La Spezia

Coastal view of La Spezia

Panoramic view of La Spezia

La Spezia at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia in the southern part of the Liguria region of Northern Italy, is the capital city of the province of La Spezia. In terms of population, La Spezia is the second city in the Liguria region, just after Genoa. Located roughly midway between Genoa and Pisa, on the Ligurian Sea, it is one of the main Italian military and commercial harbours and a major Italian Navy base. A significant railway junction, it is notable for its museums, for the Palio del Golfo rowing race, and for railway and boat links with the Cinque Terre.

Liguria Highlights

Sound Bites

Sound Bites With Italy Magazine: Lies About the Ligurian Palate

You probably already know there’s more to Ligurian food than focaccia and pesto. Here, Liguria-based experts Enrica Monzani and Laurel Evans break down myths about the cuisine of the riviera and beyond.

Inspired Stays

Hotel Palazzo Grillo: Old World Class in Old Town Genoa

Gazing up at the bright colors and intricate frescoes of this 16th-century palazzo in the heart of old Genoa will leave you with an aching neck as you wander the halls to your room.

Inspired Stays

Royal Hotel Sanremo: In the Footsteps of Royals on the Riviera of Flowers

With its classical paintings, grand marble staircase and Gio Ponti-designed saltwater pool, Royal Hotel Sanremo combines the best in Côte d’Azur luxury and Italian hospitality.

Inspired Stays

Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort: Leisure and Glamour on the Ligurian Riviera

Turning 120 this year, the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort in Rapallo is a sleek six-story hotel where the panoramic views of the Portofino promontory and the Gulf of Tigullio steal the show.

Italy in Brief

Meet Angelina Mango, the First Woman to Win Sanremo in a Decade

Angelina Mango’s “La noia” (Boredom) was the winning tune at the 74th edition of Sanremo. She takes it to the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11.

What you can't miss in Liguria

Where is La Spezia

Top Experiences in Liguria

Recipes From Liguria

Recipes

How to Make Lasagna Like a Modern Ligurian

Pesto is common in international lasagna recipes now, but the traditional way of preparing lasagna in Liguria includes two ingredients you’ll never see in Bolognese or Neapolitan variations.

Recipes

Chestnut Flour Gnocchi with Butter and Sage

A delicious autumn recipe for tender gnocchi made with chestnut flour from Laurel Evan’s cookbook “Liguria the Cookbook: Recipes from the Italian Riviera,”.

Recipes

This Chickpea and Chard Soup is Perfect Fall Comfort Food

Zemin di ceci, thick vegetable and legume soup made with chickpeas and chard, is perfect for the onset of fall.

Recipes

Pasta alla Deficeira: Pasta Cooked in White Wine

Traditionally, this dish was prepared at the height of the oil-pressing season in Liguria, offered by the olive growers as a gesture of celebration to those who helped with the harvest.

Recipes

This White Pesto From Liguria is a Prime Example of “Cucina Bianca”

It’s easy to default to thinking of Ligurian cuisine as “green.” But venture into the shaded foothills of the Ligurian Alps in the western part of the region, and you’ll find la cucina bianca, or “white cooking.”

What others are saying about Liguria

@Chef Franco asks:

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey through the stunning Italian Riviera (Liguria region) and the enchanting Côte d'Azur? You'll experience the adventure of a lifetime on our fantastic tours happening from September 20th to 27th, 2025.

See the answer

@Chef Franco asks:

Is anyone interested in a fantastic culinary and cultural experience with Tavola Tours in the Liguria region?

See the answer

@Garyr asks:

what are the best restaurants in Venice?

See the answer