Where to Stay in La Spezia?

Haven't found a place to stay in La Spezia for your upcoming trip to Italy yet? This article will come in handy for your search! Accommodation is a crucial part of travel, so it's essential to know which area to choose and especially to select the best establishment to stay in.

Located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, La Spezia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure. Nestled between Genoa and Pisa, this port city is actually the perfect starting point for visiting the Cinque Terre One of La Spezia's gems is its well-preserved historic center, with narrow streets, squares, and colorful buildings. You can discover hidden treasures around every corner or explore the flavors of local specialties To make the most of your stay, here's my selection of great places to stay in La Spezia, Italy!

Considered an affordable alternative for accommodations when visiting the Cinque Terre, La Spezia is a charming small town. If you are looking for accommodation here, you won't have trouble finding a place. Hotels, rental apartments, guest houses - there's really plenty to choose from!

In addition to its more accessible rates, La Spezia boasts a really ideal location. It is not only close to the colorful Cinque Terre villages thanks to fast and regular train links, but it is also nearby major Italian cities like Genoa, Pisa, and Florence.

The city isn't very large, and there are three main areas to stay: the central train station, the city center, and the marina. Even though there are plenty of accommodation options, remember to book your nights a few months in advance and a parking spot if you're traveling by car, as there aren't many available: La Spezia is pedestrian-friendly

For those who don't want to read the entire article, here's a quick summary of the best hotels to stay in La Spezia

The city center of La Spezia is a medieval and urban area - in other words, the heart of the city. It features an interesting combination of history, culture, shopping, and various forms of entertainment. If you have a rental car, note that this part of the city is exclusively pedestrian! ‍➡️

The heart of the city center is Piazza Verdi, a picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings. From here, you can explore the narrow winding streets that house shops, souvenir boutiques, and restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisine

A must-visit attraction in the city center is the Amedeo Lia Museum, a renowned art museum housing an impressive collection of artworks ranging from the Middle Ages to modern times. Art lovers will appreciate the paintings, sculptures, and art objects displayed in this museum. Another attraction is the Castello San Giorgio, an ancient medieval castle that offers a panoramic view of the city and the harbor!

Lastly, for shopping enthusiasts, Via del Prione is a vibrant shopping street where you can find fashion boutiques, Italian design stores, and local handicrafts. Visitors can also stroll along Via Cristoforo Colombo, lined with cafes, restaurants, and outdoor terraces.

The Alchimia di Mare is located in an Art Nouveau-style building, and all accommodations in the guest house are well-equipped and comfortable. The establishment is just a 3-minute walk from La Spezia's central train station, and breakfast is served in a partner café nearby. The rate is around €140 per night, including breakfast.

The Affittacamere Casa Dane' offers colorful rooms near the pedestrian area, just 100 meters from the train station. Public parking is available 900 meters away, and Italian breakfast is served in a bar located a stone's throw away. The price starts at €49 per night, breakfast included.

Porto Mirabello is the marina of the city. With its strategic position on the west coast, it quickly became a hotspot for those coming to La Spezia with their own boat

The port features modern facilities and quality services, accommodating up to 1,000 boats of various sizes, from small sailboats to luxury mega-yachts. Its prime location makes it an ideal stop for sailors heading towards Corsica, Sardinia, and the French Riviera ⚓️

Porto Mirabello offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, luxury boutiques, and relaxation areas. Travelers can explore the city of La Spezia itself, famous for its naval museum, the Museo Tecnico Navale, which houses an impressive collection of historic ships, or visit the Cinque Terre, accessible by train or boat from La Spezia.

For families, this neighborhood also features recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa. Travelers can unwind in an elegant setting while enjoying panoramic views of the marina and mountains. Finally, the fine sandy beaches of Lerici and Tellaro are also nearby if you want to recharge by the water or take a dip!

Fidelio offers modern, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms. You will be less than 500 meters from Castle San Giorgio and near the technical naval museum. Some rooms also have a small kitchenette. Prices start at about €105 per night for a double room with city views.

The CDH Hotel La Spezia has direct and easy access to the city center. The ferry terminal is only 500 meters away and 800 meters from the trains serving the Cinque Terre. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, starting at €100 per night, breakfast included ☕️

The train station area of La Spezia, the main gateway to the Cinque Terre, is a bustling sector. It's no surprise that it's a frequent stop for travelers looking to explore the region by spending a few days in La Spezia, or sleeping close to the Cinque Terre

La Spezia Centrale is one of the main access points to the Cinque Terre, making it a central hub for many tourists. It is also a starting point for destinations like Pisa, Genoa, and Florence. The architecture of the station is elegant, reflecting Italian classical style.

Besides the station, the Stazione Centrale houses a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants offering a diverse range of local and international dishes. Travelers can enjoy delicious Italian specialties in local restaurants, such as fresh pasta, pizzas, and even seafood

The streets are lively, with a typical urban atmosphere where you can stroll along Via Fiume, a bustling shopping street with many shops selling items from fashion to local souvenirs. For a panoramic view of the city, you can climb the hill north of the district to reach San Giorgio Castle, an ancient fort that offers a glimpse into the history of the city.

Of course, you will be close to the port of La Spezia, from where many cruises depart towards the Cinque Terre and other coastal destinations. For those wishing to explore further, local buses remain a practical way to get around, especially if you don't have a personal vehicle

The Appunti Di Viaggio Guesthouse offers functional and comfortable rooms just a 5-minute walk from the central train station and 10 minutes from downtown. This guest house provides a pleasant, quiet, and warm environment for about €104 per night in a double room.

The Affittacamere Bellavista is located 500 meters from Castle San Giorgio and a short walk from the train station. You can enjoy modern and well-decorated rooms in a spacious and well-equipped apartment with a big plus: a terrace with a rooftop view. Expect to pay starting from €100 per night for 2 people.

The Cinque Terre, a picturesque coastal destination located in the Liguria region of Italy, is remarkably close to La Spezia! This geographical proximity makes it an attractive and often more economical option.

Located about 10 kilometers northwest of La Spezia, the Cinque Terre are easily accessible by train, bus, or car from the city. The train ride is especially convenient, offering fast and affordable access to the colorful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore

In fact, La Spezia itself offers various accommodation options, ranging from hotels to vacation rentals, allowing travelers to choose based on their budget and preferences. If you have a comfortable budget, settling in the Cinque Terre will certainly provide a significant advantage!

I recommend checking the accommodation offerings available in the Cinque Terre for your travel dates to compare both options and choose the one that suits you best. Or why not even alternate and do both? You can also refer to my article on the best places to stay where to stay in the Cinque Terre for some ideas.

By staying in La Spezia, visitors can enjoy the convenience of city life while having easy access to the Cinque Terre for day trips or even longer visits. The main advantage of lodging in La Spezia lies in the potential savings on accommodation bookings. Furthermore, La Spezia hosts various restaurants, shops, and transport services to cater to everyone!

In summary, the proximity of the Cinque Terre to La Spezia makes it an ideal combination for those wishing to explore this beautiful coastal region while enjoying the accessibility and variety of accommodations in La Spezia. This setup allows you to make the most of your stay in both areas

We have come to the end of this article, I hope it has been helpful in finding the best place to stay in La Spezia! If you are planning a road trip in Northern Italy, I also have a dedicated article on this topic, where I share all my tips for preparing your trip and especially the must-see destinations!