Hertz - La Spezia
Situated between lush green hills and the turquoise Ligurian Sea, this port city and naval base is one of Italy’s most underrated cities. Once off the beaten track, it’s now winning over plenty of admirers.
Our central pick-up location for car rental in La Spezia means we’re conveniently placed to explore the delights of the city – we’ll aim to get you in your vehicle and out on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible.
We have a wide range of cars to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect holiday car rental for your stay. There are no hidden fees and you can amend or cancel your reservation free of charge up to two days before collection. Business car rental is also available in La Spezia.
For even more peace of mind, our best price guarantee means that in the unlikely event you find Hertz car rental in La Spezia cheaper, we’ll refund the difference.
La Spezia Locations
A Quick Guide to La Spezia
One of Italy’s hidden gems, La Spezia has a low-key charm and natural beauty that once inspired poets such as Shelley and Byron. Wander the streets of the atmospheric old town before exploring the nearby seaside villages of the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets – renamed for the English poets.
Admire the City's Architecture
You’ll notice that the green and white striped marble of Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is similar to other churches in the city. But, unlike the others, this church is one of the most important and recognizable in La Spezia.
It was completed in 1954 but has changed several times over the years. Step inside to see the impressive interior and admire the marble statues of prominent religious figures and the historical paintings on show.
Another major landmark, close to the waterfront, is San Giorgio Castle. Constructed in the 13th century, this impressive castle is a typical square design with four diagonal guard towers. A section of the original wall still stands, providing a picturesque archway to the road. Parking for your La Spezia rental car is available at the train station, or at Porto Mirabello by the harbor or Piazza d'Armi.
Treat Your Taste Buds to Ligurian Cuisine
Seafood lovers are in for a treat because like most port cities, this is a delicacy here. Sardines, anchovies and mussels are all specialties in La Spezia. If you’re fond of mussels then you should try Muscoli Ripieni – stuffed mussels filled with bread and ham.
These are served in most restaurants as an appetizer or, alternatively, order the spaghetti allo scoglio, which is made with mussels, clams and shrimp.
Head up to Corniglia, where you’ll find A Cantina de Mananan, which serves up authentic Ligurian cuisine. Here you can enjoy classics such as testaroli (pasta discs with pesto), as well as fresh-from-the-sea fish dishes. Be aware that most of the public parking spaces are reserved for residents, but there is one parking lot in Corniglia with 60 spaces where you can leave your La Spezia rental car while you dine.
Down by the waterfront you’ll find La Taverna del Metallo – if you’re a fan of rock music, this is the place for you. Amid the rustic décor of exposed stone and brick, you can enjoy a hearty dish while listening some great tunes.
Explore the Seaside Villages of Cinque Terre
You won’t want to visit La Spezia without making the short journey to the nearby world-famous stretch of coast. At Cinque Terre you’ll find five seaside villages that hug the coastline and cliffs.
These are Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Monterosso. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the medieval period. Monterosso, founded in 643 A.D, is the oldest followed by Riomaggiore, established in the 8th century by Greek settlers.
Don’t forget your camera because the scenery around here is phenomenal. Picturesque houses fill these villages in a multitude of bright colors, cascading from the town down the cliff sides and to the shoreline.
Car rental from La Spezia gives you the freedom to explore this port city as well as the wider Liguria region.
Driving In and Around La Spezia
La Spezia is situated near the area’s spectacular coastline, and you will find you’re well-connected to the province’s main cities and towns when you rent a car from Hertz. The major routes are state road 62 ‘Cisa’, which links the region with Emilia as well as northern and north-east Italy, while state road 1 ‘Aurelia’, is the route between Rome and Ventimiglia. The nearby highways are the A15 (Parma – La Spezia) and the A12 (Genoa – Livorno) as well as several other major Italian cities.
The most popular spots around La Spezia can be easily reached in your rental car from several exits along the A12. You’ll find many of the must-see destinations linked to the city by panoramic roads that wind their way through the pretty landscape. The ‘Litoranea’ road, for instance, connects La Spezia to Cinque Terre, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Poets and the five fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre.
Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit on the highways – known as autostrade – is generally 80mph (130/km/h) while in urban areas it’s 30mph (50km/h). There are also tolls across many major routes in Italy. These toll roads are signified by a green road sign and can be paid by cash or card.
You’ll find San Giorgio Castle, a hilltop castle, close to the port just off the winding XXVII Marzo road. Here you’ll discover a collection of archaeological artifacts. The tree lined SP331 will take you alongside the port where you’ll be able to see through the branches to the glistening sea.
It’s a scenic hour’s drive in your La Spezia rental car along the E80, between the coastline and the Apuan Alps, to Pisa and its world-renowned Leaning Tower. Although the most famous, this tower is one of four buildings in the stunning Square of Miracles.
If you’d like to visit the Apuan Alps, it’s just under an hour and a half along the SS63 when you rent a car from La Spezia. Mount Pisanino is the highest peak, which can be reached via a sixand-a-half mile ridge path. Panoramic views from the peak take in the some of the best scenery the Tuscan region has to offer.
Head away from the coastline and it’s two hours to drive your La Spezia car rental to Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. This Renaissance city is home to renowned work from leading artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangeo.
