Car Rental La Spezia

The Italian Riviera is defined by rolling hills, colourful buildings and – of course – coastal splendour. La Spezia is both a vibrant place to stay and the ideal launchpad for exploring destinations such as the famed ‘Cinque Terre’, thanks to its scenic roads by the sea and access to the State Highway 1 (SS1).

Many of La Spezia’s top attractions are positioned close to the port, including the Technical Naval Museum, San Giorgio Castle and several great art galleries. A must visit is the Amedeo Lia Museum, where you’ll find Italian artwork from the 13^th to the 18^th centuries. There are convenient parking garages dotted throughout central La Spezia, including along the quayside and further inland, with parking also available near suburban attractions like the rail museum.

If you plan to travel further afield, take the Svincolo Seresa north until you meet SS1. This highway provides useful links with the rest of Italy, including Genoa and Pisa.

There’s plenty to see close by, including the UNESCO-listed quintet of vibrant fishing villages at Cinque Terre. To reach these fabled shores, exit La Spezia on the SS1, before joining with the SP38 by Pian di Barca. Venture south along the narrow lanes as they rise into the hills, then continue to your chosen town – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore or Corniglia.

Porto Venere is another top day trip – a commune on the Bay of Poets. To get there, follow the twists and turns of the SP530 south. When you rent a car in La Spezia, it’s easy to park up and explore new places along the way.

To get the most from your Italian vacation, familiarize yourself with local rules. Driving in Italy is on the right, and the maximum legal speed limit on freeways is typically 130km/h.

In central La Spezia and other built-up areas you are likely to encounter limits of 50km/h, while out of town roads typically show limits of 90km/h. These can vary however, according to location and the weather, so make sure you always check signs for the route that you are on. Always drive to the conditions, especially on the rocky coastal roads around La Spezia.

Parking is free in the Palaspezia and Piazzle d’Armi car parks, however it can be difficult to find a space, especially in the summer months. Parking is also available at La Spezia railway station at a cost of €1.20 per hour.

Bright and vibrant La Spezia is known as a gateway to the wonders of the Italian Riviera, from Cinque Terre to the Bay of Poets.

That said, the city itself is also well worth exploring – featuring rugged castles, fascinating museums and an impressive shopping scene.

Soak up culture by the port

The beautiful Castello San Giorgio is one of La Spezia’s most prized landmarks. Seated in a prime position overlooking the port, this 14th-century building is packed with sculptures and artefacts from eras dating back to antiquity. The Technical Naval Museum is another key attraction – great for those who want to see torpedoes and submarines up close.

To change the pace, venture to Museo Amedeo Lia – a wonderful art museum. Wander the gardens, then step inside to uncover the legacy of collector Rocco Normanno, with colourful exhibitions boasting more than a thousand intricate pieces dating back to Roman times. The Museo Civico Etnografico Giovanni Podenzana is just a few steps away as well, providing a unique window into local customs and the history of the Liguria region.

After so much sightseeing, you’ll need a stylish place to eat. Fortunately, the port’s array of Italian seafood restaurants rarely disappoints, with a stunning view to admire as you dine.

Shop until you drop on the Via del Prione

Italy is known for its fashionable tastes, so you won’t be surprised to learn that La Spezia’s central shopping boulevard is brimming with luxury.

Via del Prione has boutique stores selling a range of attractive gifts – from handbags and swimwear to glimmering jewellery. Wander down the side streets to discover hidden treasures too. At the end of summer, you might find some great deals as local traders replenish their stock.

The Le Terrazze shopping centre is a great alternative for those looking to find a larger range of high street stores. Here you’ll find everything from household names like Timberland and Vodafone, to Italian favourites such as Carpisa and Casa Mia.

Visit jewels of the Italian Riviera

Beyond La Spezia, more delights lie in wait. And with the keys to a rental car in hand, some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline is yours to explore.

Cinque Terre means ‘Five Lands’ in Italian – and it’s a fitting title, given the unique atmosphere at each of the wondrous towns to which it refers. The settlements show impressive feats of human triumph, with hundreds of rainbow-coloured houses built on the harsh cliffs. There are secluded beaches, the famous Doria Castle and the trekker’s route dubbed ‘the Way of Love’ between Riomaggiore and Manarola, which has become something of a pilgrimage.

On the bay’s eastern shores, meanwhile, there are many more picturesque places to be discovered. Lerici is a quaint commune known for its beautiful architecture and fishing culture – as well as being the place where poet Percy Shelley met his tragic end.

Porto Venere is situated off the beaten track, so this is the perfect place to satiate your inner explorer. There is a protected forest and the nearby coast is popular among divers. Soak up the charm, see the gothic church and take a boat out to Palmaria Island to immerse yourself in lush surroundings – or taste delicious food at the island’s restaurant.

Whether you are visiting this beautiful region with a grand plan, or simply want to see where the road will take you, car rental in La Spezia is an ideal way to get around.