La Spezia Photo Spots: Where Instagram Gets It Wrong

Every cruise port has that one destination everyone talks about. For La Spezia, it’s Cinque Terre. The five colorful villages stacked on cliffsides are absolutely beautiful, but here’s what Instagram won’t tell you: they’re also packed with tourists, expensive, and increasingly difficult to photograph without a dozen other people in your shot. Meanwhile, La Spezia itself – the actual port city – sits quietly with empty piazzas, medieval castles, and harbor scenes that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. Most cruise passengers walk right past these spots on their way to the train station, which means you can actually take your time and get photos without the chaos.

The truth is that La Spezia has photo opportunities that rival anything in Cinque Terre, minus the queues and the Instagram influencers blocking your view. You’ll find 14th-century castles with sweeping harbor views, traditional fishing boats painted in brilliant colors, hidden canals with glassy reflections, and Art Nouveau architecture that barely anyone bothers to photograph. If you’ve got limited time in port and you’re tired of fighting crowds for the same shot everyone else has, staying in La Spezia might just be the smarter move.

Castello San Giorgio: The View Everyone Misses

Most people see Castello San Giorgio from the harbor and assume it’s just another old building. Walk up there – it’s about 15 minutes from the port – and you’ll understand why it’s the best photo spot in La Spezia. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the entire city, the harbor, the gulf, and on clear days you can see the Apuan Alps in the background. The walls and towers date back to the 1200s, and the fortifications give you multiple vantage points for different compositions.

Why the photos work here:

• Elevated position means you get depth in your shots – foreground castle walls, mid-ground city rooftops, background mountains and sea
• Golden hour is spectacular because the sun sets over the water, lighting up the harbor and the boats
• You’re almost never fighting crowds for space – most cruise passengers don’t make it up here
• The castle itself is photogenic, with weathered stone, arched doorways, and medieval towers that frame the city views

Practical bits: The walk up involves stairs and some inclines, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The castle grounds are usually open during daylight hours, and entry is either free or very cheap depending on whether there’s an exhibition on. If you’re short on time, this should be your first stop – you can do the castle, get your photos, and be back at the port within 90 minutes. The climb is worth it, and the photos you’ll get here are far better than anything you’ll snap in a crowded Cinque Terre viewpoint.

The Fishing Boats and Harbor

La Spezia’s harbor isn’t a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, which is exactly why it works so well for photography. You’ll find traditional wooden fishing boats – gozzo boats, leudi, and other Ligurian designs – painted in bright blues, reds, yellows, and greens. They’re working boats, not museum pieces, which gives them character and authenticity. The boats are moored along the Passeggiata Morin and near the old Arsenal area, and the reflections in the calm harbor water create mirror images that are genuinely stunning.

Best spots to photograph the boats:

• Passeggiata Morin: The waterfront promenade runs along the eastern side of the harbor. Early morning is best here – the light is soft, the water is calm, and you get clean reflections. The promenade itself is lined with palm trees, which add a Mediterranean feel to your compositions.
• Molo Italia: The main pier gives you a longer perspective along the rows of boats. You can shoot down the line of masts and hulls, or focus on individual boats with the city as a backdrop. Late afternoon light works well here.
• Near the Naval Arsenal: The older section of the harbor has smaller canals and inlets where fishing boats are tied up. The buildings here are more weathered and industrial, which gives a grittier, more authentic feel to your photos. This area is quieter and less polished than the main promenade.

Why these shots work: The boats are colorful and photogenic on their own, but the real magic is in the reflections. On a calm day, the water acts like a mirror, doubling the visual impact. You’re also shooting in a real working harbor, not a tourist set piece, so your photos will have a sense of place and authenticity. Compare that to Cinque Terre, where you’re competing with hundreds of other people for the same harbor shot, and the boats are often obscured by crowds and restaurant tables.

The Canals You Didn’t Know Existed

La Spezia has a network of small canals running through the older parts of the city, particularly around the Arsenal area and near Via del Prione. These aren’t Venice-scale canals – they’re narrow, functional waterways that were originally built for shipbuilding and trade. But they’re lined with old buildings, small bridges, and moored boats, and they offer some of the most atmospheric photo opportunities in the city. The canals are calm, the reflections are sharp, and you’ll often have them completely to yourself.

