Elevation
Population
Real Population (5km)
Air Quality Rating
Region
Walkability
Housing availability
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
Climate Description
La Spezia
Liguria
Strategic coastal gateway, high walkability, rich maritime history, active cultural scene, limited job market.
Quality of Life Score
94
Quality of Infrastructure
76
Quality of Economy
81
Summary
La Spezia, situated in the Liguria region of Italy, is a strategic gateway to the spectacular Cinque Terre coastline. This vibrant town boasts a high walkability score, making it ideal for expats who prefer to navigate without a car. La Spezia is steeped in maritime history, evidenced by its bustling port and the Naval Museum, which draws those interested in Italy’s naval traditions. The town’s cultural calendar is enriched by various festivals and local markets that showcase artisanal crafts and regional cuisine, attracting retirees seeking a community-oriented lifestyle.
Despite its many attractions, potential drawbacks include a limited local job market, particularly outside the tourism sector, and occasional congestion due to its coastal position. Nevertheless, the quality of healthcare and air is impressive, ensuring a comfortable environment, while excellent internet connectivity meets the needs of those working remotely. Expats can enjoy the charm of Italian life balanced with modern amenities in La Spezia.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Clean air and excellent air quality for healthy living.
– Low unemployment rate, contributing to economic stability.
– Convenient public transportation connecting to major Italian cities.
– Mild climate, ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Opportunities for integration into local community and activities.
– Good infrastructure supporting daily living and accessibility.
– Diverse recreational activities, including coastal and mountainous options.
– Reliable internet connectivity for work and communication needs.
❌ Cons
– Limited shopping options may leave you craving variety.
– Language barrier can complicate daily interactions and services.
– Summer tourism can lead to overcrowded beaches and attractions.
– Public transportation can be infrequent during off-peak hours.
– Local cuisine might not suit every palate or preference.
– Limited international school options for expat families with children.
– Hilly terrain may not be senior-friendly for mobility.
– Cost of living can be higher than other Italian towns.
– Local nightlife may not satisfy those seeking vibrant entertainment.
– Weather can be humid and rainy during certain seasons.
La Spezia Demographics
Population
92700
Real Population (5km band)
137400
Births Per 100 Deaths
50.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
Some Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
23800
Income rank in Italy (2023)
1094 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Galileo Galilei (Pisa)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
43min(s)
Galileo Galilei Airport, situated in Pisa, Italy, is the 10th busiest airport in the country, having served over 5 million passengers in 2023. It operates as a focus city for Ryanair and provides connections mainly across Europe, with notable destinations including London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The airport is known for its budget-friendly options, with a single terminal providing both domestic and international flights, and is conveniently linked to Pisa Centrale railway station via the Pisa Mover shuttle service.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Cristoforo Colombo (Genoa)
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
60min(s)
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, situated in Sestri Ponente, Liguria, 7.4 kilometers west of the city of Genoa, serves as the largest airport in the region of Liguria. It connects the city with major European destinations such as Munich, Rome, Amsterdam, London, and Barcelona. Built on an artificial peninsula, this airport is notable for servicing the city and the Port of Genoa, offering both domestic and international flights.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Giuseppe Verdi (Parma)
Connectivity Score
3
Driving Time
64min(s)
Giuseppe Verdi Airport, also known as Parma Airport (PMF), is situated just northwest of Parma in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It is a smaller regional airport with annual passenger numbers of around 116,720 as of 2022. Main destinations include Comiso, Trapani, and Chișinău, serviced primarily by carriers like Aeroitalia and FlyOne, with Ryanair offering seasonal flights to destinations like Palermo. The airport is noted for its convenience for travellers seeking access to this part of Northern Italy.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di La Spezia Migliarina
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
6min(s)
Train service at Stazione di La Spezia Migliarina connects several important rail lines with various key destinations. The following details summarise the train services available:
– **Rail Lines**: The station primarily serves regional and some intercity services, with direct connections to La Spezia Centrale being a key feature.
– **Key Destinations Connected by Direct Trains**:
– La Spezia Centrale (4 minutes travel time)
– Monterosso (32 minutes travel time)
– Riomaggiore (17 minutes travel time)
– Pisa Centrale (1 hour 10 minutes travel time)
– Reggio di Calabria Centrale (9 hours 26 minutes travel time)
– Manarola (20 minutes travel time)
– **Train Operators**: The main operator is Trenitalia, which provides regional services as well as some longer-distance options.
– **Frequency of Departures**:
– Approximately 24 departures to La Spezia Centrale daily.
– 40 daily services to Pisa Centrale.
– Other destinations like Monterosso and Riomaggiore have around 18-21 departures each day.
– Trains run from early morning (6:13 AM) until around 11:01 PM.
