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itinerary timetable
Stage
8
Wednesday 20
May 2026
82,9 km
Altitude gain 1550 mt
Technical Level: Advanced
Physical Effort: High
Starting in
D ::
La Spezia -
Chiavari
Stage 8
La Spezia - Chiavari
Roma -
Roma
Roma
18
tourist info
Host city:
start
finish
La Spezia
Overview
Stroll through the historic centre along Via del Prione and around the squares lined with 19th-century buildings and arcades. Head up to San Giorgio Castle for sweeping gulf views and the Archaeological Museum, featuring local finds. Art lovers can visit the Amedeo Lia Museum (paintings and illuminated manuscripts), while the Naval Technical Museum highlights the city’s seafaring heritage. Don’t miss the Morin promenade and waterfront—especially at sunset. La Spezia is also a practical base for boat trips to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre, or quick train rides to coastal villages.
For more sustainable travel, walk around the centre (many streets are flat and easy) and use any bike-sharing services available in the city when in operation. Urban cycle-lane segments make it convenient to get between the railway station, the centre and the waterfront; for short trips you may also consider shared micromobility (e.g., e-scooters) in line with local rules. To reach the Cinque Terre and nearby coastal villages, trains are often the quickest choice; alternatively, ferries let you travel by sea, cut down on car use and enjoy beautiful views of the gulf.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine blends sea and inland traditions. Start with mesciùa, a comforting soup of legumes and grains, and stuffed mussels (“muscoli ripieni”), often paired with crisp local whites. Anchovies and other small fish are common too, typically prepared simply with olive oil and herbs. From the hinterland, don’t miss testaroli and panigacci, served with pesto, cheeses or cured meats. Ligurian focaccia and chickpea farinata are everyday staples and great street food. If you have time, look out for homemade-style desserts and seasonal garden produce that reflect the area’s authentic food culture.
Wine & Drinks
Among the most representative wines are the coastal whites of Cinque Terre DOC, made from grapes such as Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino—fresh, saline and perfect with fish and focaccia. Also worth tasting is Sciacchetrà, a rare, intense passito that pairs well with dry biscuits or cheeses. Inland, the Colli di Luni DOC area is known above all for Vermentino: Mediterranean aromas, good body and great match for seafood, pesto-based pasta and vegetable dishes. In a wine bar or shop, ask for small local producers and different vintages to appreciate the area’s nuances.
Highlights & Landmarks
Stroll through the historic centre along Via del Prione and around the squares lined with 19th-century buildings and arcades. Head up to San Giorgio Castle for sweeping gulf views and the Archaeological Museum, featuring local finds. Art lovers can visit the Amedeo Lia Museum (paintings and illuminated manuscripts), while the Naval Technical Museum highlights the city’s seafaring heritage. Don’t miss the Morin promenade and waterfront—especially at sunset. La Spezia is also a practical base for boat trips to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre, or quick train rides to coastal villages.
Chiavari
Overview
Located on the eastern Ligurian coast in the Tigullio area, Chiavari is a town overlooking the Ligurian Sea, with a history that spans from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Its historic centre is characterised by a regular urban layout and long arcades, distinctive features of the city’s architecture. Over the centuries, Chiavari played an important commercial and administrative role, as evidenced by its historic palaces and civic buildings. Today, the city retains a strong urban identity, combining its historical heritage with a tourist vocation linked to the sea and the Tigullio region.
Gastronomy
Chiavari’s culinary tradition fully embodies the essence of Ligurian cuisine, defined by simple ingredients and beautifully balanced flavours. Among its most iconic dishes are trofie al pesto, a regional classic often served with potatoes and green beans, and farinata, a chickpea-based specialty that is crisp on the outside and soft within. Focaccia ligure, golden and fragrant, is a daily staple enjoyed at any time. Local products include a delicate and harmonious extra virgin olive oil, while the inland areas offer specialties such as the “Misto Chiavari” hazelnut and its artisanal creations. On the sweet side, Sorrisi di Chiavari – pralines made with gianduia and chocolate – reflect the town’s refined confectionery tradition.
Wine & Drinks
The Chiavari area produces wines shaped by its mild climate and close connection to the sea. Among the most representative are Ciliegiolo, a soft and fruit-forward red, Vermentino, a fresh and aromatic white with distinctive Mediterranean notes, and Bianchetta Genovese, known for its delicate, savoury character and its perfect pairing with seafood dishes. Alongside its winemaking tradition, the area is also known for Camatti, a historic amaro with intense herbal notes, a true symbol of local liqueur craftsmanship.
Highlights & Landmarks
Chiavari’s heritage unfolds through historic architecture, distinctive urban spaces, and scenic views over the Gulf of Tigullio. Among its most notable landmarks is Palazzo Rocca, an elegant noble residence set within a botanical park, featuring atmospheric elements such as a Pompeian-style temple and a tranquil pond. The town centre is renowned for its medieval arcades, stretching for kilometres through streets and squares, and for the Cathedral of Nostra Signora dell’Orto, the spiritual heart of the city.
Overlooking the sea, Piazza Gagliardo offers one of the most captivating panoramic viewpoints, while the Chiavari Marina stands as a modern nautical hub, ideally located between Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Among 20th-century landmarks, the Torre Fara stands out as a striking example of futurist architecture, now restored and revitalised.
The city’s historic fabric also includes the Palazzo dei Portici Neri, a medieval building linked to the Fieschi family, and the remains of the Castle, preserving traces of the ancient defensive system. On the religious side, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie, set along the coast, is enriched with Renaissance frescoes.
Alongside its monuments, Chiavari offers natural spaces such as the Entella River Park, a protected area ideal for outdoor activities, connected to hillside trails winding through olive groves and terraced landscapes with sweeping sea views.
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