10 Amazing Things to Do in La Spezia, Italy
If you and your family are planning to visit Italy and are a bit confused about the fun things to do in La Spezia, then we have the answers to all your questions.
La Spezia, Italy, has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe and lots of activities in which to participate while you’re visiting. From gorgeous beaches to outdoor dining to history-filled castles, there are plenty of amazing things to do in La Spezia!
Here are our top ten things to do in La Spezia that you should check out during your trip here!
The Top Six La Spezia Beaches To Visit This Year
The Waterfront
The waterfront is one of the most popular and beautiful places to visit while in La Spezia. Every weekend, visitors can enjoy walking along the boardwalk, having a fantastic view of the sea and the city.
The good variety of restaurants here tempt you to enjoy a quick bite or have a leisurely, appetizing meal. If you have time during your visit, take a boat ride on one of the many boats that depart from this area.
Additionally, several artificial inlets and also canals have been developed. Travel along these and see the different interesting businesses as well as passenger ships that go by.
San Giorgio Castle – Things to Do in La Spezia
A visit to the San Giorgio Castle is one of the most popular things to do in La Spezia. San Giorgio Castle is home to an art collection that includes paintings by Rubens and Caravaggio as well as sculptures and frescoes. The visit is free, but reservations are highly recommended.
The castle was initially built in the 9th century, but has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times. Now, the castle is open for the public and offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
Several exhibitions and displays are held at the castle, and it boasts an impressive archeological museum and a library. Visitors can also enjoy the castle’s gardens and stunning city and bay views.
Explore The Naval Technical Museum
The Naval Technical Museum is the only one of its kind on the Italian Riviera. Exploring the museum is one of the fun things to do in La Spezia. The museum houses a rich collection of naval artifacts and memorabilia, including models of ships and submarines, weapons, uniforms and equipment. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse inside the hull of a submarine.
Other exhibits include a royal fishing boat that belonged to King George V and Queen Mary and replicas of Napoleon’s battleships.
Start your visit by viewing the first-floor gallery where paintings and ship’ models are displayed. Then head upstairs for more displays, including collections from famous battles. View uniforms and weapons from different periods, including the late 19th century until modern times.
Finally, head down to the ground floor to explore all sorts of machinery used throughout history to build boats and submarines, such as drills, hammers, welding equipment, and so much more!
Visit Cinque Terre – Things to Do in La Spezia
Cinque Terre is a five-mile stretch of beautiful coastal villages on the Italian Riviera. The area is known for its hiking trails and well-preserved medieval towns perched atop cliffs. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended vacation, Cinque Terre won’t disappoint.
Cinque Terre Checklist
The Cinque Terre coastline is one of the most beautiful in Italy. The colorful houses and dramatic cliff-lined landscapes make for perfect photo opportunities.
The food and wine in the Cinque Terre are some of the best in Italy. Be sure to check out the local restaurants and wine bars for an authentic taste of the region.
A boat tour is a great way to see the Cinque Terre from a different perspective. You’ll see the villages from the water and explore some smaller coves and beaches.
The Cinque Terre National Park is a must-see for any visitor to La Spezia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises five picturesque villages perched on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Hiking and biking are popular activities in the park.
The villages in the Cinque Terre are definitely worth a visit. Each one has its unique character and offers some great sightseeing opportunities.
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most impressive churches in Liguria. It was built on top of the ruins of an ancient temple and dates back to 1090 AD. The church was renovated over time, and its current appearance reflects a 17th-century Baroque style.
The interior is breathtaking thanks to the beautiful frescoes, painted by Giovanni Battista Carlone, which depict scenes from the Old Testament. There are also paintings portraying events from World War II done by local artist Giulio Aristide Sartorio.
Visit the Village of Biassa – Things to Do in La Spezia
Visiting the Village of Biassa is a must for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is only five minutes by car from La Spezia and was once a fishing village.
If you intend to see a piece of regional life, this is a fantastic location; the town continues to be reasonably unblemished and maintains a classic lifestyle. Biassa provides superb sights of the bordering countryside, and a short stroll takes you to the ruins of the village’s Coderone Castle.
The people of Biassa love talking about their history with visitors and will happily show you around if you’re interested!
Visit the Town of Lerici
Lerici is a small town located on the Gulf of La Spezia, and it is only a short drive from Portovenere. Lerici has some fantastic views and beautiful scenery.
You can explore the coastline on foot or by bicycle and see many little coves that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Some excellent restaurants serve fresh seafood, so you’ll never go hungry when exploring this area of Italy.
The harbor of this community is genuinely breathtaking – it is a special experience to see the numerous fishing and sailing boats moored in the water and the citizens going about their daily tasks.
If you want to explore more of the Cinque Terre region, Lerici is an excellent place to start because it’s not as crowded as other towns.
Explore Isola Palmaria Island
On the southern side of the Gulf of La Spezia, you can locate Palmaria Island. This island is a beautiful area to discover and has some fascinating flowers and animals.
The high cliffs of the island include some hidden caverns such as the Marble Caves. The coast is as pretty as a picture, and boat tours around the island are a terrific method to see the landscape. In the summer, ferries sail from La Spezia to Lerici and leave on the island’s north side.
The island has a fascinating history and was home to a monastery for over two hundred years.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta – Things to Do in La Spezia
The city of La Spezia has an exciting mix of architectural styles. One of the most impressive buildings is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which features Romanesque architecture and Gothic and Renaissance elements.
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a remarkable 15th-century structure with a challenging background. The church had to be nearly totally reconstructed after World War II. The battles destroyed almost everything, but a few elements, such as the belfry, remained standing.
Civic Theatre of Piazza Mentana
Our trip to uncover the most interesting things to do in La Spezia takes us to the end of Via del Prione, a couple of meters from the metropolitan yards, where you’ll find the famous Civic Theatre. The theatre is a 19th-century structure of neoclassical design.
The twelve constellations of the Zodiac are drawn on the dome of the Civic Theatre, making for a memorable visual experience.
Don’t Forget to Eat Gelato at Dolce Amaro
La Spezia is an adorable seaside town on the Italian coast. It’s full of history and makes for a perfect spot for a summer getaway.
You can’t leave La Spezia without eating some of its famous gelato. There are a lot of great gelato shops, but Dolce Amaro is our favorite. It is one of the most well-known gelato shops in town, and they make all their gelato themselves. The flavors are constantly changing, but they tend to have vanilla, hazelnut, and pistachio as staples. The best part is you get a free scoop with every cone or cup!
Conclusion
By now, you are on top of the essential and most appealing things to do in La Spezia, one of the most visited places in Italy. This small Italian town does not only have amazing sights but also a plethora of activities and events to keep you busy for days.
You will have a blast in La Spezia with all these fantastic attractions. Explore the city and enjoy its food, beaches and art. And when you are done exploring, head to one of the best ice cream parlors nearby – Dolce Amaro. This one serves some of the most delicious gelatos on Earth!
