Guide to La Spezia

Situated in the Mediterranean 100km south-east of Genoa, La Spezia is a stark contrast to its surrounding coastal villages and boasts a historical naval presence. In the mid-19th century the construction of Italy’s largest naval base here introduced the large street grid and venerable public buildings that define the city today, whilst a scattering of museums and galleries add a rich cultural dimension.

Wander through the outdoor market on Piazza Cavour every morning apart from Sunday to pick up fresh fish and delicious local produce and on a Friday explore the lively flea market on Via Garibaldo. Discover the magnificent St George Castle that dates from the 13th-century and explore the Museo Amadeo Lia, an outstanding fine-arts museum housed in a beautifully restored building from the 17th-century.

The bustling Via del Prone is lined with small shops and stalls whilst the elegance of the Piazza Sant’ Agostino speaks of an earlier time. For all its history and elegance, La Spezia is also a modern city that successfully combines old-Italian charm with modern luxury. Every year, on the 19th March, the streets burst into life for the feast day of the city’s patron saint, San Giuseppe (St Joseph). Celebrations see a giant colourful market fill the port and surrounding streets, and the naval base (off limits the rest of the year) opens to the public for the day.

With its deep-water harbour, La Spezia can accommodate the world's largest superyachts and is a fantastic base for exploring the Cinque Terre and surrounding villages of the stunning Italian Riviera. Teeming with commercial seaports and other maritime support facilities that support the robust local and visiting superyacht industry along the Riviera, it is a prime destination point for any luxury superyacht rental.

If you are interested in finding out how you can arrange a vacation of your own around these stunning waters, then get in touch with your preferred charter broker after taking a browse of all the luxury crewed yachts for charter in Italy.