Just back from the enchanting Cinque Terre and wondering what to do next? Well, you’re in luck! La Spezia, a bustling city just a stone’s throw away, is brimming with activities that’ll keep you entertained.
From its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant food scene, there’s more to La Spezia than meets the eye. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking for a good time, this city has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the top things to do in La Spezia after visiting Cinque Terre. I promise you, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Exploring the City of La Spezia
La Spezia, rife with adventure and charm, invites and enthralls each visitor. Here, we delve deeper into the enchanting aspects of this city.
The Charm of La Spezia
As I meandered through La Spezia’s picturesque streets, their calming allure enveloped me. Bustling piazzas, quaint cafes, and stunning architecture define the city’s charming landscape. It behooves one not to overlook the dazzling shores that greet the Ligurian Sea, each laden with boats that bob gently to the rhythm of the water. This harmony – of quaint city life and nature’s serenade – is part of what enhances La Spezia’s charm.
La Spezia’s Unique Culture and History
Peeling the layers to reveal La Spezia’s cultural kernel, I immersed myself in its history-soaked corners. Streets hum stories of past happenings, captivating the hearer with historical narratives. Museums such as the Naval Museum bear testament to the city’s maritime legacy, illuminating its naval history. Then there’s the arresting Castello San Giorgio, standing tall and proud atop the hill, offering panoramic views of the city while whispering tales from the past. Authenticity lies also in the everyday mannerisms of the city dwellers, their conversations, and the traditional Ligurian dishes like Trofie al Pesto, served lovingly in local eateries. Thus, in its culture and history, one discovers the heart of La Spezia.
Top Cultural Activities in La Spezia
Cultural enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat in La Spezia! Uncover hidden gems beyond Cinque Terre, as this city teems with historical appeal and architectural grandeur, now let’s dive right into it!
Exciting Museums to Visit
- Museo Amedeo Lia: A treasure trove of art, Museo Amedeo Lia showcases a slew of masterpieces from the 13th to the 18th centuries. I found myself surrounded by medieval illumination, precious miniatures, and a lavish collection of copper plates.
- Museo Tecnico Navale: Nestled near the city’s military arsenal, the Naval Museum unveils the maritime heritage of the region. Exhibiting ship models, nautical instruments and naval equipment, it’s a fascinating exploration for maritime enthusiasts like me.
- Palazzina delle Arti and Museo del Sigillo: Housing a distinct collection of over 2400 seals ranging from the ancient to modern eras, this museum magnetized me with its peculiar demonstration of social, historical, and artistic evolution.
Remember, no museum tour in La Spezia is complete without delving into its rich naval history, appreciating fine art, or exploring unique collections.
- Castello San Giorgio: Perched atop a hill and overlooking the city, this historic castle dates back to the 14th century. Seeing its robust walls, austere towers, and the Archaeological Museum residing within it, I marvelled at its testament to La Spezia’s past.
- Cathedral of Christ the King: A perfect blend of modernity and tradition, this cathedral’s exquisite stained glass windows and sleek architectural design left me awe-struck.
- Piazza Santo Stefano: Here, the juxtaposition of modern apartment buildings and historic architecture added a unique flavor to my city-tour, reinforcing the city’s blend of new-age advancements and grounded roots in tradition.
Exceptional Gastronomic Experiences in La Spezia
Continuing our journey in La Spezia, it’s time we turn to explore the culinary magic this city has to offer. From local delights to notable eateries, La Spezia’s gastronomic experience is a journey of its own.
Local Cuisine: What to Eat
La Spezia’s gastronomic scene teems with traditional Ligurian dishes, each telling a tale of the region’s rich cultural past entwined with a delectable culinary heritage. The biggest highlights in this flavorsome assemblage are undoubtedly farinata, a savory chickpea pancake, and pesto alla genovese, a famous basil-based pasta sauce that is considered the heart of Ligurian cuisine.
Expounding on the offerings, Testaroli is a must-try, made up of thin crepes cut into diamond shapes and typically served with pesto sauce. It’s an iconic dish that captures the rustic simplicity of La Spezia’s culinary tradition. Panigacci, unleavened bread paired with an array of savory fillings, and mesciua, a bean and grain soup, give a taste of the comfort that local food brings. Besides these, the city’s seafood offerings, like the octopus stew or stuffed mussels, are well worth savouring, reflecting La Spezia’s intimate relationship with the Ligurian Sea.
Renowned Eateries in La Spezia
La Spezia is home to a myriad of eateries, each showcasing a flavor profile unique to the city’s culinary landscape. Trattoria Belle Epoque stands out, a family-run eatery renowned for serving traditional Ligurian dishes with a modern twist. Here, the farinata, panigacci, and pesto genovese come highly recommended.
Another iconic spot is Osteria Della Corte, famous for its menu featuring a fusion of classical Ligurian cuisine and innovative culinary trends. Pizzeria Il Ristoro, on the other hand, is loved for its thin-crust pizzas topped with an assortment of fresh, local ingredients. The city’s line of seafood restaurants like L’Osteria Delle Spezie, serve fresh-off-the boat seafood dishes, becoming a must-visit for seafood connoisseurs.
