La Spezia cruise port guide
The seafaring culture of the port of La Spezia dates back to Greek times. The pearl of the Ligurian Levant is a favourite destination for many tourists from all over the world, attracted by the natural and historical beauties that surround it. On a cruise to La Spezia, you can explore the treasures of the coast. Start your visit from the city itself by strolling along the via del Prione in the old district or under the palm trees of the Passeggiata Morin on the promenade, perhaps while sampling a Ligurian focaccia. Looking out to sea you will see the famous Gulf of Poets, written about and praised by the major figures in literature. Costa Cruises will take you to Porto Venere, with its church of San Pietro rising up at the top of the peninsula and the colourful little houses overlooking the gulf, and to Lerici, the beautiful village dominated by the castle di San Giorgio. The port of La Spezia is also the ideal starting point for an shore excursion to the Cinque Terre, now a national park where the marine and typical dry-terraced coastal areas are protected. The villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are also connected by the evocative Sentiero Azzurro (blue trail), along which the Via dell’Amore (way of love) provides perhaps one of the most beautiful maritime views in the world. What are you waiting for? Check out our offers for a Mediterranean cruise.
About La Spezia
La Spezia is a major Italian naval and commercial port city on the Ligurian Sea, situated at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia midway between Genoa and Pisa. The city is the principal gateway to the Cinque Terre, accessible in approximately 15 minutes by train or by regular boat services that also call at Lerici and Portovenere. A compact historic centre, world-class maritime and fine arts museums, and authentic Ligurian cuisine round out the port call experience.
The Castle of San Giorgio—originally erected by Niccolò Fieschi in 1262, rebuilt from 1371, and recently restored—anchors the historic core and houses the Ubaldo Formentini Civic Museum. The Technical Naval Museum speaks to the city's centuries-long identity as Italy's chief naval base. The Amedeo Lia Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (CAMeC) serve passengers with fine arts and contemporary cultural interests. Beyond the city, the Cinque Terre remains the dominant excursion draw, served by both frequent regional trains stopping at Monterosso and Riomaggiore (15 minutes from La Spezia Centrale) and by coastal boat. The same boat service calls at Portovenere and Lerici, offering a full day of Gulf exploration. The historic Scola Tower is also noted as a local landmark.
Quick facts
Cruises visiting La Spezia
Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.
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7 nights Western Mediterranean from Civitavecchia (Rome)
MSC Grandiosa · Western Mediterranean · 7 nights
from $703
$100 / night
7 nights Western Mediterranean from Palma de Mallorca (Baleari Is.)
MSC Grandiosa · Europe · 7 nights
from $754
$107 / night
7 nights Western Mediterranean from Barcelona
MSC Grandiosa · Western Mediterranean · 7 nights
from $3,835
$547 / night
The Best of the Mediterranean
Sun Princess · Mediterranean · 21 nights
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Western Mediterranean with Italy
Sun Princess · Mediterranean · 7 nights
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Mediterranean with Greece, Italy & Turkey
Sun Princess · Mediterranean · 14 nights
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