Sitting on a wooded hillside overlooking the azure-blue sea below, Villa Superga is an idyllic base for a holiday on the Ligurian coast. Close by, guests can access fantastic coastal cycling routes, pristine beaches and the famous Cinque Terre villages.
The closest amenities to the home are located just 1km away in the small town of Bonassola. The settlement hails from the 12th century and is a lovely place to visit for dinner or a stroll. Here you can see a 16th-century castle built to defend the area from invading pirates. You can also visit the pretty Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. Though small, the town has a long and incredible beach, a grocery shop, a train station and a fabulous selection of restaurants.
For a wider selection of shops and eateries, why not head to Levanto, a lively seaside town 10km away. Though often just thought of as a gateway to the Cinque Terre villages, Levanto is a charming place to visit in its own right. The heart of the town is the area around the beautiful sandy beach popular with families. There is also a bustling old town here filled with medieval buildings, shops and restaurants. In the old town, you can visit several historic churches, a small castle, and elegant villas sitting in vast gardens, such as Villa Agnelli. Levanto is also a great place to try out water sports or access scenic walking routes through the nearby woodlands.
It would be a shame to spend a holiday in Liguria and not visit the much-loved Cinque Terre villages. This stunning collection of colourful fishing villages is a must-see, and the closest to the home is Monterosso which is just 21km away. As some villages are hard to reach by car, it is often a good idea to take the train to one and then move on to others on a boat tour or train. The train is reliable, and a train station is just 1km from the villa. Five villages make up this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you could opt to visit just one or all five during your stay. Riomaggiore is the largest of these well-preserved fishing villages, while Vernazza is one of the more popular.
For a memorable day trip, you could also take a boat excursion from Levanto, which passes all the villages as it sails down to the coastline. From the comfort of your boat, you can take in the staggering views of the pastel-hued buildings which cling to the cliff-side. The trip takes around four hours and is broken up by stopping for a refreshing swim and a sumptuous Ligurian lunch on board.
If you would like to spend the day in a bustling city with a wide array of cafes, shops, restaurants, and plenty of cultural attractions, you should drive to La Spezia, a city set 43km away. The city is home to numerous museums and art galleries you can visit, including the popular Archaeological Museum, which is located within the imposing Castello di San Giorgio. There are also some brilliant markets here, historic buildings, serene parks and gardens, and a lively harbour, the perfect spot for a seafood dinner.
The Region
Nestled along the ruggedly beautiful Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a collection of five picturesque coastal villages that have become synonymous with charm, character, and an unparalleled sense of natural beauty. Each of these villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, is a jewel in its own right, with unique attractions and offerings that collectively make Cinque Terre an enchanting destination.
