Last Updated on: 5 June 2025

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a beach umbrella in a gusty Ligurian breeze while balancing a gelato in one hand and dodging sunbathing Italians with the other, you know that beach days near La Spezia can veer wildly from serene to farcical in seconds. On my very first cruise stop in La Spezia over two decades ago, I thought I’d found beach heaven… until I realized I’d mistakenly wandered into a local dog bathing zone (complete with a golden retriever who considered my towel communal property). Lesson learned: the best beaches near La Spezia are often the ones the guidebooks don’t mention.

Why Go Beyond the Obvious?

Sure, the Cinque Terre gets all the love – and with good reason. Those cliff-hugging villages are straight out of a watercolor dream. But what if I told you that just beyond the packed tourist trails lie hidden beaches where the only soundtrack is the Mediterranean, not the click of 400 selfie sticks?

That’s what we’re diving into today: seven lesser-known gems near La Spezia where you can spread your towel without sharing sunscreen with strangers from six continents.

1. Cala Maramozza – The Secret Cove of Tellaro

Just past the pastel village of Tellaro (the less-famous but more romantic sister of Lerici), Cala Maramozza hides like a shy mermaid. You’ll need decent shoes and a sense of adventure – there’s a steep trail, and Google Maps is no help here. But once you arrive, it’s as if Poseidon himself set aside this pocket of paradise for those clever enough to find it.

  • Insider Tip: Bring reef shoes – the rocks are ruggedly charming, but your soles won’t thank you barefoot.
  • Getting There: Bus or ferry to Tellaro, then a 15-minute walk south past the port.

2. Punta Corvo – The Stairmaster’s Reward

This is a beach you earn — and oh, my calves, did I earn it. Located beneath Montemarcello, Punta Corvo is accessible only via a descending trail with (I kid you not) over 700 steps. But when you emerge onto the black sand, flanked by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water, you’ll forgive every drop of sweat.

  • Pro Traveler Hack: Go early. The path closes at 4:30 p.m. in summer, and you do NOT want to climb those stairs in panic mode.

3. Baia Blu – A Hidden Lido with Perks

Not all hidden beaches are wild. Baia Blu, near Lerici, balances nature with just enough structure: lounge chairs, snack bar, a sprinkle of locals. It’s off the radar but offers enough amenities to keep non-wilderness fans happy. It’s my secret weapon when I travel with picky relatives (you know the type—they panic if Wi-Fi dips below four bars).

  • Little-Known Fact: It’s built into a former military zone. The only thing ‘combat’ you’ll face now is securing a sunbed during August weekends.

4. Spiaggia del Groppolo – Where Silence Speaks Volumes

You want off-the-grid? Groppolo is your jam. Accessible only by kayak or a rugged path from Serra (bring someone with a good sense of direction and patience), this pebble-strewn bay feels like the end of the world – in the best way. No crowds. Just cypress-studded cliffs and your own heartbeat.

  • Bonus Tip: Creek-fed freshwater springs bubble out from the rocks nearby—perfect for washing off salt or pretending you’re in a spa commercial.

5. Fiascherino Bay – The Poet’s Playground

Located between Lerici and Tellaro, this twin-beach gem is where English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley used to swim…until he tragically didn’t (storm, boat, you get the idea). But don’t let that spook you—the bay is tranquil, with soft waves and shady groves.

  • Family-Friendly Alert: Great for kids – shallow waters and warm sand. Bonus: there’s a gelateria right at the entrance. You’re welcome.

6. La Piega – The Locals’ Dive Spot

Locals hate that I’m mentioning this, but fair’s fair. La Piega is technically part of Porto Venere, just past the Grotte Byron. You’ll spot daredevils diving off cliffs nearby – don’t try it unless you’ve signed a waiver with destiny. The beach itself is rocky but peaceful, with some of the clearest snorkeling I’ve seen outside of the Red Sea.

  • Insider Secret: Arrive late afternoon when tour boats leave. The sunset here? Bellissimo doesn’t even scratch the surface.

7. Le Rosse Beach – The Floating Fantasy

Accessible only by boat, Le Rosse is a rust-colored beach hugged by vertical cliffs in the Regional Natural Park of Porto Venere. It’s pure drama—exactly what you want in a beach you had to charter to reach. If you’re on a cruise and can swing a private tender or join a boutique shore tour, this is the VIP move.

  • Bonus Crème de la Crème Tip: Ask about small-group excursions through your cruise concierge. The stock tours miss this one because it’s too “out of reach” logistically. Translation: it’s perfect.

What To Pack (That You Didn’t Know You Needed)

ItemWhy You’ll Thank Me Later
Quick-dry microfiber towelBeach hopping = wet towel blues. These dry faster than gossip on the lido deck.
Water shoesLigurian beaches love their pebbles. Your feet don’t.
Reusable swim bagSand has an escape plan. This bag keeps it contained.
Compact mask/snorkelHidden beaches = hidden wonders underwater. Don’t miss them.
Portable handheld fanItalian summers don’t mess around. You’ll be everyone’s hero.

The Real Deal: Pros & Cons

Pros: These beaches offer privacy, otherworldly beauty, and bragging rights sharper than a fresh Pecorino. Perfect for cruise travelers keen to escape the herd.

Cons: You’ll need to plan ahead—many hidden spots require effort, transport puzzles, or a moderate cardio workout. Not ideal if you’ve overdone it at the midnight dessert buffet.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Beach Like a Legend?

La Spezia is far more than a gateway to Cinque Terre—it’s the portal to stories you’ll tell for years, sun-splashed serendipities only possible when you wander beyond the brochure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or it’s your maiden voyage, don’t just see the coast—live it. Scramble down that rocky trail. Dive into that forgotten bay. Just maybe hold on tight to your gelato if there’s a retriever nearby.

The best part? Every beach here gives you two vacations in one: unforgettable adventure, and the soothing seclusion only a true hidden gem can bring. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve found your own slice of Ligurian heaven.

Explore more of La Spezia

9 Things to Do in La Spezia Before Your Ship Leaves
7 Easy Shore Excursions from La Spezia (Beyond Cinque Terre)
5 Towns You Can Visit Without a Tour from La Spezia
6 Reasons to Spend Time in La Spezia Itself
🍝 5 Classic La Spezia Recipes That Locals Actually Eat
7 Hidden Beaches Near La Spezia
5 Amazing Photo Spots in La Spezia You’ll Love
6 Fascinating Naval Attractions Close to La Spezia Port
La Spezia Port Guide
Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Italy