– **Types of Services**: The station predominantly hosts regional trains, with a few intercity services. High-speed trains do not typically stop here; thus, it’s mainly regional services that cater to local and regional travel.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Cà di Boschetti
Connectivity Score
6
Driving Time
10min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Cà di Boschetti offers a variety of services connecting the local area to key destinations.
– **Rail Lines**: Primarily part of regional services.
– **Key Destinations**: Direct trains from Cà di Boschetti connect to major destinations such as La Spezia Centrale and Carrara.
– **Train Operators**: Services are operated mainly by Trenitalia, focusing on regional connections.
– **Frequency of Departures**: Trains run frequently throughout the day, with an average of 10 services per day to La Spezia, likely every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day.
– **Type of Services**: The station primarily offers regional train services, with no direct high-speed train services available.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Vezzano Ligure
Connectivity Score
7
Driving Time
12min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Vezzano Ligure is primarily operated by Trenitalia and Italo, connecting various regional destinations. Key rail lines that stop here include services to La Spezia Centrale, Monterosso, Santo Stefano di Magra, Pisa Centrale, and Pontremoli.
Frequency of departures varies by destination: there are 19 trains per day to La Spezia Centrale and Monterosso, 13 trains to Santo Stefano di Magra, 31 trains to Pisa Centrale, and 11 trains to Pontremoli. The first trains depart at around 6:08, while the last services can run as late as 22:20.
The station offers a mix of regional and some higher frequency regional express services, but does not have high-speed trains stopping here.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
120
Bars
54
Cafes
218
Cinemas
7
Dentists
14
Golf Courses
2
Gyms
39
Health Clinics
7
Hiking Trails
10
Historical Sites
128
Libraries
2
Museums
8
Parks
13
Pharmacies
7
Restaurants
7
Shopping Centres
5
Supermarkets
38
Spas
61
Beach
Name
Le Rosse
Driving Distance
12mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Pratospilla
Driving Distance
70mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
97
Nearest Hospital Name
Sant'Andrea
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
3 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
2
Local Public Healthcare Provider
SPEZZINO
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Liguria, healthcare quality presents a mixed picture. Efficiency in hospital care is at the lower end nationally, with prompt attention to heart attacks and bone fractures needing improvement. However, breast cancer surgeries are predominantly minimally invasive, and post-operative hospital stays are frequently brief, demonstrating strengths in specific surgical areas. Response times for crucial cardiac procedures are notably swift, yet heart failure readmissions remain a concern. Overall, while certain aspects of healthcare are competitive, potential residents should consider the disparity in service levels.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
26
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
26
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
25
Car Insurance Price Index
114.062
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
High
Property Prices per m²
First Quartile
1701
Median
1978
Third Quartile
2500
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
Avg Download Speed (Mbps)
172
Fast Download Speed (Mbps)
255
Slow Download Speed (Mbps)
87
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
Bottom 30%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
Bottom 30%
Counts of School
Town/City | Primary Schools | Kindergartens | Comprehensive Schools | Medium High Schools | Scientific High Schools | Technical Commercial Schools | Classical High Schools | Industrial Technical Schools | Higher Education Institutes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Spezia | 18 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
High (71st-80th percentile)
Sunshine
Somewhat High (61st-70th percentile)
Snowfall
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Min Annual Temperature (°C)
6.9
Max Annual Temperature (°C)
26.7
Climate Description
Enjoying a temperate climate, La Spezia offers a comfortable environment throughout the year. The summers are warm but seldom reach uncomfortable peaks, while winters are quite mild, with snowfall being a rare occurrence. The city benefits from abundant sunshine, ensuring that days are generally bright regardless of the season. Precipitation is well distributed across the months, maintaining the lush greenery of the region but without overwhelming residents with excessive rainfall. Overall, La Spezia’s weather is conducive to outdoor activities, making it a delightful location for expats and retirees who seek a picturesque yet moderate climate.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Min Temp Jan | Min Temp Feb | Min Temp Mar | Min Temp Apr | Min Temp May | Min Temp Jun | Min Temp Jul | Min Temp Aug | Min Temp Sep | Min Temp Oct | Min Temp Nov | Min Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Spezia | 7,00 | 6,90 | 9,20 | 12,20 | 15,00 | 19,20 | 22,00 | 22,00 | 19,30 | 15,60 | 11,90 | 8,50 |
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Max Temp Jan | Max Temp Feb | Max Temp Mar | Max Temp Apr | Max Temp May | Max Temp Jun | Max Temp Jul | Max Temp Aug | Max Temp Sep | Max Temp Oct | Max Temp Nov | Max Temp Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Spezia | 11,0 | 11,00 | 13,70 | 16,80 | 19,40 | 23,70 | 26,50 | 26,70 | 23,60 | 19,90 | 15,60 | 12,80 |
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Town | Sunny Days % Jan | Sunny Days % Feb | Sunny Days % Mar | Sunny Days % Apr | Sunny Days % May | Sunny Days % Jun | Sunny Days % Jul | Sunny Days % Aug | Sunny Days % Sep | Sunny Days % Oct | Sunny Days % Nov | Sunny Days % Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Spezia | 44 | 42 | 53 | 55 | 59 | 66 | 73 | 72 | 63 | 46 | 35 | 45 |
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
Good
PM2.5
Fair
NO2
Good
SO2
Good
O₃
Fair
Air Quality Rating
92
Air Quality Description
La Spezia, nestled along Italy’s Ligurian Coast, offers relatively commendable air quality for its residents and visitors. The quaint seaside town presents an environment where emissions like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide maintain levels considered good, contributing to a cleaner breathing space. Particulate matter, representing smaller particles like PM2.5, is slightly elevated but remains in a fair range, suggesting moderate concern. Residents enjoy an atmosphere relatively free from heavy pollution, with ozone levels also noted as fair—adequate for outdoor activities without significant health concerns. La Spezia’s air profile supports a lifestyle suitable for those seeking a healthier living environment away from urban pollution extremes.
