La Spezia Travel Guide

La Spezia Travel Guide 

Directly to the east of the world famous Cinque Terra or Five Terraces, La Spezia is a worthy destination by itself. Romantic La Spezia is a world-class destination with beaches and a marvelous local cuisine.

Getting There

Boats bring you right into the harbor from many other destinations. Many train connections are available from major Italian cities such as Florence and Genoa. Traveling by car is also easy as several roads lead directly into the center of town. When you are here, it’s easy to get around by walking or bike.

What to Pack 

It gets hot during the day so a personal fan is a good idea. If you are hiking, make sure you have good hiking shoes and an umbrella as the trails get slippery in the rain. A bathing suit is also a must for the  beaches.

Local Customs 

While Italian is widely spoken, it’s a good idea to bring along an Italian phrase book to interact with locals. Regional culinary specialties include pesto and the local white wine. Bring a bottle of both home.

What to See 

This a region of mountains and the shore. Come from long walks along the beach and days in the sunshine. The hills above offer a glimpse into small town Italian life with narrow streets and lots of places to eat. For a look at the rest of the area, head out on a boat ride and enjoy the fine northern Italian waters. This also make a home base from which to explore the world of Cinque Terrace. The five towns along the shore are a short trip away. You can visit each one by one and then return home or make an all-day trip and hit them all in a single timeframe.

The Local Food Scene 

The part of Italy is noteworthy for relying on fresh seafood and herbs. Many local restaurants offer fish and seafood caught earlier in the morning. Citrus is also a major part of the cuisine here with lots of lemons and oranges. For a quick bite, you can try pizza and focaccia, the thick Italian bread topped with tomatoes. Head for a local restaurant by the shore and watch the sun go down.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about areas to a travel guide for La Spezia.