Where Stay
La Spezia & Levanto (portes d'entrée)

Where to stay in La Spezia & Levanto (entry points) : complete guide

La Spezia and Levanto form the ideal entry points to Cinque Terre. La Spezia, with its lively port and quays lined with colourful boats, offers a vibrant maritime atmosphere. Levanto, nestled between green hills and turquoise sea, charms with its pebble beaches and authentic character. These two towns serve as a practical base, away from the bustle of the five villages. Travellers discover cobbled lanes, fresh markets and views of cliffs plunging into the water. Golden lights at sunset and iodine scents create an unforgettable setting to begin exploring the Ligurian coast.

Safety score: 9/10midTransit travellersFamilies with childrenActive hikersGastronomy lovers

Pros

  • Direct train access
  • Accessible and calm beaches
  • More affordable prices
  • Practical base for excursions
  • Authentic local atmosphere

Cons

  • Less spectacular than the villages
  • Dense traffic in La Spezia
  • Fewer luxury options

The 5 best hotels in La Spezia & Levanto (portes d'entrée)

Home by GĂ ni - Vue d'ensemble
1

Home by GĂ ni

10.026 reviews
Top pick

Home by GĂ ni is located in the La Spezia and Levanto area, gateways to the Cinque Terre. The establishment offers refined accommodation with contemporary design. Guests have free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Its perfect rating reflects high-quality comfort and service. The address facilitates travel to the coastal villages.

Connexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~357EUR / night
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New apartment close to the Cinque Terre - Vue d'ensemble
2

New apartment close to the Cinque Terre

9.778 reviews
Excellent

New apartment close to the Cinque Terre is located in La Spezia and Levanto, gateways to the region. The apartment offers functional and practical space for travellers. Pets are accepted and Wi-Fi is available everywhere. Free parking completes the amenities. Its location allows quick access to the coastal trails.

Animaux domestiques admisConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~204EUR / night
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Cherry rooms - Vue d'ensemble
3

Cherry rooms

9.7150 reviews
Recommended

Cherry rooms is located in the La Spezia and Levanto area, gateways to the Cinque Terre. This establishment offers refined and comfortable rooms. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the premises. Its high rating reflects consistent guest satisfaction. The address is an ideal starting point to visit the villages.

Connexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~238EUR / night
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Casa Delle Cinque Terre housereby - Vue d'ensemble
4

Casa Delle Cinque Terre housereby

9.648 reviews

Casa Delle Cinque Terre housereby is located in La Spezia and Levanto, gateways to the destination. The house offers spacious and well-equipped accommodation. Wi-Fi is available everywhere and free parking is offered. Its high standard ensures a comfortable stay. The location allows easy access to the Cinque Terre.

Connexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuit
From ~424EUR / night
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Angiolina's Farm - Vue d'ensemble
5

Angiolina's Farm

9.6403 reviews

Angiolina's Farm is located in the La Spezia and Levanto area, gateways to the Cinque Terre. This property offers a pool and facilities adapted for disabled people. Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the establishment and free parking is available. Room service completes the offer. Its setting ensures a peaceful and well-rated stay.

1 piscineService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuit
From ~478EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

La Spezia features a majestic port where ferries glide between cargo ships and sailboats. Its quays invite walks facing the sea, with views of the surrounding hills. Levanto, by contrast, offers a calmer setting : a wide pebble beach bordered by pines and old villas. The steep Cinque Terre cliffs stand out on the horizon, creating striking contrasts between intense sea and Mediterranean vegetation. Levanto's cobbled lanes breathe a gentle way of life, while La Spezia pulses to the rhythm of markets and terrace cafés. This blend of port urbanity and coastal nature forms a setting rich in visual emotions.

Things to see and do

Explore La Spezia port to watch boats and take the ferry to the villages. Visit La Spezia's covered market for fresh produce. In Levanto, enjoy the main beach for swimming and paddleboarding. Hike the trail linking Levanto to Monterosso. Discover Levanto's old village with its church of San Andrea and shaded squares. Do not miss Levanto castle for panoramic coastal views. These activities combine cultural discovery and nature immersion.