Where to find the canals:

• Canale Lagora: Runs through the eastern part of the old town. You’ll find small bridges crossing the canal, with buildings rising on either side. The architecture is a mix of faded pastels and weathered stone, and the reflections in the water are almost perfect on a still day.
• Near Arsenale Militare: The old military shipyard area has several inlets and narrow waterways. Access can be limited because it’s still a working naval facility, but the public areas around the perimeter offer great shots of boats, industrial buildings, and the canal system.
• Via del Prione area: This main shopping street runs parallel to some of the smaller canals. Duck down the side streets and you’ll find little bridges and canal views that most tourists never see.

Photo tips for the canals: Shoot on overcast days if possible – the soft light eliminates harsh shadows and brings out the colors in the buildings and water. Use a polarizing filter if you’ve got one, to cut reflections on the water surface and enhance the colors. Early morning is ideal because the water is calmest and you won’t have people in your shots. The canals are narrow, so a wider lens helps capture the full scene.

Want to know more about what to see during your time in port? Check out our complete guide to La Spezia cruise port for transport tips, walking routes, and timing advice.

Via del Prione and the Old Town

Via del Prione is La Spezia’s main pedestrian street, running through the heart of the old town. It’s lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, and it’s where locals actually spend their time. The architecture is a mix of Art Nouveau palazzi, medieval facades, and 19th-century townhouses, many with decorative details like wrought-iron balconies, carved doorways, and colorful shutters. The street itself is photogenic, but the real gems are the side alleys and piazzas that branch off it.

What to photograph here:

• Piazza Beverini: A small square just off Via del Prione, surrounded by cafes and old buildings. The piazza has a relaxed, local feel, and it’s a good spot for street photography – people sitting at outdoor tables, locals chatting, everyday Italian life without the tourist veneer.
• Architectural details: Look up. Many of the buildings along Via del Prione have beautiful Art Nouveau and Liberty-style details – decorative cornices, colored tiles, ornate balconies. These make great close-up shots and add variety to your photo collection.
• The market area: On market days (usually mornings), the streets around Via del Prione fill with stalls selling produce, cheese, flowers, and local goods. It’s colorful, busy, and authentically Italian – far more interesting than the souvenir stalls in Cinque Terre.

Timing and crowds: Via del Prione gets busier in the late morning and afternoon when shops are open, but it’s never packed like Cinque Terre. Early morning is quieter if you want empty street shots, but mid-morning gives you more life and activity. The street is flat and easy to walk, and you’re never more than a few minutes from the harbor or the train station.

Museo Tecnico Navale and the Arsenal

The Naval Technical Museum sits inside the old Arsenal complex, and while it’s primarily a museum of maritime history and naval engineering, the building itself and the surrounding area are surprisingly photogenic. The Arsenal dates back to the 1860s when La Spezia was developed as Italy’s main naval base, and the architecture is industrial, imposing, and full of interesting details. You’ll find massive stone archways, old dockyard cranes, naval ships moored alongside the quays, and views across the harbor that are completely different from the standard tourist spots.

Photography opportunities:

• The museum entrance and the Arsenal gates have impressive stone facades and ironwork that make strong architectural shots
• The quayside offers long perspectives down the line of naval ships and the harbor – very different from the colorful fishing boats elsewhere in the city
• Industrial details like old cranes, bollards, chains, and dock equipment give you textural, close-up shots with a maritime theme

The museum itself is worth a quick visit if you have time – it’s full of ship models, naval artifacts, and historical displays. But even if you don’t go inside, the exterior and the surrounding Arsenal area give you photo opportunities that are unique to La Spezia and that you won’t find anywhere else along the Italian Riviera.

Why La Spezia Beats Cinque Terre for Photos (Sometimes)

Let’s be clear: Cinque Terre is beautiful. The villages are stunning, the coastal views are spectacular, and the photos you see on Instagram are real. But there are significant downsides that nobody talks about, especially if you’re visiting on a cruise with limited time. Here’s the honest comparison:

The reality is that if you’ve only got a few hours in port, you can see and photograph more in La Spezia than you can in Cinque Terre. You’ll spend less time traveling, less time waiting, and less time fighting for space. Your photos will be different from everyone else’s because hardly anyone bothers to photograph La Spezia properly. And you’ll actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling stressed and rushed.

If you do want to combine both, consider spending the morning in La Spezia for photos, then taking an afternoon train to one of the quieter Cinque Terre villages like Corniglia or Manarola (avoiding Monterosso and Vernazza, which are the most crowded). That way you get the best of both without the full-day commitment. For more inspiration on what else you can see nearby, take a look at our complete day itinerary for La Spezia.

