La Spezia Cruise Port Guide: How to Visit Cinque Terre, Florence & Pisa

LAST UPDATED July 30, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

La Spezia is the capital of its province and the second-largest city in the Liguria region, nestled on Italy’s northwest coast. Its location near Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, and even Genoa has made it one of the country’s major cruise ports and a regular stop on Mediterranean itineraries.

La Spezia cruise port sits in the Gulf of La Spezia, about a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from the central train station — the gateway to many of these incredible places.

I’ve visited La Spezia several times, both on tours and exploring on my own, and explored Cinque Terre by train and ferry (I’ve even written separate blog posts about that).

In this guide, I’ll share practical cruise tips, how to get around, and the best day trips you can do from La Spezia, including Cinque Terre, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and the Tuscan countryside.

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La Spezia Cruise Port Overview

The port of La Spezia is located in the Gulf of La Spezia, within a commercial cargo area. Cruise ships usually dock at either Molo Garibaldi or Molo Varicella.

A free shuttle is provided to take passengers from the ship to the port exit, as walking through the port area is not permitted.

The shuttle drops you off near La Spezia’s seafront promenade — about a 15–20 minute walk to the city center and 25–30 minutes to La Spezia Centrale, the main train station if you’re heading to Cinque Terre, Florence, or Pisa.

There’s also a small but functional terminal building at the port exit, where you’ll find tourist information, and can book local tours, including boat and ferry trips to Cinque Terre and other nearby destinations.

Taxis are usually available in front of the building, and local tour providers often wait there as well if you’ve booked a private tour in advance.

A hop-on hop-off tourist train also operates in La Spezia, with a 35-minute loop around the city and a stop at the central train station, which is a convenient option if you want a quick overview without too much walking.

Getting to the City and Train Station

🚶‍♀️ Walking to the Historic Center

From the cruise terminal building where the shuttle drops you off, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the historic center.

The first part of the walk is relatively quiet, but once you reach the seafront promenade along Viale Italia, the scenery becomes more pleasant.

As you get closer to the center, you’ll pass colorful buildings, cafés, and local shops, especially around Via Chiodo, Via del Prione, and Corso Cavour. These are some of La Spezia’s main streets, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and historic sites — a great place to explore if you’re spending the day in town.

🚖 Taking a Taxi

If you prefer not to walk, taxis are available near the port terminal, usually waiting close to the shuttle drop-off point.

A short ride will get you to the city center or La Spezia Centrale train station in under 10 minutes. The fare to the train station is typically around €15 one way (price from July 2025).

I recommend taking a taxi if you’re heading directly to the station, especially if you’re short on time or planning a longer day trip.

🚌 Taking a Local Bus

La Spezia has a local bus network that connects the port area with the city center and train station. The ride takes less than 10 minutes, and tickets cost between €1.50 and €2, depending on where you buy them.

You can purchase tickets at newsstands, tobacco shops (tabacchi), or kiosks near the shuttle drop-off. Just make sure to validate your ticket once onboard.

🚆 Getting to La Spezia Centrale Train Station

La Spezia Centrale, the city’s main train station, is located about 2 km from the cruise terminal building — roughly a 25–30 minute walk.

If you’re short on time, a taxi is the fastest option, taking under 10 minutes and typically costing around €15 one way.

You can also take a local bus from the port area to the station. The closest stop is called “Comune”, located at Piazza Europa, right in front of the Cattedrale di Cristo Re, just a short walk from the shuttle drop-off.

Buses S, L, and 3 all stop there and reach La Spezia Centrale in about 10 minutes. Tickets cost €1.50–€2 and can be purchased at newsstands, kiosks, or tabacchi near the terminal.

From the station, catch regional and high-speed trains to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Cinque Terre, operated by Trenitalia. For planning your train journeys, check Trenitalia’s official site.

If you’re heading to Cinque Terre, you can buy your Cinque Terre Train Card at a dedicated self-service office at the station — the card includes access to the national park and unlimited train rides between villages.

For information on the Cinque Terre National Park, maps, and village guidance, visit the Official Cinque Terre website.

👉 I visited Cinque Terre myself and put together a detailed guide with everything you need — from prices and train info to itinerary tips and what to expect.

Read my full guide on how to visit Cinque Terre from La Spezia

Day Trips from La Spezia: Independent Travel vs. Guided Tours

🖼️ Florence

Often called the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is one of Italy’s most iconic cities — and a top day trip from La Spezia cruise port.

With its cathedrals, palaces, world-class art, and cobblestone streets, it feels like an open-air museum.

While the city is impressive during the day, Florence by night offers a whole different perspective — illuminated piazzas, quiet alleyways, and glowing landmarks create a magical atmosphere.

Florence is located about 165 km (102 miles) from La Spezia, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours each way. While it deserves more than a day, you can still enjoy the highlights with good planning.

⭐ Highlights Not to Miss

• Florence Cathedral (Duomo): One of the most iconic cathedrals in Italy, known for its massive red dome designed by Brunelleschi and its striking marble façade. Entrance is free, but tickets are required to climb the dome or visit the baptistery and museum.
• Gates of Paradise: These gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery depict biblical scenes in stunning detail and were crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti in the 15th century.
• Uffizi Gallery: One of the most important art museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and other Renaissance giants.
• Piazza della Signoria: Florence’s political heart, this lively square is lined with historic statues, cafés, and the towering Palazzo Vecchio, offering the perfect spot to soak in the city’s atmosphere.
• Ponte Vecchio: This medieval bridge over the Arno River is lined with shops and is especially beautiful when lit up in the evening.
• Santa Maria Novella: A stunning 13th-century church with a striking marble façade, housing important works of art by Giotto and other masters.

