La Spezia Food Tour: Central Market and Wine Tastings

A La Spezia food tour is a good way to meet the city through what it eats. For about two hours a local guide leads a walk through alleys, squares and old shops, with the stalls of the Central Market as the first big stop.

The tastings come one after another: focaccia with pesto, cold cuts and cheeses from the nearby Val di Vara, trippa alla spezzina cooked to the traditional recipe, chestnut castagnaccio, chickpea farinata fresh from the oven and the local-style pizza. Depending on the season and availability, other specialties join them, and the guide explains the history behind each one.

• A guided walk through the city centre
• The Central Market and a tasting of its products
• Local foods, from farinata to castagnaccio
• Local wine and a half-liter bottle of water

Wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather and tell the guide in advance about allergies or dietary needs. Getting to the meeting point is up to you.