Hi everyone. A friend and I will be visiting Italy this October -- doing a hiking tour on the Amalfi Coast. For a few days prior (after leaving Venice, which I know will be crazy but can't be missed), we are looking for a fairly central location from which we can visit the Cinque Terre towns, and perhaps Florence. We are looking for a place that has character, but is away from the hustle and bustle, and easily accessible to trains. We are looking at La Spezia, but I'm wondering if anyone else has additional suggestions? We will spend four nights in this town, before heading to Naples where the tour begins. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11831 posts
Lucca is an excellent choice if you don’t actually want to be in either Florence or one of the Cinque Terre villages. October’s isn’t too mad in Venice if you get away from San Marco between 900 and 1600.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1244 posts
I would go for Lucca, a LOT of charm, great food, and history. La Spezia is more like a big, boring city without the charm.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16190 posts
Lucca is good. Half way between Florence and Cinque Terre. One hour from each.
While in Lucca you could also take the Lucca-Aulla scenic train:
https://images.app.goo.gl/PhZqG9iKpwyvK4Ar5
Posted by
11653 posts
Don’t stay in La Spezia!
Lucca is a beautiful medieval town and we enjoyed four nights there, staying inside the walls at Hotel Palazzo Alexander.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Pisa is a nice location, but the town closes around 9 pm. We stayed at the Hotel Bologna on Via Guissepe Mazzini 57 and they provide free transportation from the airport. It was a very nice property and the staff was first rate.
Buon viaggio,
Posted by
OP
Canada
9 posts
Thank you all for the great suggestions! Will check them out.
Posted by
143 posts
La Spezia is ugly, do not stay there.
Lucca is a gem!! Really, I could spend a week there!
Posted by
44 posts
Another vote for Lucca!
Posted by
616 posts
Siena is wonderful. specially in the evening.
Posted by
Western Canada
3571 posts
I've stayed in La Spezia, and if you get away from the train station area, and down to the sea, it has a lovely promenade with gardens and villas all along the ocean/harbour.
We liked it!
However, Lucca is the most lovely town, and you will fall in love with it!