Where to eat and drink

Local specialities include focaccia al formaggio, fresh pesto and grilled seafood. In La Spezia, savour risotto ai frutti di mare in the port trattorias. Levanto offers excellent restaurants serving homemade tagliatelle and Ligurian white wine. Also try acciughe sotto sale and artisanal gelati. Terraces offer tastings facing the sea with local olive oils.

Transport & access

La Spezia has a central station well served by regional trains linking Genoa and Pisa. Buses and ferries depart regularly for Cinque Terre. Levanto has its own station on the main line, easing journeys to the villages. Coastal roads allow car access, though parking is limited. Local shuttles complete the network to reach the trails.

Who is it for?

This area suits travellers in transit seeking affordable accommodation. Families appreciate Levanto's beaches and amenities. Hikers find a practical base for the trails. Gastronomy lovers enjoy markets and restaurants without the crowds of tourist villages.

Other neighborhoods in Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare (plage & confort)

Honeymoon couplesFamilies with childrenBeach and comfort lovers

Nestled on the Ligurian Sea, Monterosso al Mare unfolds its wide beach of fine pebbles facing turquoise waters. Pastel houses cling to the cliffs, while olive trees and vines cover the surrounding hills. This village, the largest of the Cinque Terre, harmoniously marries modern comfort with Mediterranean authenticity. The sun caresses terraces where the scent of basil and salt drifts in the air. Paved lanes invite wandering between the old town and the pine-lined promenade. Here, time slows to make way for relaxation and sensory discoveries.

Vernazza (le village carte postale)

Honeymoon couplesPassionate hikersPhotography enthusiasts

Perched on the steep cliffs of Cinque Terre, Vernazza emerges as a colourful jewel facing the Mediterranean Sea. Its pastel houses cling to the rocks, overlooking a tiny port where fishing boats dance on turquoise waves. Narrow lanes wind between vibrant façades, offering unbeatable views of the Ligurian coast. The atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant, with the sound of waves as a backdrop. This picturesque village embodies the very essence of the Italian Riviera, inviting discovery and serene contemplation.

Corniglia (le village perché tranquille)

Honeymoon couplesHiking enthusiastsPassionate photographers

Corniglia, the peaceful perched village of Cinque Terre, nestles on a steep cliff overlooking the sparkling sea. Its pastel houses and vine terraces offer breathtaking panoramas bathed in Mediterranean light. Far from the bustle of its neighbours, this tranquil hamlet exudes a rare serenity, with its narrow lanes, fragrant lemon trees and the gentle murmur of waves below. Ideal for those seeking authenticity and quiet, Corniglia invites you to slow the pace and savour the raw essence of the Cinque Terre.

Manarola (le plus romantique)

Honeymoon couplesHiking loversPassionate photographers

Nestled on the cliffs of Cinque Terre, Manarola charms with its pastel houses clinging to the rock, overlooking a deep blue sea. Terraced vineyards in steps form an emerald green setting under the Ligurian sun. In the evening, golden light bathes the narrow lanes, creating an intimate and enchanting atmosphere. Far from crowds, this village invites romantic walks to the sound of waves and the scent of citrus. It is the ideal setting for couples seeking authentic romance and preserved landscapes.

Riomaggiore (le plus animé)

Honeymoon couplesHiking enthusiastsSolo travellers

Riomaggiore, the liveliest of the Cinque Terre, unfurls its pastel houses cascading down steep cliffs. The cobbled lanes descend to a small marina where colourful boats sway gently. In the evening, terraces light up and the scent of pesto drifts through the air. This vibrant village blends the authenticity of fishermen with visitors from around the world. Terraced vineyards overlook the turquoise sea while the sound of waves accompanies walkers. Riomaggiore offers a unique mix of local life and festive atmosphere, perfect for those seeking the soul of the Cinque Terre.