to try a lot of different flavors. 

The prices here are incredibly affordable considering the quality, with cornetti starting from €1.50 and cappuccinos around €1.50 to €2. They open early at 7 am every day, and we recommend getting there by 8:30 am (especially on weekend mornings) when the lines aren’t as busy. 

Morning – Learn to make fresh pasta in a local’s kitchen

After a relaxed morning indulging in pastries, this hands-on cooking class is the perfect way to dive deeper into La Spezia’s food scene.

The lesson takes place in host Daniela’s home kitchen in La Spezia, and it’s super easy to reach on foot or with a quick taxi ride from the city center in under five minutes.

There are two class options depending on your schedule, but we highly recommend booking the 3-hour version for the full experience. This is the one we did, and it includes making two types of fresh pasta plus tiramisu from scratch. The shorter 2-hour class focuses only on pesto pasta, which still sounds great, but the longer class feels much more complete.

The most popular time slot is 10 am, which fits perfectly into your day and wraps up around 1 pm. It starts with a small aperitivo (think Prosecco and light snacks) before you get hands-on with the cooking.

We honestly didn’t expect to learn as much as we did. Rolling and shaping fresh pasta and layering tiramisu from scratch were so satisfying. Sitting down at the end to enjoy everything you’ve made with a glass of wine is easily the best part.

If you love Italian food as much as we do, this 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!

Afternoon – Explore a medieval fortress and La Spezia’s quieter cultural side

After your cooking class, this is the perfect time to stretch your legs and take in some of the best views in La Spezia.

If you’re looking for one of the best free things to do in La Spezia, Castello di San Giorgio is absolutely worth the short walk up. It’s only about 10 minutes uphill from the cooking class area, making it an easy next stop.

Perched above the city, this 13th-century fortress offers sweeping views over the harbor, colorful rooftops, and surrounding hills—honestly, one of the best spots to get your bearings before the rest of your trip. The ramparts are the highlight, so be sure to take your time up there.

Inside, there’s also a small archaeological museum covering prehistoric through Roman-era artifacts found in the region. It’s not huge, so you only need about 30 to 45 minutes, but it adds a nice bit of context to what you’re seeing around the city (entry is €6).

What we loved most was how peaceful it felt. Compared to the crowds of Cinque Terre, it’s quiet, relaxed, and very local. Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here. The castle grounds are free to enter, and it’s open weekdays from 9:30 am to 5 pm and weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.

After visiting the castle, head back down into the city for a relaxed afternoon, and choose between two great options depending on what you’re into.

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. This is where you can really tailor your afternoon, whether you’re more into history or prefer something a bit more modern and low-key.

Option A: Naval Technical Museum

La Spezia has one of the most important naval museums in Italy, and if you’re a history lover, this is easily the better pick for your afternoon. The Naval Technical Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale) is located right by the historic military arsenal on the waterfront and is spread across two floors plus an outdoor courtyard, with everything clearly laid out (you even get a brochure at the entrance).

The highlights are fascinating and include original WWII manned torpedoes (the famous maiali), a room dedicated to Marconi’s early radio experiments in the Gulf, plus figureheads, naval weapons, and detailed ship models. You could easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours here. It’s €5 to enter and open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Option B: CAMeC Contemporary Art Museum

If you’re in the mood for something more low-key, this is a great option for a slower, more relaxed afternoon. The CAMeC Contemporary Art Museum (Centro d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea) reopened in 2024 with a refreshed layout, and while it’s compact, it’s thoughtfully curated.

We were surprised by the collection, hich include works by Man Ray and Keith Haring, along with a strong lineup of Italian post-war artists tied to the city’s Premio del Golfo prize. It also hosts rotating exhibitions, so it’s worth checking what’s on ahead of time. Plan for 1 to 2 hours here. Entry is €10, and it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed Mondays).

Evening – Enjoy an aperitivo at Caffè Centrale

After a full day of exploring and getting familiar with the local culture, we’re sending you out for a well-earned aperitivo at Caffè Centrale. 

