Where to stay in La Spezia: areas, accommodation and practical tips

Where to stay in La Spezia: the complete guide

La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets, but it is also a charming city in its own right: a renewed waterfront, a lively pedestrian centre, naval museums and one of Liguria's finest covered markets. Those who choose it as a base discover much lower prices than in the Cinque Terre, with excellent rail connections to all the coastal villages.

Best areas to stay

Historic Centre — Via del Prione

The heart of the city, with pedestrianised Via del Prione, the covered market at Piazza Cavour and lanes climbing toward Castello San Giorgio. B&Bs in 19th-century palazzi, guesthouses, small hotels and apartments. Everything walkable: restaurants, station, waterfront. The most practical area for using La Spezia as a Cinque Terre base.

Central Station Area

Immediately around the railway station, from which trains depart for the Cinque Terre every 15-20 minutes. 2-3 star hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs at accessible prices. Less characterful but supremely functional: leave the hotel and you are on the platform.

Waterfront — Passeggiata Morin

The renewed area along the harbour, with views over the gulf and islands. Here you find more modern hotels and residences with terraces. Pleasant for evening strolls, 10 minutes from the centre.

Campiglia and hills above La Spezia

Hilltop hamlets offer B&Bs and farmhouses with breathtaking gulf panoramas. A car is needed, but the atmosphere is completely different from the city. Ideal for trail lovers seeking silence.

Accommodation types

• **B&Bs in the centre** — The most common formula, often with hosts who provide maps and advice on Cinque Terre trails
• **Hotels near the station** — Practical and unpretentious, perfect for early morning departures to the villages
• **Apartments** — Excellent for families and stays of 4+ nights, with a kitchen to prepare fresh pesto bought at the market
• **Guesthouses** — Private rooms at contained prices, often with kitchenette
• **Farmhouses on the hills** — For those with a car wanting to combine sea, trails and tranquillity

Budget tips

• La Spezia costs on average 50-60% less than Riomaggiore or Manarola for an equivalent room
• The Cinque Terre Card (unlimited train + trails) is sold at the station: staying in La Spezia and commuting by train is the most economical formula
• Avoid August and June-July weekends: prices rise 40-50%
• Residential quarters (Migliarina, Canaletto) offer B&Bs 10 minutes by bus from the station at very low prices
• Booking 2-3 months ahead for summer is essential

Where to stay by traveller type

Cinque Terre visitors

Station area, without doubt. The first train leaves at 5:30 and the last returns after midnight. You reach the villages in 5-15 minutes without worrying about parking.

Couples

A B&B in the historic centre or on the waterfront: evenings dining on focaccia and farinata in the lanes, then strolling with views of the illuminated gulf.

Families

Apartment in the centre or waterfront area: the covered market is perfect for shopping, Lerici beach reachable by bus in 20 minutes.

Hikers

Centre or station area: from here trails also depart toward Porto Venere (Alta Via del Golfo) beyond the Cinque Terre. Campiglia is the perfect base for trail number 1.

How much to spend

• **Budget** (guesthouse/simple B&B): €40-70 per night
• **Mid-range** (3-star hotel/quality B&B): €75-130
• **High-end** (waterfront hotel/suite): €140-220

Transport connections

La Spezia Centrale station is the hub for the Cinque Terre (trains every 15-20 min), Genoa (1h20), Pisa (1h), Florence (2h30). Ferries from the port reach Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre by sea. Paid parking in the centre, free in outlying areas.

Discover more about La Spezia

• [What to see in La Spezia in 2 days](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-la-spezia-in-2-giorni)
• [Where to eat in La Spezia](/en/guida/dove-mangiare-a-la-spezia)
• [How to get to La Spezia](/en/guida/come-arrivare-a-la-spezia)