La Spezia

La Spezia

Italy

Wander through the enchanting villages of Cinque Terre clinging to dramatic cliffs and colorful seaside charm just minutes away.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language Italian
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Oct
🚢 Typical Duration 7-9 nights
💰 Price Range From $677 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre, offering access to some of Europe's most picturesque coastal villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Cruises that visit La Spezia

Build Your Day in La Spezia

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre This was a great experience and strongly recommend the hiking trails. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 47k
Le Terrazze Lots of stores, great food alternatives in a large dining area. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere Super Stra mega wonderful!!!!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 10k
Brugnato 5Terre Outlet Village Very good prices, lot of nice stuff, Italian brands Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Centroluna Shopping Mall Easy parking, variety of stores Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Osteria all'Inferno dal 1905 The food was to-die-for and the service was also incredible. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:15 PM Thu
Castello San Giorgio Interesting museum, gorgeous view from the terrace and very nice staff! Castle · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Giardini Pubblici Gardens and playgrounds in every corner ! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 3k
Naval Technical Museum La Spezia Fantastic little museum full of interesting items, and very informative. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Osteria da Bartali Solid cooking, good atmosphere and service, always busy so book ahead Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
D-Marin Porto Mirabello Spectacular! Marina · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Centro commerciale Il Faro All what you need Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
La Taverna Del Metallo All the dishes we tasted was excellent and the atmosphere was remarkable! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k
L'Osteria della Corte Delicious, creative dishes in a very pleasant atmosphere! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 11:30 PM
Vicolo Intherno La Spezia Delicious dinner and a really nice atmosphere, good service, amazing! Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Thu
Centro Kennedy Nice cozy atmosphere, and professional...thank u 😊 Shopping mall · ★ 3.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Trattoria Bellavista Amazing experience, food , service and atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Thu
Cantieri Concept Restaurant The staff is amazing, the atmosphere is great, the food was delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
La Spezia Cruise Terminal Lots of twist and turns to get it but everything was great! Cruise terminal · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Ristorante Trattoria Roma Staff is super friendly, food was amazing, and service was fantastic. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Antica Osteria Dei Camalli Excellent food, great and friendly service! Ligurian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM Thu
NoMad Bar The staff was spectacular and the drinks were incredibly creative! Bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Cathedral of Christ the King But 5 stars for uniqueness. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Sat
Enoteca Cinque Sensi - Aperitivi La Spezia Options for everyone and delicious wine and vegan aperitivo. Wine bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Museo Civico Amedeo Lia Temporary Exhibition of a single painting is the highlight. Art museum · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Eclettica Cocktail Lab The cocktails were very creative and some of the best that we’ve ever had. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Emporium Perfect drinks and welcoming service with creative recommendations! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Parco Salvador Allende Nice views and offers comfortable shade. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
La Spezia Centro Storico A lot of art and access to a great port / board your cruise. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Terrazza Oliva The place , the atmosphere, the service and the food ,,all was amazing Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Fri
Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi Take a break from walking around. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ponte Thaon di Revel Working marina on one side sailboats and yachts on the other. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Alienista Izakaya The drinks were absolutely amazing and the ambience was spectacular. Modern izakaya restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
MojiBar La Spezia They use fresh fruits and have a wide selection of drinks. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Parco delle Mura Remains of old city walls in the park. City park · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Garden Bar wonderful service, cute hidden calm garden, nice vibe and music. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
Monkey Aperitivo - La Gintoneria di Ale Fantastic cocktails, great price and a really friendly guy serving them Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 11 PM
The Blue Boat Cinque Terre Tour I'd love to go back and do it all again! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Bruschettando Cocktail Bar Los Ñaños Nice cocktails, value for money, polite staff, nice music...! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Karma Lounge Bar Great cocktails, but pricey. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Redamare Spend a lot of hours wandering around! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Way Side La Spezia I love the sandals. Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Porto mirabello Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Ferry Cinque Terre Great views. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

La Spezia is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from La Spezia

About La Spezia

La Spezia has emerged as a vibrant Mediterranean cruise hub, welcoming seven major cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. With nearly 500 upcoming cruises and a strong presence year-round, this Italian port offers excellent variety for cruise travelers. While primarily a port of call, La Spezia serves as an ideal embarkation point for week-long Mediterranean voyages exploring the Western basin, with popular routes connecting to Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille. The port's peak season spans May through October, with September standing out as the busiest month for cruise activity.

Stepping ashore in La Spezia, you'll find yourself in a charming seaside town with genuine Italian character. The nearby Cinque Terre villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are easily accessible and offer stunning coastal scenery, while the town's waterfront promenade invites leisurely strolls between ship visits. Whether you're embarking on your cruise adventure or enjoying a port day, La Spezia combines convenient cruise operations with authentic Mediterranean experiences that extend well beyond the terminal.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Cinque Terre's Colorful Villages

Just 30 minutes by train from the port, Cinque Terre's five UNESCO-listed villages cling dramatically to cliffsides above the Ligurian Sea. Wander through Vernazza's pastel-painted buildings, hike scenic coastal trails, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront trattorias while gazing at terraced vineyards cascading toward the Mediterranean.

2

Pesto and Local Ligurian Cuisine

La Spezia is the heart of Liguria's culinary tradition, where authentic basil pesto originated. Visit the bustling Piazza Cavour market to sample trofie al pesto, fresh focaccia, and local anchovies, then enjoy lunch at a family-run osteria serving generations-old recipes with crisp Ligurian white wines.

3

Portovenere's Dramatic Coastal Beauty

This enchanting medieval fishing village sits just 12 kilometers away, perched on a rocky peninsula with stunning sea views. Explore the 13th-century Doria Castle, visit the Church of San Pietro with its Gothic facade, and swim in crystalline waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves.

4

Viale Garibaldi's Waterfront Shopping

La Spezia's elegant main promenade stretches along the harbor, lined with Italian boutiques, artisan shops, and cafes perfect for leisurely browsing. Browse locally-made ceramics, regional wines, and fresh produce at the adjacent markets while enjoying views of the working port and naval heritage.

5

Naval Museum and Maritime Heritage

The Museo Civico Amedeo Lia showcases La Spezia's rich naval history and artistic treasures in a stunning waterfront setting. Explore interactive exhibits about the port's strategic importance, then stroll the Arsenal district to see historic shipyards and naval monuments reflecting centuries of maritime tradition.

Cruise Lines at La Spezia

Cruises Departing From La Spezia

Cruises Visiting La Spezia

Ship Schedule at La Spezia

La Spezia Location

Other Cruise Ports in Italy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Spezia known for?

A busy naval port and gateway to Cinque Terre with markets and promenades.

How can I reach Cinque Terre from La Spezia?

Train or boat services connect La Spezia to Cinque Terre villages regularly.

What are the best times to visit La Spezia?

Spring to early autumn offers pleasant weather and market days.

What are must-see spots in La Spezia?

Piazza Cavour market, Porto Mirabello, and Liberty-style palazzos.