This cocktail bar is known locally as one of the best aperitivo spots in the city. Not only because they can whip up some outstanding cocktails, but also because it’s conveniently located on Piazza Giulio Beverini, which is one of the best squares in the city to sit outside and relax in the late afternoon. Trust us, there is something truly magical about watching the city transition from day to night, spritz in hand! 

We also love that this spot offers a very generous bar snack platter with every cocktail, rather than just the usual bowl of potato chips. We ordered an Aperol Spritz and a local Ligurian vermouth, which came with a fantastic spread of bruschette, cured meats, and olives. Honestly, there’s just nothing better! 

Dinner – Osteria all’Inferno dal 1905 

Once you’ve had your fill of cocktails and snacks, it’s time to head for dinner just a 2-minute walk away at Osteria all’Inferno dal 1905. This restaurant is a local institution, and it’s actually been operating since 1905, making it the oldest restaurant in the city. 

The main menu here changes daily depending on what’s fresh that morning. It’s also written on paper and on a chalkboard outside, which we thought was so cute! Inside, you’ll find a cozy brick-vaulted cellar and an atmosphere that’s lively (and also a bit noisy), which only adds to the charm of the place. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating, which is lovely on warm summer nights.  

On our visit, we were treated to the muscoli ripieni (La Spezia’s signature stuffed mussels baked with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and mortadella) and the rich, freshly made squid ink tagliolini. Both were fantastic, and I’m sure that whatever is served on your visit will be too! 

The prices are also extremely good value, with pasta dishes starting around €9 and mains around €15. We also recommend making a reservation via phone or WhatsApp (just note they’re closed on Sundays), as the restaurant tends to fill up fast and queues can form before it even opens! 

Related Read: Thinking about renting a car while you’re here? Check out our guide to renting a car in Italy for tips, costs, and what to expect before you go.

Day 2

Morning – Explore Cinque Terre’s most iconic villages with a private guide

Day two is all about exploring Cinque Terre, but figuring it out on your own can feel like a puzzle, with packed trains, confusing schedules, and crowds everywhere. That’s exactly why booking this private tour is one of the best decisions you can make. It completely removes the stress of navigating Cinque Terre on your own.

You’ll meet your guide at the train station, and there are several departure times, but we recommend choosing one between 9 am and 10 am to give you more time to enjoy the villages before the afternoon crowds hit.

Over the day, you’ll visit three of the most iconic villages. Riomaggiore is the perfect introduction, with its colorful houses stacked down toward the harbor. Manarola feels like a postcard, and we loved that our guide took us to viewpoints we never would’ve found on our own. Vernazza was easily our favorite stop, with its lively harbor and waterfront piazza—plus, you’ll have time to sit down and enjoy lunch here.

Travel between villages is a mix of train and boat, depending on the season, but your guide handles all the logistics, so it’s super easy. You’ll also learn about the history and local life in each town, making it feel much more meaningful than just hopping between viewpoints.

You’ll return after about 6.5 hours, around 3:30 pm if you start at 9 am. By then, you’ll have seen the highlights, skipped the stress, and actually had time to enjoy each village along the way. It’s easy to see why this tour has so many five-star reviews!

Afternoon – Freshen up, walk the waterfront, and grab a local snack

After a full day exploring the coast, you’ll have a little window of time to decompress before your evening food tour. We recommend heading back to your hotel to freshen up, then aim to be back out by around 4:30 pm. This will give you a solid two hours to wander around before your tour begins. 

Here are just a few things you can do and see: 

• Passeggiata Morin – This is La Spezia’s palm-lined harbor promenade along the Gulf of Poets, and it’s absolutely stunning! The complete stroll takes around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, and it’s especially nice as the sun starts to set. 

• Ponte Thaon di Revel – This is a striking 150-meter (about 500-foot) pedestrian bridge connecting the promenade to Porto Mirabello marina. It’s definitely worth walking out to the midpoint to see the views back over the bay. 

• Porto Mirabello – This is a modern marina at the end of the bridge, with luxury yachts moored along the dock and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. This is a fantastic spot to sit down and relax for a few minutes before heading back into the city. 

