Private car transfer from Florence to La Spezia

It takes time to weave through Florence's narrow lanes and over the Arno River. But when you do, the fast-paced A11 highway, flanked by flowing mounts in the distance, will propel you into the iconic Chianti region.

Grand mansions housing serene vineyards stretch over the rolling hills into a wine lover's paradise: Lucca. Stopping to sample the fermented grapes' rich aromas in chic wine bars will fuel your sense of adventure until the Mediterranean's salty sea air drifts in through your window.

Glimpses of the glimmering sea on your left and vistas of traditional Tuscan villages on your right create a breathtaking cruise along the final leg of your Italian road trip. Upon arrival in La Spezia's bustling port with Liguria's rugged shores in the backdrop, you'll know it's time to begin your second adventure of the day.

Before you start exploring the gateway to the Cinque Terre, you must learn how to travel between the two cities in our exclusive Florence to La Spezia travel guide below.

Early La Spezia

Although tribes have lived in the hills above La Spezia since prehistoric times, the Romans built the first permanent town nearby after they arrived around the 1st century BC. However, Baldus de Specia was the first to mention La Spezia as a city in an 1160 document.

Shortly after its establishment, it flourished as a port city, trading with Western Europe and the Arabic world. As part of the Genoa Republic, it became a wealthy region. During the Renaissance, the locals constructed a fortified wall to protect themselves from invasions and pirate attacks.

The port of La Spezia

The construction of La Spezia Naval Base in La Spezia Port was a significant development in the city's history. As a result, it became one of the most vital headquarters for the Italian army in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Unfortunately, the combination of its base and port made it a magnet for Allied bombing during World War II. After its liberation, it was Europe's primary hub to transport survivors from Nazi German concentration camps to modern-day Israel and Palestine.

Modern La Spezia

La Spezia appears from afar to be a rainbow in the foreground of lush green hills. But on closer inspection, you'll uncover rustic, tall, and narrow, colorful buildings lining its port and old town.

Its pastel colors, fresh sea breeze, balmy temperatures, palm-tree-lined promenades, and traditional cafes all contribute to the laid-back La Dolce Vita ambiance. It has the lively spirit of a seaside town yet possesses cultural attractions like other European hotspots with its vast museum scene.

People often recognize La Spezia as the gateway to the Cinque Terre. And even if that's the case, the fewer touristy streets and traditional eateries showcase the authentic Italian lifestyle!

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug Types: C, F, and L
• Fun Fact: La Spezia has a second nickname, "the Gulf of Poets," for its popularity among these writers throughout history.

Appreciate the finer things in life

Everyone deserves a break from reality, and an Italian road trip from Florence to La Spezia is the ideal place to do so!

Stopping in Lucca allows you to partake in a delicious wine-tasting session. If wines are not your poison, sit back and soak up the heated thermal water at Montecatini Alto, one of Europe's best spa towns. You can even detour to Pisa and admire the Leaning Tower, a universal tourism symbol!

Brush up on your Italian

Within attractions and popular resorts, staff will be able to speak English. But La Spezia isn't a tourist haven or an international melting pot. Therefore, many locals only speak Italian, their mother tongue.

Learning a few basic phrases will make your life much smoother. It'll also help you connect better with locals (and sometimes receive better service) as residents appreciate your efforts.

Travel light

Packing a light bag is essential when traveling from Florence to La Spezia. The last thing you want is to drag heavy suitcases along La Spezia's uneven cobbled lanes under the beating Mediterranean sunshine upon arrival.

Also, carrying only a small bag can be challenging when walking up and down the steep hills of the Cinque Terre. This is something to consider if you plan on taking extended excursions to the postcard towns.

Trains from Florence to La Spezia

The train is the fastest and possibly the most scenic travel option from Florence to Spezia. High-speed Frecciarossa services can transfer you in under two hours in a comfortable carriage.

On average, 33 daily trains depart Florence in two locations: Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Firenze Campo Marte and arrive at La Spezia Centrale. Book your tickets online at Trenitalia for the lowest fares at least four weeks in advance.

