La Spezia, Italy
Located in the northern part of Italy, in Liguria province, La Spezia is the second-largest city in the region (after Genoa) and a superb place to visit especially if you’re looking for less trodden paths in the country.
Check out some of the most captivating activities to do in La Spezia Italy.
1. Take a food tour
In Italy, food is a culture in itself and the best way to embark on a gastronomy journey that will take you through a mix of culinary traditions in La Spezia is by taking a tour.
That way, you’ll be guided through delving into the typical local culinary scene and you’ll only eat at the most trusted local artisanal eateries.
2. Portovenere
Portovenere remains the best-kept secret in Liguria province. Although the town is roughly 15 minutes train ride from La Spezia Central station it’s often overlooked in favor of the charming Cinque Terre, a fabled chain of five quaint seaside villages.
However, if you want to experience the same charm- more or less like in Cinque Terre, but without having to brave through crowds, then Portovenere would be the perfect option.
The town is lined by colorful buildings with a gigantic promontory at the end that’s topped by the popular centuries-old San Pietro church.
You can stroll along the harbor, go on a shopping spree in the historic center of Carugio, or tour the charming churches of San Lorenzo or San Pietro.
Plus, the local cuisine and accommodation come at a bargain compared to other parts of the city.
3. Technical Naval Museum
Italy retains a proud naval history and clearly portrays that through this beautiful museum.
If you’re a torpedoes, guns, and canons enthusiast, then your stop at the Technical Naval Museum of La Spezia will be unforgettable.
The museum boasts a diverse display of unique naval artifacts and items used by the Italian Navy for navigation.
For only €1:55 donation entrance fees, this museum offers an intriguing collection that’s worth 2 hours of your time.
Unfortunately, not every signage is translated into English but the staff is exceptional and can point you in the right direction.
Alternatively, if you don’t understand Italian, you can get a local guide, so as to make sense of every exhibit.
And of course – the ever-popular:
4. Cinque Terre
Blossoming from sleepy Italian fishing villages up to the 1990s to one of the most popular coastal landscapes in the globe, Cinque Terre is a delight to visit.
You can blame social media for over 2 million visitors that train, walk and cruise their way through the dramatic cliffs of the five villages but this coastal hub has inexplicably retained its charm despite being labeled touristy.
In addition to the awe-inspiring views of the ocean the villages have to offer, you can wind through the pastel-colored buildings, hike between the villages, and enjoy water sport activities such as diving and snorkeling.
For an incredibly scenic way to visit Cinque Terre, you can take a boat tour, most of which depart from La Spezia marina to the foot of the precipice.
Please contact me with any questions – I’d be happy to speak with you regarding your next amazing vacation to Europe or perhaps a cruise or relaxing beach vacation!
