A Morning in La Spezia—and a Lesson Learned
It was my third Mediterranean cruise, the kind where every port whispers with centuries of stories and the cappuccinos are strong enough to make your toes curl. I remember docking in La Spezia—gateway to the famed Cinque Terre—feeling smug. “I’ve been there. I don’t need to elbow my way through crowds in Vernazza again,” I told myself, confidently sipping espresso beneath a red-and-white striped awning near the harbor. Moments later, a group of first-time cruisers from Ohio looked at me wide-eyed and asked, “Besides Cinque Terre… is there anything else?” I laughed, paused dramatically, and said, “Oh, you have no idea.”
So if you want to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Cinque Terre (and trust me, your ankles and sanity will thank you), here are seven shore excursions from La Spezia that are equal parts enchanting, easy, and often overlooked. Buckle up—some of these might just become your new favorites.
1. Portovenere – The Quiet Sister with a Poet’s Soul
Just a 30-minute boat ride from La Spezia (or quicker by taxi), Portovenere is the lesser-known sibling to the Cinque Terre—and in my opinion, the prettiest at the prom. Think pastel buildings tumbling down cliff sides, narrow lanes scented with lemon blossoms, and a 12th-century church clinging dramatically to the rocks.
Why Go: It’s less crowded, easier to navigate, and you can sip a spritz while watching the sun dip below Byron’s Grotto—yes, named after that Byron.
Insider Tip: Take the ferry from La Spezia for coastal views that rival the Amalfi Coast (without the sticker shock). Or grab focaccia and a bottle of local Vermentino and picnic near the church ruins.
2. Pisa – It’s More Than Just a Leaning Tower
Ah, Pisa. You might think it’s touristy—and you’d be right—but there’s charm beyond the obligatory tower pose. Did you know the entire “Field of Miracles” is a UNESCO site? Plus, the city center is full of life, with locals zipping past on vintage bikes and open-air markets peddling olive oils you’ll want to smuggle home.
Logistics: About an hour by train or via organized bus excursion (smoothest option for time-conscious cruisers).
Pro Tip: Book a timed entry ticket for the Tower of Pisa before your cruise. And if you’re short, maybe practice your one-legged tower prop-pose beforehand. It takes balance and ego-checking.
3. Lucca – A Tuscan Gem Wrapped in Renaissance Walls
Confession: Lucca stole my heart. This walled city (yes, you can walk or rent a bike to circle the entire town atop its ramparts) boasts tree-lined promenades, opera history (hello, Puccini!), and piazzas perfect for lazy lunching.
Getting There: About 90 minutes from La Spezia by train. Some cruise lines offer half-day excursions combining Lucca with Pisa—convenient and crowd-cushioned.
Surprise Factor: Find the “Torre Guinigi”—a medieval tower with oak trees growing on top. Because in Lucca, even rooftops want to be parks.
4. Lerici – Italy’s Laid-Back Riviera
Picture this: colorful fishing boats bobbing lazily, elderly Italians gossiping on benches, and gelato that might just elicit a tear of joy. Lerici is a 30-minute bus ride from La Spezia—and tourists are still catching on.
Best For: Couples, solo wanderers, or anyone in dire need of a Mediterranean moment without jostling selfie sticks.
Fun Fact: Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein nearby. Coincidence, or was she inspired by the shimmering Ligurian coast?
5. Sarzana – A Medieval Detour with Local Flavor
Ever wish you could stumble into a charming Italian town with zero cruise crowds and all the trimmings—fortresses, antique shops, and delightful trattorias? Sarzana is your answer. It’s only 30 minutes or so by train from La Spezia, and feels untouched by the cruise frenzy.
Highlight: Wander the ancient fortress, shop for handmade leather, and nibble a slice of torta di verdure (vegetable pie) you’ll dream about long after the ship sails.
6. Carrara – Marvel at Michelangelo’s Marble
If you’ve ever stared at David and thought, “That’s some fine rock,” then you owe it to yourself to visit Carrara. This small town at the foot of the Apuan Alps is famous for its marble quarries, still actively carving stones just like in Renaissance days.
See This: Book a 4×4 tour into the quarries (yes, you can go inside the mountain!) and get dusty with history.
Cruise Tip: Carrara tours often include Pietrasanta—known as the “City of Artists.” Think marble meets mojitos in sun-drenched piazzas.
7. Florence – A Grand Day If You Plan Smart
Florence is a jewel box—but it’s far. About two hours by train, or a tad quicker with a ship excursion. Is it doable in a day? Yes. Is it overwhelming? Also yes. But if this is your one chance to see Michelangelo, Botticelli, and a Duomo that could make a grown man weep, seize it.
Expert’s Guide:
- Book a guided tour to save time and learn juicy backstories
- Target two to three must-sees (e.g. Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio) and don’t try to “do it all”
- Reserve skip-the-line tickets ahead of time—it’s either that or spend your port day waiting in Florentine purgatory
Bonus Tips to Cruise Smarter from La Spezia
- Shuttle or Scramble? If you’re docked at Porto Mirabello, use the free shuttle to town—it saves time and sweaty sandals
- Train Tickets: Buy round-trip tickets in advance and validate them in the little yellow machines before boarding. Italy loves its rules
- Language Hack: “Permesso” goes a long way if you’re moving past folks in a crowded street or line—it’s polite, charming, and very Italian
- Pack Smart: That gorgeous sun? It’s intense. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a refillable water bottle will keep you from becoming a tourist crouton
In Conclusion: La Spezia’s Secret Superpower
La Spezia may not scream for attention like her flashier neighbors, but she’s the perfect launchpad to some of Italy’s most delightful detours. Whether you’re hunting marble in the mountains, sipping espresso under fortress walls, or chasing operatic echoes through Lucca, venturing beyond Cinque Terre is a choice you’ll never regret—and your travel stories will thank you.
So next time your ship docks and everyone rushes for the Riomaggiore train, consider stepping off the beaten path. You’ll find fewer crowds, richer experiences, and maybe—if you’re lucky—a new favorite Italian town you didn’t even know existed.
And remember: the best memories often come from the unplanned… and the uncrowded.
