La Spezia lies just to the south of the Cinque Terre, at the Golf of La
Spezia. When you travel by train from the south to the Cinque Terre,
you have to switch here to a local train that stops in the 5 villages.

We booked a bed & breakfast in the hills with a beautiful view on the bay, the city and the harbour.
La Spezia was our starting point for visits to Portovenere, Lerici en Sarzana.
At first sight, La Spezia does not have a lot to offer by itself. The Dom S. Maria Assunta and the Museo Tecnico Navale della Marina Militare are worth a visit.
But after a few days, the city is opening its beauty. Especially on the (trafic free) main street, it is pleasant to walk, especially in the afternoon, when the shops are open again.
The following pictures from an exceptional snowfall in La Spezia were sent to us by B&B Villa Amaranta. It was from 1985 they had seen that much snow.

Situated in the hills above La Spezia, with a beautiful view on the city and the bay. The house is newly renovated and breaths luxury.
Breakfast is really delicious !
Bus service to the city center is available, but ... not when you are in a hurry ! A car is recommended.