La Spezia Cruise Port

Docking at La Spezia, a Mediterranean port in northern Italy, gives you access to three of the country’s top destinations: Pisa, Florence and the must-see chain of five cliff-side villages known as Cinque Terre. A wine-tasting tour through the Chianti countryside also makes a great shore excursion. But if you don’t plan to venture out, the town of La Spezia, backed by mountains and home to several museums and a castle, has plenty to offer for a day in port.

How to Get to La Spezia

La Spezia port requires tendering, meaning you’ll be taken from the ship to land via a smaller boat. Once you’re dropped off on the floating pier, walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici), across from the base of the pier, and you’ll be in the city.

One Day in La Spezia

La Spezia’s top sights can be seen on foot. From the Public Gardens, head to San Giorgio Castle (Castello di San Giorgio), a half mile (0.8 km) west of the port. Dating back to the late 1200s, the castle is best known for its watchtower built by Niccolò Fieschi.

Next, walk 500 meters to the city’s main attraction, the Museo Amedeo Lia, a fine-arts museum that houses works from the 13th to 17th centuries. Check out paintings by Tintoretto and Titian before walking just a few minutes down the road to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta), which is home to more fine artwork.

Finish up your city tour at another popular museum, the Museo Tecnico Navale (naval museum), which sits on the water, and then walk back to the pier through the Public Gardens.

Port Information

The currency in Italy is the euro; after passing through the Public Gardens at the base of the floating pier, you’ll find ATMs in town.