Practical Tips for Shooting in La Spezia

Camera gear: You don’t need anything fancy. A decent smartphone will handle most of these shots, especially in good light. If you’re bringing a proper camera, a standard zoom (24-70mm equivalent) covers everything. A wide-angle lens is useful for the castle views and the canals. A polarizing filter helps with reflections on the harbor water. Keep your electronics charged with a portable power bank so you don’t miss any shots, and bring a European power adapter for charging back at your hotel or cabin.

Best time of day: Early morning (7-9am) is ideal. The light is soft, the harbor is calm, and you’ll have most places to yourself. Late afternoon (4-6pm) also works well for golden hour light, especially at the castle and along the harbor. Midday light is harsh and creates strong shadows – fine for architectural details, but not great for wide harbor shots.

Weather: Overcast days are actually good for photography here. The soft light brings out the colors in the boats and buildings without harsh shadows. Clear days give you the best views from the castle, but you’ll need to manage bright highlights and deep shadows. Avoid shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. If there’s a chance of rain, pack a lightweight rain jacket for women or rain jacket for men so the weather doesn’t cut your photo session short.

Walking routes: From the cruise terminal, it’s about 10-15 minutes’ walk to the harbor and Via del Prione. The castle is another 15 minutes uphill from there. The canals are scattered around the old town, mostly within a 10-minute walk of Via del Prione. You can cover all the main photo spots in a 2-3 hour loop: port to harbor to Via del Prione to castle, then back down through the old town to the port. Keep your valuables secure in an anti-theft backpack or secure messenger bag while you’re walking and shooting.

Safety and etiquette: La Spezia is safe and low-key. The usual common sense applies – watch your belongings in crowded areas, be respectful when photographing locals and their property. The fishing boats are working vessels, not tourist props, so don’t climb on them or move things around for a better shot. The castle grounds and the canals are public spaces, so you’re free to photograph as much as you like. A cable organizer keeps your charging cables and memory cards tidy while you’re out shooting.

If you’re looking for even more off-the-beaten-path spots, our guide to secret beaches near La Spezia includes several hidden coves and coastal viewpoints that offer stunning photo opportunities away from the crowds.

Extend Your Stay in La Spezia

If you’re not tied to a cruise schedule, spending a night or two in La Spezia gives you much more flexibility to explore both the city and the surrounding area at your own pace. You’ll have time to shoot the harbor at sunrise, visit Cinque Terre early before the day-trippers arrive, and explore the quieter coastal spots and hilltop villages nearby. La Spezia has a good range of accommodation options, from budget hotels near the train station to more upscale places along the waterfront. Staying in the old town puts you within walking distance of the castle, the harbor, and Via del Prione, which is ideal if you’re planning to photograph the city itself.

Hotels in La Spezia are significantly cheaper than accommodation in Cinque Terre, and you get better value – proper rooms, reliable wifi, and easier access to transport. The train station is central, with frequent services to all five Cinque Terre villages, plus connections to Pisa, Genoa, and other coastal towns. Staying here means you can visit the villages early or late in the day when they’re quieter, and you’re not paying inflated Cinque Terre prices for everything. Pack smart with compression packing cubes to maximize your carry-on luggage space, and bring a travel steamer to keep your clothes looking fresh for those perfect harbor shots. If you’re serious about photography and want to shoot both La Spezia and the surrounding area properly, an extra night or two makes a huge difference.

Personal Experience

Last summer our cruise docked in La Spezia, and while everyone rushed off to Cinque Terre, my partner and I decided to explore the town itself. Best decision ever. We wandered up to Castello San Giorgio, and the views from up there were absolutely stunning – you get this panoramic sweep of the harbor and the Apuan Alps in the distance, without fighting through crowds for a decent photo. The walk up through the narrow streets was peaceful, and we had the castle grounds almost to ourselves.

What really surprised me were the fishing boats along Via del Prione and the little canals near the Arsenal. The boats are painted in these gorgeous blues, reds, and yellows, and the reflections in the calm water made for way better photos than the packed viewpoints in Cinque Terre that I’d seen plastered all over Instagram. We grabbed lunch at a tiny spot where locals were eating, spent maybe three hours total wandering around, and got back to the ship completely relaxed. Meanwhile, our friends who did the Cinque Terre day trip came back exhausted and complained about the crowds. La Spezia itself is genuinely photogenic – it just doesn’t have the hype.