La Spezia, nestled along Italy’s Ligurian Coast, offers relatively commendable air quality for its residents and visitors. The quaint seaside town presents an environment where emissions like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide maintain levels considered good, contributing to a cleaner breathing space. Particulate matter, representing smaller particles like PM2.5, is slightly elevated but remains in a fair range, suggesting moderate concern. Residents enjoy an atmosphere relatively free from heavy pollution, with ozone levels also noted as fair—adequate for outdoor activities without significant health concerns. La Spezia’s air profile supports a lifestyle suitable for those seeking a healthier living environment away from urban pollution extremes.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
La Spezia benefits from good transport links, with access to major roads such as the A15 and A12. The nearest airport, Galileo Galilei in Pisa, is approximately 43 minutes away, while Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa is an hour’s drive. The town features two train stations that provide robust connectivity.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
La Spezia boasts a vibrant culinary scene showcasing the rich flavors of traditional Ligurian cuisine, characterized by robust seafood dishes and fresh local ingredients. Key specialties include Stoccafisso (dried cod), Muscoli (mussels), Acciughe (anchovies), and Testaroli, a type of pasta made from flour and water. The region is also known for its world-famous pesto, particularly Pesto alla Genovese, and various forms of focaccia, including Focaccia di Recco. The culinary landscape is complemented by a variety of international dining options, reflecting the town’s accessibility and tourist-friendly nature. Notably, La Spezia houses a Michelin-starred restaurant, showcasing an elevated dining experience that emphasizes locals’ ingredients and modern interpretations. Overall, the town’s gastronomic offerings accurately represent the traditions of Liguria while incorporating contemporary influences.
Shopping Overview
Shopping options in the area include a prominent shopping mall hosting numerous retailers, restaurants, and services. The city centre features vibrant streets lined with both local and international brands, alongside markets offering crafts and gourmet foods. Additionally, an outlet village provides discounted shopping in an outdoor format. Other smaller malls cater primarily to grocery needs. This diversity ensures a comprehensive shopping experience suitable for expatriates and retirees.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
La Spezia offers diverse outdoor activities set amidst a network of trails and green areas. Prominent trails include the Cinque Terre High Path, a 6-mile moderate trek from Campiglia to Portovenere and a more demanding 21.8-mile journey known as the Cinque Terre High Path AV5T. These routes offer significant elevation and substantial trekking experiences. Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere serves as a significant green area, catering to varied outdoor pursuits. The park’s extensive trails, coupled with its coastal landscapes, provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services available for residents and expats.
– Clean air and excellent air quality for healthy living.
– Low unemployment rate, contributing to economic stability.
– Convenient public transportation connecting to major Italian cities.
– Mild climate, ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Opportunities for integration into local community and activities.
– Good infrastructure supporting daily living and accessibility.
– Diverse recreational activities, including coastal and mountainous options.
– Reliable internet connectivity for work and communication needs.
❌ Cons
– Limited shopping options may leave you craving variety.
– Language barrier can complicate daily interactions and services.
– Summer tourism can lead to overcrowded beaches and attractions.
– Public transportation can be infrequent during off-peak hours.
– Local cuisine might not suit every palate or preference.
– Limited international school options for expat families with children.
– Hilly terrain may not be senior-friendly for mobility.
– Cost of living can be higher than other Italian towns.
– Local nightlife may not satisfy those seeking vibrant entertainment.
– Weather can be humid and rainy during certain seasons.
FAQs
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