La Spezia's port is seamlessly integrated with the city centre and can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.
Developed as a commercial port and military arsenal from the nineteenth century onwards, La Spezia Port is reinventing itself as Liguria’s third cruise hub after the ports of Genoa and Savona.
Since 2015, La Spezia port has been equipped with a modern cruise terminal (cruise terminal at largo Fiorillo or terminal 2). Today, La Spezia welcomes cruise ships from major international operators including Costa Crociere, MSC, Royal Caribbean International and TUI Cruises, and the city is working on numerous projects to develop the sector.
Cruise traffic experienced a real boom in 2013, with positive growth trends in all subsequent years. In 2019, over 600,000 cruise passengers docked at La Spezia.
From La Spezia port, ferries also depart for Cinque Terre and the main tourist destinations in the Gulf of Poets.
In commercial terms, La Spezia is Italy’s second most important container port. Development has been boosted by a network of roads and railways connecting it to production and consumption markets in northern Italy and with weekly links to Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East.
Once a year, during the Port Days – Open Ports event, it’s possible to visit La Spezia port with a guided tour. The exact dates vary from year to year.
La Spezia’s town centre spreads out behind La Spezia Port and is reachable on foot in just a few minutes. The railway station is approximately 2.5 km from the passenger terminal and is located on the La Spezia-Genoa line, served by frequent regional and Intercity trains.
Arriving by car is also straightforward as La Spezia lies along two major motorways in northern Italy: the A12 Genoa-Livorno and the A15 Parma-La Spezia. When you exit the motorway, you’ll find signs for the town centre and port.
Finding free parking at La Spezia port is virtually impossible: a wide pedestrian thoroughfare runs parallel to the passenger terminal, and the surrounding streets are always in high demand. It’s better to save time and opt for a private car park that’s easy to find and secure.
Near La Spezia port, you’ll find paid car parks with reasonable rates, even more affordable if you book online well in advance. Among these are also covered, CCTV-monitored parking garages where you can leave your car safely for short or long periods.
The best car parks offer a valet service, which is invaluable if you want to head straight to the port and have a qualified driver collect your car; it will be returned to the port on your chosen date and time.
La Spezia is the ideal departure port for a Western Mediterranean cruise. Cruises from La Spezia last from a few days to a week, and the typical itinerary includes stops in Spain, France and Italy; ports of call generally include the island of Majorca and two major cities with very different histories, cultures and atmospheres: Barcelona and Marseille.
The operator offering the most cruises departing from La Spezia is Costa Crociere, an Italian company founded in the mid-nineteenth century that still has its headquarters in Genoa today.
Cruise deals from La SpeziaLa Spezia is also the preferred departure point for those wishing to reach the charming villages of Cinque Terre and the towns of Portovenere and Levanto by sea. Note, however, that ferries to these destinations are boats not designed to transport vehicles.
Expansion of the ferry sector at La Spezia is planned, which could lead to new destinations served at this port. For now, the cruise hub remains the priority.
The Port Authority is a local office of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport responsible for maritime safety, safeguarding human life at sea and the administrative management of numerous maritime activities. It’s not an office you’d visit for tourism information, but it’s useful to know what it is, where it’s located and how to contact it if needed.
The La Spezia Port Authority is located at largo Fiorillo, just steps from the centrally-located Molo Italia and parallel to the Costantin Morin waterfront promenade. On the official Coastguard website you’ll find contact details and opening hours.
La Spezia's port is seamlessly integrated with the city centre and can be reached on foot in just a few minutes.
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