Common Questions & FAQ

How long do I need to photograph the main spots in La Spezia?

You can cover the castle, harbor, and old town in about 2-3 hours if you’re focused. That includes the walk up to Castello San Giorgio, time to take photos from multiple angles, a stroll along the harbor to shoot the fishing boats, and a quick loop through Via del Prione and the surrounding streets. If you want to slow down and really explore the canals and side streets, or if you’re shooting in different light conditions, give yourself 4-5 hours. Either way, it’s much more time-efficient than a full-day Cinque Terre trip.

Can I get good photos in La Spezia if the weather is cloudy?

Absolutely. Overcast days actually work really well for harbor and canal shots because the soft light eliminates harsh shadows and brings out the colors in the boats and buildings. The reflections in the water are often better on cloudy days because there’s less glare. You won’t get dramatic mountain views from the castle in poor visibility, but the castle itself and the city views below still photograph well. Avoid shooting in heavy rain, obviously, but light cloud cover is ideal for most of the spots listed here.

Is the walk up to Castello San Giorgio difficult?

It’s uphill but not particularly challenging. The walk from the harbor to the castle takes about 15 minutes and involves stairs and sloped streets, but it’s all paved and well-maintained. If you’re reasonably mobile and wearing comfortable walking shoes, you’ll be fine. The views from the top are worth the effort, and there are spots to rest along the way if you need them. People with serious mobility issues or those using wheelchairs will find it difficult, but for most visitors it’s a manageable climb. Consider wearing compression socks if you’re planning lots of walking to keep your legs comfortable.

Are the fishing boats and canals accessible from the cruise port?

Yes, everything is within easy walking distance. From the cruise terminal, it’s about 10-15 minutes on foot to the main harbor area where the fishing boats are moored. The canals are scattered around the old town, mostly within a 10-15 minute walk from Via del Prione. You don’t need to book transport or navigate complicated routes – just walk out of the port gates and follow the waterfront or head towards the old town. It’s all straightforward and well-signposted.

Will I have the photo spots to myself or will they be crowded?

La Spezia’s photo spots are rarely crowded, even during peak cruise season. The castle might have a handful of other visitors, and the harbor promenade will have locals and a few tourists, but you won’t be fighting for space or waiting for people to move out of your shot. The canals are often completely empty. Compare that to Cinque Terre, where popular viewpoints can have dozens of people jostling for position, and it’s a night-and-day difference. If you go early in the morning, you’ll often have places entirely to yourself.

Can I combine La Spezia photography with a quick visit to Cinque Terre?

Yes, if you’re selective. Spend the morning in La Spezia covering the castle, harbor, and old town (2-3 hours), then take an afternoon train to one of the quieter Cinque Terre villages like Corniglia or Manarola. You’ll have time for a couple of hours in one village, which is enough to see the highlights and get some photos without the full-day commitment. Skip Monterosso and Vernazza if you’re short on time – they’re the most crowded and furthest from La Spezia. This approach gives you variety without the stress of trying to cram in all five villages. Keep your phone protected near the water with a waterproof phone pouch.

What’s the best lens or camera setup for shooting La Spezia?

A standard zoom lens (24-70mm equivalent) covers almost everything – wide enough for the castle views and harbor scenes, long enough for tighter shots of boats and architectural details. If you’re bringing a smartphone, that’s perfectly adequate for all the spots listed here, especially in good light. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is useful if you want dramatic perspectives from the castle or inside the narrow canals. A polarizing filter helps cut reflections and enhance colors on the harbor water. Don’t overthink it – the locations are photogenic enough that gear matters less than timing and composition. Keep everything organized in a secure camera backpack.

Is it safe to walk around La Spezia alone with camera gear?

Yes, La Spezia is a safe, low-key city. It’s a working port town, not a tourist trap, so there’s far less hassle and petty crime than in heavily touristed areas. The usual common sense applies – keep an eye on your gear, don’t leave bags unattended, be aware of your surroundings. The old town, harbor, and castle area are all safe to walk around, even early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You’re far more likely to have problems with crowds and pickpockets in Cinque Terre than you are in La Spezia itself. An anti-theft backpack adds extra security for your camera equipment and valuables while you’re exploring.