Best Places To Stay In La Spezia, Italy

Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy</strong> and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 4, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  1. La Spezia is recommended as the best place to stay when visiting Cinque Terre due to its central location and excellent transportation links.
  2. While equally charming, Cinque Terre's five villages vary in amenities, and Monterosso and Vernazza stand out for having beaches.
  3. Travelers can explore La Spezia, Italy, with various budget-friendly hotel options, including 4-star and 3-star accommodations.

Wondering where to stay in La Spezia? La Spezia is a charming and ancient tiny town in southern Liguria, northern Italy. Although Cinque Terre might be where you want to stay, La Spezia is a better option in more ways than one. In addition, it serves as the primary entrance to the Cinque Terre National Park, one of Italy’s most picturesque and stunning natural areas.

Why La Spezia? 

The best place to stay when visiting the Cinque Terre in Italy is La Spezia. You can spend your days swimming and hiking in any of the “Five Lands” or explore the old city center.

Cinque Terre is Italian for “Five Lands.” This phrase describes the stunning stretch of coastline. This features five vibrant towns nestled on breathtaking seaside cliffs. UNESCO has designated these little settlements as World Heritage Sites, making them the province’s top tourist destinations.

Halfway between Pisa and Portofino is La Spezia. Although it doesn’t have an airport, it offers excellent rail links to cities and the five villages of Cinque Terre. The national park can also be reached frequently by boat from there. A vital component of the town is the port of La Spezia.

Mid-May through the end of September is considered the La Spezia cruise season when crowds of tourists descend upon La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the nearby villages.

With similar temperatures from month to month, the climate in this region is typically more consistent at the end of spring and summer. Due to the national park’s moderate and wet winters, several trekking paths could be blocked.

La Spezia is also the capital of its namesake province and has a population of around 93,000 inhabitants

Why La Spezia? 

The best place to stay when visiting the Cinque Terre in Italy is La Spezia. You can spend your days swimming and hiking in any of the “Five Lands” or explore the old city center.

Italian for “Five Lands” is Cinque Terre. This phrase describes the stunning stretch of coastline west of La Spezia. This features five vibrant towns nestled on breathtaking seaside cliffs. UNESCO has designated these little settlements as World Heritage Sites, making them the province’s top tourist destinations.

Halfway between Pisa and Portofino is La Spezia. Although it doesn’t have an airport, it offers excellent rail links to cities and the five villages of Cinque Terre. The national park can also be reached frequently by boat from there. A vital component of the town is the port of La Spezia.

Mid-May through the end of September is considered the La Spezia cruise season when crowds of tourists descend upon La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and the nearby villages.

With similar temperatures from month to month, the climate in this region is typically more consistent at the end of spring and summer. Due to the national park’s moderate and wet winters, several trekking paths could be blocked.

La Spezia is also the capital of its namesake province and has a population of around 93,000 inhabitants

Seasons In Italy

Before you start exploring La Spezia, Italy, knowing the seasons before booking all the hotels and tickets would be a wiser move!

SeasonMonthsKey Events and Activities
SummerJune – AugustBeaches along Amalfi Coast; Water sports like sailing and snorkeling; Sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Tuscany; Food and wine festivals; Festa della Repubblica Italiana; Palio di Siena horse race
Fall/AutumnSeptember – NovemberWine grape harvest in Tuscany; Turin Chocolate Festival; Fewer tourists compared to summer
WinterDecember – FebruaryVenice Carnival festival; Milan’s La Prima alla Scala opera opening; Saint Agatha festival in Sicily; Ski resorts in Dolomites mountains
SpringMarch – MayEaster celebrations across Italy; Flower festivals; International Women’s Day celebrations

Beautiful Places You Can Stay in La Spezia

Let’s get started with the places where you can stay. 

Harbour and City Center

La Spezia’s Harbour and City Centre are lovely places to stay for people who want to be in the heart of the action. This neighborhood has many eateries, bars, cafes, and other retailers. This city’s range of lodging alternatives includes everything from luxury apartments to low-cost boutique hotels.

Despite its small size, the region is a great place to stay if you want a more metropolitan feel than Cinque Terre’s little villas can offer.

All five Cinque Terre municipalities, as well as Pisa and Genoa, have direct rail connections at La Spezia Centrale. It is the main entrance to the Cinque Terre National Park, from which visitors can enter by train and boat.

Additionally, La Spezia has harbor and boat services that transport visitors to the national park. It’s a perfect location to board a ferry to one of the Cinque Terre towns or embark on a local boat excursion.

Alternate stops for those interested in learning more about the region include the naval museum, the San Giorgio fortress, or the Amedeo Lia museum, which settled in the town more than 400 years ago.

What Sets This Location Apart From The Rest In La Spezia

  • Heart of the city
  • Pedestrian-friendly
  • Near La Spezia’s harbor
  • Connected to Cinque Terre
  • Central railway station

East La Spezia

La Spezia’s eastern region is quieter and more contemporary than the central part of the city. Compared to its direct equivalent, this area’s southern edge, located on the harbor, feels less touristy and more “neighborhood-y.”

The Migliarina station, which connects to the Stazione Centrale, the Cinque Terre villages, Parma, and Pisa, is accessible by bus from the eastern side of La Spezia.

The Le Terrazze mall, which has a range of clothing and electronics stores, eateries, and entertainment venues, is also located in this region.

The eastern side of La Spezia offers more affordable hotel rates than any other area in Cinque Terre because it is not a historically significant or popular tourist destination.

Why It’s The Finest Location To Stay

  • Near Migliarina Station
  • Near Le Terrazze Mall
  • Peaceful area

Cinque Terre

cinque terre with the train to la spezia

Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most breathtaking natural settings.

