Picture this: I’m standing on the deck of a cruise ship, espresso in hand, watching the sun slowly rise over La Spezia’s crescent-shaped harbor. A cluster of fishing boats rocks gently in the golden water, and beyond them, hills draped in pine trees roll into the dreamlike distance. My camera is already in overdrive—and I haven’t even left the ship.
La Spezia may not get as much press as its postcard-famous neighbors like Cinque Terre or Portovenere, but let me tell you—they’re missing out. This underrated Italian gem isn’t just a gateway port; it’s a destination all its own. And if you’ve got a camera (or just a good eye for beauty), it’s packed with stunning photo ops that will give your Instagram feed a Roman holiday of its own.
1. The View from Castello San Giorgio
A steep zigzagging walk from the city center (or a 10-minute taxi for those of us who believe hills are optional on vacation) takes you to Castello San Giorgio, La Spezia’s beloved hilltop fortress. The real treat isn’t inside—though the small archaeological museum is worth a peek—it’s the panoramic view from the top.
Insider Tip: Arrive early (before 10 AM) for the soft morning light that makes the colorful rooftops of La Spezia pop like scoops of gelato. Plus, you’ll beat the crowds and feel like royalty surveying your kingdom.
Little-Known Fact: The castle was destroyed and rebuilt so many times by Genoans and Florentines that it’s practically a monument to passive-aggressive architectural duels.
2. The Waterfront Passeggiata Morin
Forget Venice—the Passeggiata Morin is where you stroll like an Italian. This palm-lined promenade hugs the sea and offers glorious unobstructed views of the harbor, luxury yachts, and possibly the most photogenic bench-lined pier in Liguria.
- Best Shot: Golden hour with the Apuan Alps in the distance and gulls in mid-glide.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for visiting military ships. La Spezia is home to Italy’s biggest naval base, and sometimes you’ll snag an epic photo of a massive carrier juxtaposed against the tranquil sea.
Watch Out: Seagulls here are seasoned snack thieves. If you’re balancing a focaccia in one hand and a phone in the other, prepare for airborne combat.
3. The Colorful Stairs at Scalinata Cernaia
Hidden like a secret La Spezia handshake, the Scalinata Cernaia is a storied stairway that links the city center with higher residential neighborhoods. What makes it singular? The walls, which are filled with eye-popping street art, mosaics, and graffiti masterpieces, all framed by cascading flower boxes and washing lines that sway like local flags of authenticity.
Photography Nerd Note: Good luck taking just one shot. Every landing feels like you’ve entered a new scene—and each one tells a different story of La Spezia’s creative spirit.
Insider Hack: Explore around 11 AM, when foot traffic slows and the light hits just right. Plus, local cats tend to sunbathe on the steps for that perfect Mediterranean cat cameo.
4. Portovenere (Yes, It Counts!)
Okay, okay—so Portovenere isn’t technically within La Spezia’s city limits, but it’s a short ferry ride (about 30 minutes) or scooter adventure away, and trust me, it’s worth every second. Think “Cinque Terre’s cooler, less crowded cousin” with medieval alleys, a seaside castle, and the legendary Grotto Byron, where Lord Byron supposedly swam to impress a friend. Now that’s commitment to photo ops.
- Top Shot: The view from Doria Castle with the sea crashing below and a pastel village hugging the cliffs.
- Bonus: Try a panorama from the pier looking back at the Church of St. Peter—it’s got major old-world drama.
Cruise Caution: Ferries can be weather-dependent, so check the forecast. A moody cloud or two makes for epic photos, but too many and you’re back at square one—with a very damp selfie.
5. Via del Prione (and Its Unexpected Magic)
This charming pedestrian street running through the heart of La Spezia blends classic Italian elegance with unexpected quirks. It’s perfect for candid street photography—elderly locals chatting under balconies, meticulous shop windows of Ligurian fashions, and architectural gems like Palazzo delle Poste (yes, the post office is gorgeous here).
Unexpected Tip: Look down. No, really. The stone mosaics underfoot are pieces of art themselves, often missed by tourists rushing from one sight to the next.
Snack-While-Shooting Tip: Grab a cone of fried seafood from a paper cone osteria—you’ll look like a local, and it makes for a delicious prop.
Bonus Gems You Didn’t Know You Needed
- Stand-Up Photo Point: The upper deck of the ferry to Lerici offers split-view shots of both Porto Venere and Palmaria Island. Think cinematic. Think sun-drenched. Think envy-inducing.
- Sweet Secret: Stop by La Pia Centenaria for authentic farinata (a savory chickpea pancake). It won’t make your photos prettier, but it will make your soul happier.
- Camera Batteries: Be warned, many shops close for 2–3 hours in the afternoon. If you’re in urgent need of gear or memory cards, make your purchases pre-lunch—or you may be photographing on fumes.
Final Thoughts: La Spezia Is More Than a Backdrop
Here’s the honest truth: I’ve visited La Spezia more times than I can count, and I still find something new to capture every single time. Its charm isn’t always flashy—it’s in the way light hits a shuttered window, how laundry flutters like flags above a narrow street, how the salty air seems to frame every photo in a pleasant haze of nostalgia.
So next time your cruise itinerary lists La Spezia as a “port of call,” don’t treat it like a pit stop on the way to Cinque Terre. Treat it like it deserves—with wonder, with a ready camera, and maybe with just one more espresso on the promenade.
Because sometimes, the best travel photos aren’t about the most famous places. They’re about discovering hidden beauty—and letting it surprise you.
