During your stay in La Spezia, set aside a day to discover the Val di Vara, an authentic corner of Italy tucked behind the Cinque Terre, where nature, history and tradition meet in a landscape of rare beauty.
Known as the Valley of Organic Farming, the Val di Vara is celebrated for its outstanding agricultural produce and for a cuisine built entirely around local flavours. Cheeses, honey, extra virgin olive oil, mushrooms, cured meats, local wines and countless other specialities tell the story of a tradition that has combined quality, honesty and respect for the environment for generations.
With its woodlands, meadows, mountain streams and unspoilt scenery, the Val di Vara is considered one of the greenest areas in Italy and the ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience an authentic Liguria, far from mass tourism.
Among the highlights are Brugnato and Varese Ligure, both members of the prestigious “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia” network of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Brugnato charms visitors with its atmospheric medieval centre and the well-known Brugnato 5Terre Outlet Village, where you can shop the best Italian and international labels. Varese Ligure, meanwhile, wins hearts with its distinctive Borgo Rotondo, the Fieschi Castle and a long-standing commitment to organic agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Beyond these two lovely villages, the Val di Vara is home to many small towns rich in history, with ancient churches, castles and breathtaking views, all waiting to be explored at a gentle pace.
From the Downtown Blue Apartment you can reach Piazza Chiodo with a pleasant ten-minute walk. This is where the regional buses depart, connecting La Spezia with the main villages of the Val di Vara, an excellent option for anyone travelling without a car.
The strategic position of the Downtown Blue Apartment, just steps from the railway station and close to all the main services in town, lets you alternate visits to the Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets with an excursion into a valley still largely undiscovered by international tourism, yet capable of delivering genuinely memorable experiences.
If you love nature, medieval villages, honest food and local traditions, the Val di Vara will win you over. An experience that will make your stay in La Spezia richer and more unforgettable still.