Coastal Delights: A Tale of La Spezia and Cinque Terre

In today's episode, we're taking you on a journey to the enchanting coastal town of La Spezia and the picturesque Cinque Terre.

Here's what we'll be discussing:

1. Why We Explored La Spezia and Cinque Terre: Discover the reasons that led us to this stunning Italian destination and what makes it so special.

2. Transport, Accommodation, Food, and Fun: Get practical tips on getting around La Spezia and Cinque Terre, where to stay (hint: Airbnb is a top choice), the best places to savor delicious Italian cuisine, and the most exciting activities to enjoy in the area.

3. Value for Money: We'll dive into the cost-effectiveness of visiting La Spezia and Cinque Terre, helping you make the most of your travel budget.

4. Overall Tips: As an Irish couple who've been living in Italy for the past year, we've gathered invaluable insights that will enhance your visit to this coastal gem.

Fun Facts

1. Cinque Terre's Colorful Homes: The five villages of Cinque Terre are famous for their colorful homes, which create a stunning visual contrast against the rugged coastline. Each village has its unique charm and hue.

2. UNESCO World Heritage: Cinque Terre and its surrounding area, including La Spezia, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This recognition is due to their exceptional cultural and natural significance, preserving the centuries-old traditions of the region.

3. Ligurian Cuisine: La Spezia and Cinque Terre are renowned for their delicious Ligurian cuisine. Pesto alla Genovese, a famous basil-based sauce, originates from this region. Be sure to savor local seafood dishes, such as anchovies and fresh catches from the Ligurian Sea.

Transport

We got the train from Florence to La Spezia and took a day trip to Riomaggiore. We would recommend staying in Genoa and visiting the Nothern towns of the Cinque Terre for a day or two. Here are the Cinque Terre villages from North to South: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. 

Restaurant & Bar Recommendations

Maia e Battiston

Bar e Vini a Pié de Ma

The Waterfront

Top Experiences

Levanto: Pesto-Making Class: https://gyg.me/P867oQWn

From Florence: Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre: 
https://gyg.me/lMkxo9XT

From Levanto: E-bike Through the Cinque Terre to Vernazza: https://gyg.me/WLANrWr3

*We earn a small commission if you use the links above to book an experience

SEASON SCOREBOARD

• Salerno: 98
• Florence: 88
• Naples: 88
• Rome: 85
• Siena: 84
• La Spezia: 79.5

ABOUT SEASON ONE

In this season, we, Cormac and Jane, share our travel highs and lows, providing insights into remote working, realistic travel budgets, top tips, and the realities of working and living abroad. Each episode focuses on a different region or city we explored during our six-week journey across Italy, from Southern Naples to Lake Garda in the North.

ABOUT US

Cormac is an experienced Irish bartender with a background in Hotel Management and Business. Originally from Leitrim, he ventured abroad with the intention of working on a vineyard in Northern Italy using WWOOF.

Jane, a communications consultant with expertise in culture and energy sectors, has previously worked on international projects including Web Summit, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and European Capital of Culture initiatives. After over a decade in Communications & Events, Jane transitioned to fully remote consulting work and now resides in Florence with Cormac.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE (FREE)

For a detailed breakdown of our 6-week summer trip across Italy, including dates, transport methods, accommodation links, fun activities, food recommendations, and tips for various cities, download our free travel guide at altlivin.com/shop.

JOIN OUR EVENTS: The Irish Pub Tour (Florence)

Join us, Cormac and Jane, for an unforgettable tour of the best Irish pubs in Florence. Learn about the history of Irish whiskeys and gins, perfect the art of pouring Guinness, and make new friends on a delightful drinking adventure through the captivating city of Florence. The tour includes visits to four bars and at least 4 drinks. Learn more at airbnb.ie/experiences/4177857.

FOLLOW US

• Website: www.altlivin.com
• Instagram: @altlivin
• TikTok: @altlivin
• YouTube: /Altlivin

Plan your trip to La Spezia and Cinque Terre with our insights, and get ready for an unforgettable Italian adventure. Stay tuned for more exciting destinations in our travel podcast series!