Lastly, for a sweet finish, Pasticceria Vanelli is the perfect destination. It’s known for its assortment of handcrafted pastries, cakes, and gelato, each a testament to the precision and creativity of La Spezia’s pastry tradition. The gastronomic variety in La Spezia confirms that it is truly a city for the epicurean traveler, with a tantalizing array of dishes to discover and savor.
Unmissable Outdoor Activities around La Spezia
Adding to the cultural richness and gastronomical delights, there’s more to La Spezia. Let’s uncover the outdoor activities that bring you closer to La Spezia’s natural charms.
Breathtaking Parks and Gardens
I’ve found a wonderful respite in La Spezia’s parks and gardens, particularly the Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere and Giardini Pubblici. The former, Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, sits between Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets, boasting of unparalleled natural beauty which includes dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and sublime views of the sea. Meanwhile, Giardini Pubblici in the heart of the city is an oasis of tranquility offering lush green spaces to unwind, featuring elegantly manicured gardens, strolling paths, children’s playground, and charming ponds with little turtles lazily basking in the sun.
Walking Routes and Hiking Trails
If you’re keen on exploring La Spezia’s stunning vistas at your own pace, you might want to consider hitting the walking and hiking trails. I highly recommend walking the Path of the First Height. This trail connects La Spezia to Portovenere, sandwiched between the sea and the hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The trail isn’t just for sight-seeing; you’ll also come across war memories like the Military Cemetery in Biassa and the Fort of the First Height. Another option is the hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, a more strenuous but rewarding route passing through lush vineyards, olive groves, and offering dramatic coastal views.
Shopping in La Spezia
In La Spezia, shopping offers yet another facet of the city’s appeal. Whether seeking eclectic finds or traditional keepsakes, La Spezia presents distinct shopping experiences that cater to a variety of tastes.
Local Markets and Boutiques
There’s no better way to appreciate the pulse of a city than through its local markets. In La Spezia, the Piazza Cavour Market serves as the city’s shopping heartbeat. Open Monday to Saturday, it teems with stalls offering everything from fresh local produce to clothing and household items.
Similarly, specialized boutiques scattered around the city offer a unique shopping experience. Boutiques like Cardellini, known for its high-quality leather goods, or Persona Grata, boasting a handpicked selection of elegant clothing, showcase the best of La Spezia’s retail scene.
Specialty Shops for Souvenirs
For those looking to pick up a memento of their time in La Spezia, there’s no shortage of souvenir shops in the city. Consider visiting Il Grifone, renowned for its selection of Ligurian products, from hand-painted ceramics to traditional food items like pesto and olive oil.
Similarly, Bottega Artigiana Toscana is a must-visit for those interested in artisanal Italian goods. At this shop, it’s possible to find a unique array of handmade products, ranging from leather craftsmanship to intricate woodworks.
By stepping into these specialty shops, travelers not only find tangible reminders of their La Spezia adventure; they also immerse themselves in the culture and lifeblood of the city.
Nightlife and Entertainment in La Spezia
After unraveling La Spezia’s rich culture, flavorful cuisine, enticing outdoors, and bustling shopping scene, there’s yet another spectacular facet to explore – its vibrant nightlife. As the sun dips below the horizon, this charming Italian city comes alive with a bevy of captivating entertainment options.
Best Clubs and Bars in Town
With a repertoire that shines from sunset till dawn, clubs and bars in La Spezia stand as the pulse of the city’s luminescent nightlife. For those seeking high energy and dance-friendly tunes, there’s Syrah, renowned for its live DJ sets and fizzy cocktails. Sharing moments over delightful libations becomes a memorable affair at Trinchero, famed for its fine selection of wines.
When spontaneity takes the reins, heading to Corteo Caffe cocktails & kitchen can prove rewarding. Its mixologists often surprise patrons with innovative concoctions. Located in a former railway warehouse, TNT Pub provides a unique ambiance alongside an impressive array of craft beers, apt for the fans of hops and grains.
Live Music Venues and Theatrical Performances
La Spezia’s nightlife goes beyond shiny bars and pulsating clubs, extending its vibrancy to the realm of performing arts. At the heart of this scene lies the Teatro Civico, an elegant venue showcasing a variety of plays and concerts. It’s not uncommon to experience the chills as actors perform captivating renditions on this revered stage.
For music connoisseurs, CAMeC Nights is a recurrent event combining contemporary art with live music, held in the center of contemporary modern art. La Spezia’s summer music festival, Spazio Musica, promises unforgettable experiences as international artists grace various city stages and fill the air with eclectic tunes.
So, set aside an evening, or maybe even two, to explore La Spezia’s vibrant nightlife. The memories created will undoubtedly add a luminous sparkle to your Italian sojourn.
Conclusion
So there you have it! After a trip to Cinque Terre, La Spezia is the perfect next stop. Its rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and picturesque streets will surely keep you entertained. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. The city’s museums and historical sites will take you on a journey through time, while its traditional Ligurian dishes will tantalize your taste buds. And let’s not forget about the breathtaking parks and gardens, and the exciting shopping scene. To top it all off, La Spezia’s nightlife will add a sparkle to your visit. So why not extend your Italian adventure and explore all that La Spezia has to offer? I promise it’ll be worth it!