Once you’ve had your fill of the views, wander back into town, grab a small snack or gelato, and get ready for the highlight of the evening: your food tour. 

Dinner/Evening – Taste La Spezia on a guided food tour of the historic center

Once you’ve had your fill of the views, wander back into the historic center, because this is where your night really gets good. I’ll be honest, La Spezia wasn’t on my radar as a “food city” until this small-group evening food tour completely changed my mind. Starting right in the historic center, the 6:30 pm departure is the one to book, as the atmosphere is so much better while the city comes alive around you.

Over the next three hours, you’ll wander through the old streets, stopping at places you’d 100% walk right past on your own. The food just keeps coming, with crispy farinata and fresh focaccia, pesto with local pasta, and fried seafood by the harbor that honestly melts in your mouth. By the end, you’ll be completely full—this easily replaces dinner, so come hungry!

We also recommend upgrading to the drink card package. It includes at least three alcoholic drinks, and the local white wine pairings make the whole experience feel even more fun and relaxed.

The tour wraps up around 9:30 pm, and honestly, it ended up being one of our favorite experiences in La Spezia. The small group setting, incredible food, and relaxed pace just made the whole evening feel special from start to finish. We’re definitely not the only ones who loved it either—just check out all the 5-star reviews here!

Day 3

Morning – La Genuina 

Start your final day in La Spezia at La Genuina, a well-loved local pasticceria on Via Vittorio Veneto. It’s slightly off the main tourist trail (and better for it), and it’s very popular with regulars who pop in to pick up their morning cornetto before work.

The best part about this spot is that all of their pastries are baked fresh each morning in-house, with both sweet and savory options available. We went with a slice of fresh focaccia with our coffee (the classic Ligurian way to start the day) and a pistachio cornetto to share. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial before your boat tour, they also have plenty of sandwiches. 

Another thing we love about this spot is that the prices are very affordable, with a coffee and two pastries coming to around €4 to €5. In terms of timings, they’re open bright and early at 6:30 am, and from here, you only have about a 15-minute walk down to the waterfront for your morning boat tour. Since the cruise doesn’t leave until 10 am, you should be fine arriving between 8:30 and 9 am.

Morning – Cruise to Portovenere and the three islands by boat

If you want to see the Ligurian coast the way it’s meant to be seen, getting out on the water is a must, and this boat tour makes it incredibly easy. The tour departs from La Spezia’s waterfront along the Passeggiata Morin (exact meeting point confirmed at booking), just a 10 to 15-minute walk from most city center hotels.

We recommend booking the 10 am departure, which is the first slot of the day and gives you the most time to enjoy Portovenere before heading back.

Once onboard, you’ll cruise past colorful seaside villages like Fezzano and Le Grazie, with views of rugged cliffs that you just don’t get from land. The route also takes you out toward the three islands, including Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, which are part of a protected UNESCO area. Along the way, keep an eye out for Torre Scola, a ruined sea fortress rising straight out of the water, and Byron’s Grotto carved into the cliffs. It’s hard to believe it’s real!

The highlight is a stop in Portovenere, where you’ll have free time to explore. Wander the narrow streets, grab a gelato, or walk out to the Church of San Pietro for incredible coastal views. It’s a bit quieter than Cinque Terre but just as beautiful.

You’ll return to La Spezia around 12:30 pm, making this a perfect, easygoing way to spend your final morning while still seeing some of the region’s most iconic scenery.

Lunch – MIC Ramen La Spezia

After returning to the waterfront around 12:30 pm, take a 10-minute walk into the historic center on Via Domenico Chiodo for lunch at MIC Ramen La Spezia (closed Mondays). This is part of a well-loved Italian ramen chain, and it offers a deliberately different lunch experience after two days of Ligurian seafood. Honestly, it was such a welcome change of pace! 

The restaurant itself has such a fun and very relaxed atmosphere that makes for a great place to wind down after a morning on the water. We tried the Tonkotsu ramen, which has the richest broth on the menu and comes in very generous portions. We also ordered the spicy chicken katsu ramen and a few gyozas, and everything was fantastic! 