If it’s your first time in Florence, a walking tour is a great way to see the main sights without rushing through museums.

Wear comfortable shoes, expect crowds, and pre-book tickets if you plan to enter specific attractions.

🚗 How to Get to Florence from La Spezia Cruise Port

• Organized Shore Excursion (Recommended):
  The most reliable way to visit Florence on a cruise stop. These tours usually cover the city’s key highlights and ensure a timely return to the ship.
• By Train:
  Trains run frequently from La Spezia Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, but most require a change in Pisa or Empoli. Travel time ranges from 2h 15 to 2h 45 one way, which makes it a tight option for cruise passengers.
• By Private Transfer:
  Ideal for small groups or families who want flexibility without the hassle of train schedules.

👉 Browse Florence day tours from La Spezia

🗼 Pisa

Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most popular day trips from La Spezia port.

Located about 90 km (55 miles) away, the drive takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, which is a great option for a half-day shore excursion.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa sits in the heart of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), alongside other remarkable landmarks: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Camposanto Monumentale.

The 12th-century tower began leaning during construction and has since become one of Italy’s most photographed landmarks.

Tower entry is limited and often sells out — advance booking is highly recommended. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

After exploring the monuments, enjoy lunch or a coffee at one of the cafés surrounding the square.

🚆 How to Get to Pisa from La Spezia Cruise Port

• By Train:
  Trains run 1–3 times per hour from La Spezia Centrale to Pisa Centrale, taking about 1h–1h 15min. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the Leaning Tower.
• On a Shore Excursion:
  Several guided tours are available from La Spezia. Some include tickets to the tower, others offer free time. Be sure to check what’s included.
• By Private Transfer:
  Driving is not recommended due to restricted traffic zones and limited parking. A round-trip private transfer is a more practical and affordable alternative to taxis.

👉 Explore Pisa tours and tickets from La Spezia

🏰 Lucca

A lesser-known gem in Tuscany, Lucca is a charming and walkable town about 77 km (48 miles) from La Spezia — roughly a 1-hour drive. Nestled at the base of the Apuan Alps, its flat terrain makes it ideal for visitors with limited mobility.

Lucca’s standout feature is its 4-km long pedestrian promenade, built atop the city’s 16th-century Renaissance walls. This scenic path circles the old town and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, with benches, shade, and views along the way.

Inside the walls, highlights include the 11th-century Church of San Michele al Foro, an impressive Romanesque cathedral with centuries of art and history, and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a picturesque oval square built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, now surrounded by shops and cafés.

Often called the “city of a hundred churches”, Lucca also offers great shopping, cozy trattorias, and some of the best gelato in Tuscany.

🚆 How to Get to Lucca from La Spezia Cruise Port

• By Train:
  There’s no direct train. You’ll need to change at Viareggio or Pisa, then continue to Lucca. The total trip takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the connection. Trains run about once per hour. From Lucca’s train station, it’s a short 5–8 minute walk to the city walls.
• By Tour or Private Transfer:
  If you prefer a direct, stress-free visit, book a guided shore excursion or private transfer. It’s especially convenient if you’re combining Lucca with Pisa.

👉 Check out Lucca tours from La Spezia

🍷 Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany isn’t just about historic cities — it’s also famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. A day trip through the Tuscan countryside offers a completely different experience, filled with scenic views and local flavors.

The Chianti region is especially well-known for its world-class wines. Many wineries and estates offer guided tours with wine tastings and food pairings, featuring traditional Tuscan dishes like bruschetta, local cheeses, and fresh pasta.

The easiest way to explore is by booking a shore excursion or private tour, many of which combine wine tasting with visits to Pisa or charming Tuscan villages.

👉 Explore Chianti wine tours
👉 See top-rated wine and food tours from La Spezia

Things to Do in La Spezia Near the Cruise Port

If you prefer to stay local instead of taking a long day trip, La Spezia offers a relaxing mix of waterfront strolls, historic sites, shopping streets, and authentic Italian dining — all within walking distance of the cruise port.

🏰 Castello San Giorgio

Built in the 14th century, this hilltop castle features an archaeological museum with Roman-era artifacts. The highlight is the panoramic rooftop with sweeping views of the city, harbor, and mountains. You can walk up or take a free elevator from the base of the hill.

⛪ Cattedrale di Cristo Re

A unique circular cathedral built in the 20th century, located near Piazza Europa, right across from the cruise terminal building. Its modern design makes it one of La Spezia’s most distinctive landmarks.

🙏 Santa Maria Assunta

This peaceful 13th-century church in the old town houses a rich collection of religious artworks. It was rebuilt after WWII and remains an active place of worship.

🗿 Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi

Located in the Giardini Pubblici, this impressive monument honors one of Italy’s national heroes. It’s just steps from the waterfront and near Parco Salvador Allende, a relaxing green space with harbor views.

🛍️ Via del Prione

La Spezia’s main pedestrian street is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and small museums. A great spot for a stroll, some shopping, or a slice of pizza and gelato.

👉 Browse tours and activities in La Spezia