I still remember the first time I docked in La Spezia. It was early spring, and a salty breeze flirted with my sunhat as I sipped an espresso under the lemon trees of Piazza Verdi. I had no idea then that this quiet Italian port city—often overshadowed by nearby Cinque Terre—would steal a piece of my travel-loving heart. My fellow cruisers rushed off to check Cinque Terre off their bucket lists (no shame in that—those cliffside villages are postcard perfection), but I lingered… and I’m so glad I did.
Because you know what? La Spezia has secrets. And before your ship blasts that final warning horn, I’m here to make sure you uncover the very best of them.
Let’s dive into nine unforgettable things to do in La Spezia before your ship sets sail—and maybe, just maybe, miss Cinque Terre on purpose.
1. Wander the Waterfront Passeggiata Morin
You can spot it from the ship: a sun-drenched promenade lined with palm trees and bobbing yachts. This is Passeggiata Morin, La Spezia’s scenic waterfront walkway. Start your exploration here. Locals sip cappuccinos at relaxed cafés while watching military ships glide past (La Spezia is home to one of Italy’s major naval bases—who knew?).
Insider Tip: Look for the quirky floating bookshop that sometimes pops up near the promenade. A bibliophile’s gondola paradise.
2. Explore the Naval Technical Museum (Museo Tecnico Navale)
Okay, hear me out—“museum” and “vacation” don’t always mix. But La Spezia’s Naval Technical Museum is basically Top Gun meets Captain Nemo. You’ll find antique diving gear, model ships, and enough nautical gadgetry to outfit a steampunk submarine.
Cruise Nerd Alert: This is one of the oldest naval museums in the world, and it’s right next to Italy’s naval academy. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes tour of Italy’s maritime muscle, minus the tourist crowds.
Bonus Tip: There’s a shaded park next door—perfect for gelato and people-watching afterwards.
3. Tuck Into a Bowl of Testaroli in the Old Town
La Spezia’s old town is a warren of pastel buildings and medieval archways, and it’s criminally under-visited. Meander through Via del Prione, where students cluster around bookshops and grandmas gossip at produce stalls.
When hunger strikes, find a trattoria serving testaroli—a humble, spongy pancake-pasta hybrid made with nothing more than flour and water, traditionally topped with pesto Genovese. It’s comfort food, Ligurian style.
Warning: Do not—repeat, do not—try to find this in any tourist chain restaurants. Only authentic spots will serve it properly.
4. Take the Elevator to the Castello San Giorgio
Yes, there’s an actual elevator carved into the hillside that takes you up to San Giorgio Castle. It’s peak Italian: simultaneously genius and charmingly impractical. The castle itself isn’t huge, but the views? Mama mia.
Snap photos of the bay (your ship will never look cooler), and enjoy the serenity of a spot tourists often overlook.
Fun Fact: Archaeologists believe ancient settlements existed here long before the Romans showed up. The place oozes history.
5. Raid the Local Market for Cruise Snacks
Looking to upgrade your onboard snacking game? Hit the Mercato Centrale, just off Piazza Cavour. The pungent mix of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and aged Parmigiano will knock you out in the best way.
Load up on focaccia, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for your cabin—or your private balcony picnic.
Insider Hack: Don’t be shy—most stall owners will let you taste before you buy. Practice your “un po’ per favore” (just a little, please) and you’ll be golden.
6. Steal Away to Lerici or Tellaro
Want a splash of seaside beauty without the Cinque Terre shuffle? Hop on a local bus or ferry to Lerici or Tellaro, two picturesque villages just 20–30 minutes from La Spezia.
Lord Byron reportedly swam across the gulf from Lerici to Portovenere for love. Shakespearean drama, Mediterranean style.
Cruise Pro Tip: Always give yourself at least 90 minutes buffer time to return to the ship. The ferry schedules are punctual, Italian-style (read: a little loose).
7. Marvel at Street Art in the Unexpected Modern Art District
La Spezia has gone big on urban art in recent years. Towering murals and hidden alleyway stencils peek out around every corner downtown.
Walk Via del Prione and side streets to spot pieces from international street artists. It’s like a scavenger hunt…with espresso breaks.
Bonus Tip: Head toward the CAMeC (Modern and Contemporary Art Center) for rotating exhibits that ooze coastal cool.
8. Buy Something So Italian It Hurts at a Family-run Shop
Forget plastic gondolas and keychains. Head to Profumeria DiGiglio, a family-owned perfumery from 1919 where the scent ladies (yes, that’s what I call them) expertly match you to a custom Italian fragrance.
Or slip into Tessitura La Spezia, a hidden textile gem selling handwoven linens. Napkins that whisper “I summer in Umbria,” even if you don’t.
Cruise Style Secret: These make perfect souvenirs and classy cabin decor. Drape a linen scarf over your towel swan for ultimate flair.
9. Linger Over a Spritz with the Locals
Before you head back to the ship, plant yourself at an outdoor table and order an Aperol Spritz, locally made white wine (try Vermentino), or the lesser-known Camatti cocktail—a Ligurian legend made with wild herbs.
Watch children play soccer in the piazza, dogs beg for prosciutto, and nonnas argue about whose fig tree is producing more this year.
Time slows down. And in that moment, you’ll get it: this is what cruising is really about. Little pockets of immersion. Discovering the soul of a place.
Cruiser’s Reality Check: Keep an eye on your boarding time. Set an alarm. The ship will wait for no one—even if you’re mid-sip with your new best friend named Giovanni.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Road Less Ferried
Yes, Cinque Terre is stunning. Yes, it’s worth visiting—in the right season and with enough time. But La Spezia? She’s been patiently waiting for travelers like you to notice her.
In a world of ticking off tourist boxes, I challenge you to do something radical: linger. Don’t just pass through. Wander. Taste. Converse. Buy the weird olives and haggle for the silk scarf.
Let La Spezia be your soft place to land before heading back to the organized opulence of cruise life.
And if you ever arrive back here again, I bet she’ll welcome you like an old friend—with lemon blossoms, gentle sea breezes, and a plate of testaroli that makes you question every life choice you didn’t eat pasta for.
Buon viaggio, my friend—and don’t forget, the ship’s horn isn’t a suggestion. It’s a call to get moving. After all, the next adventure awaits just beyond the horizon.
