Free walking tours in La Spezia and what to see

Must-sees

La Spezia stretches across the head of its gulf, at the eastern end of Liguria, and grew up around the naval arsenal built after the unification of Italy. The old town revolves around Via del Prione, a pedestrian street running down from Piazza Garibaldi to the public gardens and the seafront. From there the Passeggiata Morin continues, and a wood and steel footbridge leads to the Porto Mirabello marina.

Up above, the castle of San Giorgio houses the archaeological museum, with the stele statues of the Lunigiana, prehistoric figures carved in stone. The Amedeo Lia Museum holds a collection of paintings and art objects, and the Naval Technical Museum, next to the arsenal, displays ship models and figureheads. The cathedral of Cristo Re, round and built of concrete, adds a modern note.

Free tours and guided visits

La Spezia has no regular free walking tours, and what Civitatis offers here are mainly trips. The most practical is the Cinque Terre by train, and there are also boat trips to Vernazza, Monterosso and Riomaggiore or to Porto Venere, plus a sunset boat trip with an aperitivo. For cruise passengers there are day trips to Florence, to Pisa or to both.

How long to spend

The city can be seen in half a day: the old town, the seafront and a museum or two. Where the time goes is the surroundings. Allow at least a day for the Cinque Terre and another for Porto Venere or Lerici. With three or four nights you can do it all without rushing.

Where to stay

Staying in La Spezia keeps you close to the station, with frequent trains to the Cinque Terre, and gives you more choice than the coastal villages. The centre, between the station and the seafront, is the most convenient area. If you would rather sleep by the sea, Porto Venere and Lerici are a short bus or boat ride away.