How to enjoy La Spezia on a rainy day

Rain in La Spezia can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, especially for visitors dreaming of exploring the colorful Cinque Terre villages. With over 100 rainy days annually in this coastal region, unexpected showers force many travelers to scramble for last-minute alternatives. The frustration mounts when you've allocated limited vacation time only to face closed hiking trails and obscured seaside views. Wet cobblestones make village-hopping between Riomaggiore and Monterosso challenging, while ferry services often suspend operations during storms. Yet this maritime city holds surprising indoor treasures most tourists overlook in their rush to the UNESCO sites. From naval history deep dives to artisan workshops, La Spezia offers authentic Ligurian experiences that shine regardless of weather.

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Discover La Spezia's maritime heritage at the Naval Technical Museum

When rain pelts the Ligurian coast, the Museo Tecnico Navale becomes a sanctuary for curious minds. This often-overlooked museum houses one of Italy's most important naval collections, tracing centuries of seafaring innovation. You'll encounter intricate ship models showing the evolution from medieval galleys to modern aircraft carriers, with detailed explanations in English. The submarine section proves particularly fascinating, featuring actual periscopes and torpedo mechanisms. Locals love the exhibit on La Spezia's role as Italy's primary naval base, complete with wartime artifacts recovered from nearby waters. Spend a dry hour admiring Renaissance navigation instruments or studying beautifully preserved uniform collections. The museum's location in the historic Arsenal district adds atmospheric context, with vaulted ceilings echoing the city's maritime heartbeat.

Join a pesto-making class with Cinque Terre chefs

Rainy days create perfect conditions for mastering Liguria's most famous culinary art. Several La Spezia cooking schools offer pesto-making workshops where you'll learn the exact techniques used in Cinque Terre homes. Local chefs reveal why the basil from Pra' (just west of Genoa) makes all the difference, and how to properly crush ingredients in marble mortars. These hands-on sessions typically include making fresh trofie pasta to accompany your emerald-green sauce. You'll discover why Ligurians never use garlic presses and the precise olive oil-to-cheese ratio that creates authentic flavor. Most classes conclude with a communal lunch featuring your creations alongside regional wines, transforming gloomy weather into a memorable cultural exchange. Some schools even provide recipes printed on waterproof paper - a practical souvenir for damp days.

Explore the contemporary art scene at CAMeC

Modern art enthusiasts find unexpected refuge at CAMeC (Center of Modern and Contemporary Art), where innovative exhibitions showcase Ligurian talent. Housed in a converted early 20th-century school building, the museum's rotating collections often highlight how local artists interpret coastal life beyond postcard clichés. Recent exhibitions have featured haunting Mediterranean seascapes and abstract sculptures inspired by fishing nets. The top-floor permanent collection displays works by important 20th-century La Spezia natives like Cesare Peverelli, whose vibrant pieces reflect the region's light even on gray days. Quiet corners with design books and temporary installation spaces encourage lingering contemplation. Check their schedule for artist talks or film screenings that frequently occur during inclement weather, offering deeper context about the regional creative community.

Savor slow moments at historic cafés and bookshops

La Spezia's elegant cafés and niche bookstores transform rainy afternoons into cherished cultural pauses. Join locals at Caffè Roma, where Art Nouveau mirrors reflect the steam from your cioccolata densa (thick hot chocolate) as rain streaks the arched windows. Nearby Libreria Ubik tempts bibliophiles with curated selections of Italian-design books and Ligurian cookbooks. For a truly immersive experience, visit the vintage-styled Antica Spezieria, where wooden cabinets display traditional herbal remedies once used by sailors. These atmospheric spots allow you to absorb local rhythms while staying dry - order a slice of castagnaccio (chestnut cake) and watch the piazza umbrellas bob like mushrooms. Many establishments host impromptu readings or musical performances when weather keeps people indoors, creating unplanned connections with La Spezia's creative community.