- Home
- Useful Tips
- Best day trips from La Spezia...
Many travelers using La Spezia as a Cinque Terre base miss the breathtaking hill territories just inland, where medieval villages cling to terraced slopes and vineyards stretch to the horizon. Over 60% of day-trippers crowd the coastal paths, unaware that the surrounding hills offer cooler temperatures, authentic trattorias, and panoramic views without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds. The challenge lies in navigating winding mountain roads, deciphering limited bus schedules, or choosing between dozens of seemingly similar villages. This disconnect leaves visitors torn between the safety of familiar coastal destinations and the longing for undiscovered Italy. Those who venture inland discover a world where time moves slower, where €10 buys a multi-course farmhouse lunch, and where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista untouched by mass tourism.
Navigating the maze of hill villages – which are worth your time?
The Ligurian hills surrounding La Spezia hide over twenty historic villages, but three stand out for their accessibility and authentic charm. Biassa serves as the quiet backdoor to Riomaggiore, with a steep but rewarding 90-minute hike through vineyards that locals use to bypass the coastal crowds. Montemarcello offers a completely different perspective, perched on a ridge where you can simultaneously see the Apuan Alps and the Gulf of Poets. For those seeking living history, the walled village of Vezzano Ligure still holds medieval festivals in its ancient square every summer. The key is matching villages to your mobility level – while some like Biassa have direct bus connections, others require a mix of trains and local taxis. Early risers gain the advantage of golden morning light over the terraced landscapes and beat the midday heat that can make uphill walks challenging.
The transportation puzzle – solving hill access without a car
Public transport to La Spezia's hill villages operates on a logic that baffles many visitors – buses may run hourly or just three times daily, with cryptic schedules only posted at the central bus terminal. The ATC line 19 to Biassa and Campiglia departs from Piazza Chiodo, while SITA buses serve eastern villages like Vezzano from the main train station. Savvy travelers use the Trenitalia app to check regional trains to lesser-known stops like Vezzano's station, which sits 2km below the village (a scenic walk or quick taxi ride away). For maximum flexibility, the 'Tigullio Bike' sharing system offers e-bikes capable of handling the hills, with pickup points near La Spezia Centrale. Those wanting to visit multiple villages in one day should note the 'Cinque Terre Trekking Bus' that loops through higher-altitude trails on weekends from April to October, connecting hiking routes rather than town centers.
UPDATES FOR YEAR 2026
Digital Booking and Navigating New Bus Fare Zones
The regional transportation network has transitioned to a digital-first system, significantly resolving the traditional 'puzzles' of physical schedules. Travelers can now use the ATCGO or MooneyGo apps to purchase tickets and view real-time GPS tracking for buses serving Biassa, Campiglia, and Vezzano Ligure. Standard urban fares are currently set at €1.50 for 60 minutes, while suburban routes reaching higher ridge villages are priced at €3.00 for the 0-22km zone. A critical update for those combining hills with coastal stops: the National Park has introduced a tiered pricing model for the Trekking Bus and trails, with costs now fluctuating based on a color-coded peak-day calendar. Furthermore, with the full reopening of the Via dell’Amore under a new reservation-only protocol, the high-altitude 'backdoor' trails from Biassa are experiencing higher demand, making it essential to validate digital tickets before boarding to avoid steep on-board surcharges.
Hillside feasts – where to eat like a local without tourist prices
The terraced slopes above La Spezia produce some of Liguria's finest olive oil and DOC wines, best sampled at family-run agriturismos requiring advance reservation. At Trattoria dal Billy in Montemarcello, the testarolo pasta – a local specialty cooked on terracotta tiles – comes with views stretching to Portovenere. Budget-conscious travelers target village sagras (food festivals), where €15 might buy unlimited tastings of wild boar stew and chestnut flour desserts. In Vezzano Ligure, Panificio Rosi bakes farinata (chickpea flatbread) in a wood-fired oven that's been operating since 1882 – arrive before noon when locals pick up their daily portion. An insider's trick: look for restaurants with 'Cucina Casalinga' (home cooking) signs rather than 'Turistico' labels, and don't be surprised if menus appear only in Italian – this often indicates better quality and lower prices.
Secret trails and viewpoints even guidebooks miss
Beyond the well-trodden paths to Cinque Terre, the hills conceal ancient mule tracks and wartime resistance routes now perfect for peaceful hiking. The Sentiero dei Santuari connects five hilltop sanctuaries with minimal elevation gain, passing through chestnut forests where foragers gather porcini in autumn. For photographers, the abandoned village of Pugliola offers crumbling stone houses framed by the sea below – accessible via a 40-minute walk from the Biassa bus stop. Hardcore hikers tackle the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri stages, where refuges serve hearty minestrone to those traversing the ridge lines. A little-known fact: many trails have dual numbering systems (CAI red-white marks and local council signs), so downloading the Liguria Trekking app prevents confusion at junctions. These routes reveal why Ligurians call their hills 'the real Cinque Terre' – where silence is broken only by church bells and the clinking of vineyard workers' tools.
FAQ 2026
What is the cost of a bus ticket from La Spezia to the hill villages in 2026?
In 2026, a standard 60-minute urban ticket costs €1.50, while the suburban 'Fascia 0-22 km' ticket required for villages like Vezzano Ligure or Montemarcello is €3.00. Note that purchasing tickets directly from the driver now carries a significant surcharge of up to double the base price.
In 2026, a standard 60-minute urban ticket costs €1.50, while the suburban 'Fascia 0-22 km' ticket required for villages like Vezzano Ligure or Montemarcello is €3.00. Note that purchasing tickets directly from the driver now carries a significant surcharge of up to double the base price.
Can I buy digital bus tickets for the La Spezia hillside routes in 2026?
Yes, in 2026, visitors should use the ATCGO, MooneyGo, or DropTicket apps. These platforms allow you to purchase and validate urban or extra-urban tickets directly on your smartphone, providing a reliable alternative to finding local tobacco shops (tabacchi) which often have limited hours.
Yes, in 2026, visitors should use the ATCGO, MooneyGo, or DropTicket apps. These platforms allow you to purchase and validate urban or extra-urban tickets directly on your smartphone, providing a reliable alternative to finding local tobacco shops (tabacchi) which often have limited hours.
Does the 2026 Cinque Terre Card include buses to villages like Biassa?
The 2026 Cinque Terre Card covers the specific 'Trekking Bus' service within the National Park boundaries, including the route between Biassa and the Riomaggiore heights. However, standard ATC bus tickets are still required for hill villages located outside the park's jurisdiction, such as Vezzano Ligure and Pitelli.
The 2026 Cinque Terre Card covers the specific 'Trekking Bus' service within the National Park boundaries, including the route between Biassa and the Riomaggiore heights. However, standard ATC bus tickets are still required for hill villages located outside the park's jurisdiction, such as Vezzano Ligure and Pitelli.
Written by La Spezia Tours Editorial Team & Licensed Local Experts.
Last updated: 24/02/26