Today, we are chatting about La Spezia Cruise Port and what to do on a day in port. Because this is a port we dismissed for many years. And it’s easy to see why, as ships dock with views of a container port, it looks industrial and dull. However, La Spezia is the gateway to so many Italian gems, all within reach with a little effort. And because of this, it has become one of my favourite cruise ports.

I think, if I am honest, I always judged La Spezia from the view of the container port, but as soon as you get off the free port bus, you are treated to a much prettier La Spezia, and it is definitely worth getting off the ship for. You are not permitted to walk through the container port, so buses to the cruise terminal are provided free and frequently.

But here is the exciting thing: It’s also the launchpad for big-name Italian icons like Cinque Terre, Florence, and Pisa. For that reason, most people step off the ship and head straight for the train station or ferries without even glancing back. But it’s also great to take a look at the town if you don’t plan to explore further.

La Spezia Cruise Port, What To Do on a Day in Port

If you stay local, even just for a few hours, you’ll find pastel lanes, local markets, hidden trattorias, and a harbour that’s perfect for an unhurried stroll. Let’s explore whether you should stay in La Spezia or use it as the base for one of Italy’s great bucket-list day trips.

What to See and Do in La Spezia Itself

If you decide to skip the crowds and enjoy the city on your doorstep, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxed, easy day.

• Stroll the Seafront Promenade
  • Just a few minutes’ walk from the port, the palm-lined waterfront is the perfect place to wander, sip coffee, or simply sit and watch the little boats drift across the bay.
• Old Town & Via del Prione
  • The main pedestrian street is lined with cafés, gelato shops, and boutiques. Look up as you walk; the pastel shutters and tiny balconies are so pretty.
• Museo Tecnico Navale
  • A surprisingly interesting naval museum that reflects La Spezia’s deep maritime history. Great for families and those who love the “how things work” side of ships.
• Castello San Giorgio
  • A hilltop castle with views that offer that classic Ligurian layered-rooftop look. Take your time going up; it’s steep but rewarding. We did this when the boys were little, and they loved the view.
• Lunch the Local Way
  • Order seafood or meat sharing platters. Think mussels cooked with lemon and garlic, anchovies caught that morning, and trofie pasta with pesto Genovese. It’s simple, fresh, and served with local wine, unforgettable.

Or Take One of Three Brilliant Day Trips from La Spezia

La Spezia is an incredible cruise port for day trips, giving you access to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Whether you want colourful coastal villages, Renaissance art, or dramatic medieval towers, you can reach them all within an hour or two. These three-day trips offer a perfect mix of scenery, culture, and classic Italian experiences, ideal for making the most of your time in port.

1. Cinque Terre: Fairytale Colourful Villages Clinging to Cliffs

Just a short train or more scenic ferry ride from La Spezia, the five villages of Cinque Terre are a must-see. Wander through colourful streets, admire pastel-hued houses perched on cliffs, and take in breathtaking views of the Sea. Don’t miss hiking some of the famous trails around the villages, which offer stunning panoramas and photo opportunities.

Grab lunch at a seaside trattoria or sip a glass of local white wine as you watch the waves. With frequent trains running from La Spezia, you can explore multiple villages in a day without feeling rushed, making it an unforgettable Italian coastal experience. Or slow down and just dedicate a day to one glorious village.

If you plan to take the train, walk the 25 minutes to the station, or jump in a taxi for about 10-15 euros. Take the Cinque Terre Express train from La Spezia Centrale. Trains run every 10–20 minutes. Or take the scenic route and get the ferry, which is a short walk from the cruise port. We have a full guide on how to do that here.

But on a quick note, it is easy to get a ferry ticket at the cruise terminal, just make sure you have a plan. It’s worth getting the ferry to the 3 nearest stops, but don’t rush. Choose one and spend half a day wandering the streets and having lunch. I would choose the train for the farther stops.

Stops on the Ferry:

• Port Venere the first stop and a super pretty town, takes 45 minutes
• Riomaggiore for easy wandering, 1 hour and 20 minutes and so worth it
• Manarola for iconic cliff views, 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Vernazza for the prettiest harbour, 2 hours 
• Monterosso for a beach break, 2 hours 20

Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card for unlimited village hopping.

2. Florence From La Spezia Cruise Port: Renaissance Masterpieces and Grand Squares

Florence is about a 2-hour train ride from La Spezia, making it a doable full-day trip. However, because of the distance, it’s worth looking at the “Florence on your own” trip with the cruise line to get an easy transfer.

I adore Florence, as a quick guide, I would recommend starting at Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Wander through Piazza della Signoria to see the Palazzo Vecchio and open-air sculptures, and don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops and offering beautiful views of the Arno River.

Art lovers should make time for the Uffizi Gallery, which features masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Don’t miss David, he is truly spectacular! While foodies can enjoy local specialities like bistecca alla fiorentina or fresh pasta at a traditional trattoria. We also tried making ice cream, and it was incredible.

With careful planning, you can experience Florence’s Renaissance art, grand squares, and charming streets without feeling rushed, returning to La Spezia in the evening refreshed and inspired. See our guide here.

3. Pisa: Quick, Easy and Iconic

Pisa is just an hour by train from La Spezia, making it ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion. The Piazza dei Miracoli is home to the famous Leaning Tower, the cathedral, and the baptistery, perfect for classic photo opportunities.

After snapping your iconic tower shots, explore the city’s quaint streets, enjoy gelato at a local café, and soak up the relaxed Tuscan atmosphere. Pisa’s compact city centre makes it easy to see the highlights in a few hours, leaving plenty of time to return to La Spezia for dinner or further exploring.

Choose to Stay in La Spezia if:

• You’re in the mood for a slower, more relaxed day.
• You enjoy wandering local streets, browsing shops, and trying little cafés.
• You’d prefer to avoid long journeys.
• You’ve already visited Florence, Pisa, or Cinque Terre before, although you can never visit enough.

Staying local gives you time to really soak in the Italian atmosphere without rushing. It’s peaceful, walkable, and full of understated charm.

Choose a Day Trip From La Spezia Cruise Port if:

• You’re excited to see big, iconic sights and don’t mind a busy schedule.
• You’ve always dreamed of seeing the Leaning Tower or the Duomo.
• You’re happy to take trains, ferries, walk a lot, and follow timetables, but the payoff is worth it, trust me!
• This is your first visit to the region and you want a “wow” day.

A day trip is more active and full-on, but it rewards you with those once-in-a-lifetime travel moments.

Planning a Day in or Around La Spezia

La Spezia isn’t flashy, and it won’t fight for your attention. But that’s its charm. It’s the quiet backdrop to Italy’s grandest scenes. And sometimes, the quiet parts are the ones that stay with you.

If you’re craving a slow morning with gelato, harbourside views, and the soft hum of local life, stay close and enjoy the city. If your heart is calling for world-famous landmarks and postcard moments, hop on the train and chase them; we love those days and have fallen in love with the region.

Either way, your day here can be something truly memorable. La Spezia is the kind of place that lets you choose your own pace; all you have to do is decide what you’re in the mood for.