• Cheapest train ticket price: $15 (€14)
• Average train ticket price: $22.50 (€21)
• Fastest train duration: 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Average train duration: 2 hours and 27 minutes
• First train departure: 12:40 AM
• Last train departure: 9:54 PM

Buses from Florence to La Spezia

The bus is a cheap way to travel from Florence to Spezia. Therefore, it's the most popular mode of transportation for backpackers or those traveling to Europe on a budget. If you're on a strict schedule, reserve your seats early, as they can sell out at your desired timeframe during the summer.

Flixbus and Marino Bus operate on this route, offering up to two direct daily services. Flixbus travels from Villa Costanza to Via Carducci, while the Marino Bus departs from Park Villa Costanza and arrives at Viale Italia. Find which stops are more convenient for you, or you risk ordering a taxi from the drop-off point to your hotel on the other side of town.

• Cheapest bus ticket price: $13 (€12)
• Average bus ticket price: $17 (€16)
• Fastest bus duration: 2 hours
• Average bus duration: 2 hours and 25 minutes
• First bus departure: 3:15 AM
• Last bus departure: 7 PM

Daytrip from Florence to La Spezia

Daytrip is by far the easiest and most comfortable travel method from Florence to La Spezia. Our door-to-door service collects you directly at your hotel before whisking you to your new one along the coast. With our flexible schedule, you decide when to leave, so don't worry about setting an undesirable 6 AM alarm on your Italian vacation.

But Daytrip isn't a standard taxi service from A to B. We combine the luxury of modern conveniences and a tranquil setting in a private car with the adventure of traveling by train. So why not explore the majestic Castello Malaspina overlooking rolling Tuscan hills or shop until you drop at The Mall with high-end designer brands at low outlet prices and indulge in Italian fashion?

With your professional driver staying behind to mind your luggage, you can move freely wherever you venture!

• Seats from: $78 (€73)
• English-speaking driver
• Door-to-door Duration: 2 hours
• Santaized and smoke-free vehicle
• Equipped for kids, pets, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours after departing!

Explore Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere

Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere is a natural paradise less than 6 miles (9.6 km) south of the hustle and bustle of La Spezia. It's an island off mainland Italy, and although it may look like Cinque Terre National Park, it receives a fraction of its visitors!

You can spend the day here doing as you please. If you prefer to relax on vacation, bring a book and head to one of the cozy coves. If you want an action-packed day, hike the fragrant walkways before taking a dip in the baby blue waters!

Visit the Naval Museum

La Spezia has a strong maritime heritage, with the Technical Naval Museum highlighting this.

Located near the city's naval arsenal, the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including model ships, weapons, diving suits, and historical documents. During tours, you can get an in-depth insight into the evolution of naval technology and the Italian Navy's storied past, making it a fascinating visit for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts!

Step back in time at Castello San Giorgio

Castello San Giorgio sits on top of a hill overlooking La Spieza's old town and the gorgeous waves of the Mediterranean Sea. For only $6.40 (€6), you can step back in time while roaming the historic alleys and admiring the stunning views.

The fortification dates back to the 14th century. So you can uncover over 700 years of history in its in-depth museum. And if you don't feel like walking up the hilly terrain, you can take one of two free lifts to the top!

Lose yourself in the historic center

Most historical centers in Italy are littered with souvenir stalls and eateries only aimed at tourists. But in La Spezia, you can enjoy astonishing architecture while living like the locals.

Piazza Garibaldi is the neighborhood's heart and soul, where you can soak up the energetic atmosphere. But if you wander off the main paths, you'll discover local shops, cafes, boutiques, gelaterias, and restaurants that are ideal for taking a break from a long day of sightseeing!

From April to May and from September to October, you can still take advantage of the pleasant weather without the herd of tourists. In fact, the slightly lower temperatures are perfect for cultural excursions or city walking tours. Even at night, you can enjoy a delicious plate of pasta or a handcrafted cocktail outdoors, under the stars.

You can also save some of your hard-earned cash by traveling in the spring or fall. With little to no tourists in town, hotels and transportation outlets offer enticing discounts to attract customers. The more you save, the more you can put towards your next adventure!