La Spezia Centrale — Local services in La Spezia

Over the last 30 years, the Cinque Terre has gone from a beautiful and pleasant place to visit to a beautiful and horrid place to visit. From late March to late October, all Cinque Terre villages are mobbed. Train service is near the breaking point, it take so long for everyone to get on and off at each station that trains are constantly falling behind schedule. Schedules and track locations are straightforward, but ticketing is a mess. The line for an agent is always at least 30 minutes. There are 4 ticket machines in the lobby, and one or two are usually out of service. The worst thing is there is never a Trenitalia employee to help with the confusing machines. There are 4 ticket machines on platform 1, but they are hard to find from the ticket office. Another problem with the station is its antiquated layout. A modern station could replace the car park, allowing a direct connection to the tunnel under the platforms, eliminating the awkward stairs at the end of the tunnel. Also, what is an escalator? With all the cash being raked in from $19 and up Cinque Terre tickets, Trenitalia should easily be able to rebuilt La Spezia Central Station. The fare enforcers are vicious , slapping on a €50 fine for any minor issue such as ticket validation or being too slow to upload a digital ticket. It's probably a good Idea to photograph most steps of the ticket buying process. Overcrowding of the Cinque Terre is a problem, Trenitalia is making it...

Nestled along the Ligurian coast, La Spezia offers a captivating Italian experience blending history, culture, and maritime charm. With its colorful waterfront, dotted with fishing boats and pastel-hued buildings, the city exudes a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Explore the historic heart of La Spezia, where narrow cobblestone streets reveal charming cafes, boutiques, and local markets.

A highlight is the Naval Museum, showcasing Italy's maritime heritage through exhibits of ships, navigation tools, and naval artifacts. The imposing St. George's Castle provides panoramic views of the Gulf of La Spezia, rewarding visitors with a breathtaking perspective of the city and its surroundings.

For a taste of local cuisine, indulge in Ligurian delights like pesto pasta and fresh seafood at the trattorias lining the streets. The nearby Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, beckons with its stunning coastal landscapes and picturesque villages accessible by boat or train.

La Spezia's strategic location makes it an ideal gateway to explore the beauty of the Italian Riviera, creating lasting memories for those seeking a delightful blend of history, culinary delights, and seaside...

We visited La Spezia in early April and really enjoyed both the city and the Cinque Terre park. I would like to express my appreciation to the service provided by the La Spezia Centrale station. Especially for Mr. Jacopo Corradi Matricola (#2948629) who works at the Centrale Station ticket office.

We mistakenly purchased tickets online starting from the La Spezia Migliarina station instead of the La Spezia Centrale station. When we went to the Centrale station ticket office for help, Mr. Matricola not only listened to our issues patiently but also went through the booking system and quickly provided us with a nice and cost efficient alternate solution. Since we are a large traveling group (11 people), he also tried his best to arrange for us to sit together. We are all very impressed by both of his polite manners and his expertise with the booking system.

I would like to give a big cheer for Mr. Matricola and express my appreciation again for his 5...