If you’ve got room, definitely finish with some mochi gelato before heading to the bus station for your trip to Lerici. 

Afternoon – Spend a slow afternoon in Lerici, the Gulf of Poets’ quieter gem

For your final afternoon, you’re heading to Lerici, which is a beautiful Italian holiday town with colorful buildings wrapped around a working harbor. 

To get there, you’ll need to take Bus Line L from outside La Spezia Centrale station to Lerici Piazza Garibaldi. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and buses run regularly throughout the day. You can buy tickets (around €2.50 each way) from any tabacchi or newsagent before boarding, and just validate them on the bus. 

We recommend aiming to leave La Spezia around 2 pm after lunch, which will give you a solid two to three hours to explore Lerici before dinner.

Once you arrive, here are three things you can see and do: 

• Castello di Lerici – This is the main landmark in Lerici, a 12th-century fortress perched on a rocky hill overlooking the bay. The views from the top are definitely worth it, and there’s a free lift from the town center if you’re not in the mood to climb the stairs.

• Piazza Garibaldi – The square is the heart of the town, and it opens directly onto the sea. This is the perfect place to pause for a gelato or a quick coffee before heading off on your walk.

• Promenade walk to San Terenzo – This is a flat, paved coastal path about a mile long connecting Lerici to the neighboring village of San Terenzo. It really doesn’t take long to get there, and you can plan for about a 45-minute round trip if you stop to take in the views along the way.

After your walk, take some time to wander back through Lerici and soak up the atmosphere, before settling in for a relaxed final dinner.

Dinner/Evening – Ristorante Il Frantoio Lerici

For your last dinner in La Spezia, you’re heading to Ristorante Il Frantoio, which is down a narrow alley (Via Cavour) just a block back from the Lerici waterfront. It’s very easy to walk right past it if you’re not paying attention, but trust us, you’ll definitely want to find it! 

The inside of the restaurant is like a cave, with thick stone walls and a warm, intimate atmosphere. The kitchen also serves up some of the best Ligurian seafood and pasta dishes in the area. On our trip, we tried the seafood antipasto sampler and the fresh seafood risotto, and both were absolutely incredible. In terms of pricing, you can expect to spend approximately €35 to €50 per person, including wine, which is very fair considering the quality and generous portions. 

Reservations are essential for this restaurant, as it’s very popular and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Before you go, note that they’re open for dinner from 7:30 pm to 10 pm daily, except Thursdays when they’re closed. If you’re visiting Lerici on a Thursday, Bontà Nascoste is a fabulous alternative on the same street; just note that they open for dinner a little later at 8 pm.  

When you’re all finished with dinner, take a short walk back along the waterfront to catch your bus back to La Spezia. The last bus runs until around 11:50 pm, so there’s no need to rush! In fact, we recommend soaking up every last moment of Lerici while you can! 

Related Read: Want more ideas? Check out our guide to the best things to do in La Spezia here for even more activities, hidden gems, and local favorites to add to your trip.

Where to Stay in La Spezia

Now that you’ve got your La Spezia itinerary sorted, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re after a stylish boutique hotel, a comfortable mid-range option, or a budget-friendly stay close to the action, La Spezia has something for every type of traveler.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up a few of the best options in great locations, so you can settle in, relax, and make the most of your time exploring the area.

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!

Related Read: Want a deeper breakdown? Check out our complete guide to the best areas and hotels in La Spezia here to find the perfect stay for your trip.

Thanks for reading!

La Spezia might not be the first place people think of when planning a trip to Cinque Terre, but that’s exactly why it’s worth staying here. With fewer crowds, better prices, and just as much charm, it offers a more relaxed and authentic way to experience the Ligurian coast.
With this itinerary, you’ll get the best of both worlds—iconic villages, local food, and scenic coastal views—without the stress of figuring it all out yourself.

Not ready to stop planning just yet? We’ve got plenty more Italy guides full of our favorite finds, tips, and can’t-miss experiences. You can even start with a few of our most popular ones below!

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