This small district, which consists of five adorable and colorful villages built on spectacular cliffs by the Ligurian Sea, has become one of the area’s top tourist destinations and a must-see for cruise passengers.

The five villages that makeup Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, which is the largest, with a population of around 1,400 inhabitants

The five villages in Cinque Terre are equal if you’re trying to decide where to stay because they are all connected by rail and sea and offer similar tourist facilities. 

Monterosso and Vernazza are the only ones with a beach, while Manarola is the most stunning.

Due to its remote position and limited lodging options, Cinque Terre has high prices throughout the year, particularly during the summer. Each community has a few small lodging facilities and vacation rentals with beautiful terraces where you can enjoy the view.

What Makes Cinque Terre The Best Area To Stay?

  • Romantic atmosphere
  • Beautiful views
  • Nature and Culture
  • Connected by ferry and train
  • Charming hotels

5 Best Luxury Hotels In La Spezia

The average cost of a two-week trip to La Spezia, including accommodations, is around $2,995 (€2,778) for one person and $5,989 (€5,556) for two.

With that budget, you can stay in one of the many beautiful hotels in La Spezia, Italy, and some are newly renovated. The following hotels have a reputation for providing the best service.

NH La Spezia

The 4-star NH La Spezia hotel offers free WiFi in all guest rooms and a restaurant on the Ligurian Seashore. The harbor, where you may catch the ferry to the Cinque Terre UNESCO Site, is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and 150 meters from the ancient town.

The guest rooms offer air conditioning, a minibar, satellite television, and private bathrooms. While some apartments include a sitting area, others have ocean views.

The restaurant at this hotel serves local meals and drinks. A deliciously sweet and savory breakfast is offered every day. Of course, you should never forget etiquette when dining in Italian restaurants. The helpful staff is available around the clock every day of the week. A 20-minute stroll will take you to the commercial district and central railway station, and frequent buses stop close to the hotel.

Hotel Firenze e Continentale

The Firenze e Continentale Hotel may seem like an excellent spot to stay in Florence, but it isn’t (in Florence). Instead, the hotel is housed in a heritage building that has been restored, and it has luxurious air-conditioned rooms. Trains to the UNESCO Cinque Terre National Park depart from the nearby La Spezia Centrale Train Station, just 50 meters away.

The rooms are cozy and well-appointed, with a TV, a safe, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. A minibar, a sofa area, and tea/coffee-making supplies are included in some rooms. There is WiFi available throughout the building.

Every day, a fresh organic buffet breakfast is offered; it contains food that was farmed nearby. The supper is served in a chamber with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. A 15-minute stroll will get you to the harbor, where you can board a boat to travel the Ligurian coast. During some seasons, bicycles are offered free of charge.

The Poet Hotel

The Poet Hotel is located in the center of La Spezia. The central location puts all of the city’s tourist attractions within walking distance. This 4-star hotel has a bar and free WiFi throughout. It is a 5-minute walk to the Train Station, which provides direct service to the Cinque Terre Regional Park.

Air-conditioned rooms with traditional décor and parquet flooring have a minibar, safe, TV, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The hotel serves a continental buffet breakfast every day.

The house is near all services and a 15-minute walk from the harbor and the Ligurian Sea promenade.

Hotel Ghironi

The A15 highway is about 5 minutes from Hotel Ghironi. It offers parking and accommodations with free WiFi. Ghironi’s air-conditioned rooms include a minibar, satellite TV, and balconies. There is a lobby computer with internet access.

A bar and a courtyard are also available at the Gherioni Hotel. A fantastic breakfast is served to guests each morning. Parking is provided for free, and there is a fee for covered spaces.

The staff is available 24 hours a day and can give you information about the local sights, such as the Cinque Terre, accessible from the Harbour by ferry. 

CDH Hotel La Spezia

Located in the commercial district, the CDH Hotel La Spezia is a contemporary, luxurious hotel. The hotel is an excellent starting point for experiencing the Cinque Terre because La Spezia Centrale Station is only 10 minutes away.

The air-conditioned CDH Hotel rooms are big and offer free WiFi. Warm color choices and tiled floors complement the contemporary design of the rooms. Every room has a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a safe, and a satellite TV.

The CDH’s delicious breakfast buffet is perfect for the day. Guests can travel to the hotel from the Cinque Terre by train or ferry. Major cities like Genoa, Pisa, and Parma may all be reached by train.

FAQs

What’s Common Between Levanto and La Spezia?

Levanto and La Spezia are both towns located along the beautiful Ligurian coast of Italy, serving as gateways to accessing the Cinque Terre villages.

How Far is Lerici from La Spezia?

Lerici to La Spezia is about 10 km, around 6.2 miles, and around 7 km, around 4.3 miles from Portovenere.

Is it Worth Staying in La Spezia?

Yes. Though less touristy, La Spezia charms visitors with Gulf of Poets views, museums, historic architecture, lively markets, and cafes. 

Is La Spezia a Good Base for Cinque Terre?

Yes, La Spezia is the most popular base option if you want easy daily access to Cinque Terre.

What is The Cutest Village in Cinque Terre?

Vernazza is often considered the cutest & most beautiful of the villages in Cinque Terre.

Can You Walk From Village to Village in Cinque Terre?

Yes, you can hike between the cliffside villages via the high paths in Cinque Terre.

Final Thoughts

In La Spezia, Italy, there are a variety of hotels suitable for all budgets. You can pick either a magnificent 4-star or a more basic 3-star hotel. Just choose the one that provides you the most comfort and fits best with your budget.