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Olive Farm Apartments, near La Speziaamazing coastal scenery • explore the Cinque Terre National Park
All apartments: • 1-2 bedrooms (sleep up to 6) • bathroom • living-cum-dining room • basic kitchenette with 4-ring hob & fridge • air-conditioning • shared pool (usually open May to late September) • Menello: fireplace in living room • Porfiano: closer to shared pool Activities/facilities available: • walking (notes provided) • nearest beach 8km • nearest shop & restaurant 1½km
For glittering blue seas, tiny villages of painted houses framed by sheer cliffs, and delicious seafood restaurants, come to the Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’) National Park in easternmost Liguria. The Park is named after the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore which shelter in small coves between the rugged headlands.
The busy port of La Spezia in the Gulf of Poets, just to the north, makes a great base from which to explore. Only by exploring on foot can you best appreciate the extraordinary scenery that surrounds these villages. You can walk the famous - and very popular - path of the Cinque Terre (entrance fee payable locally) or follow our suggestions which explore the quiet, little-used paths high above the coast so as to discover the ‘real’ Cinque Terre and some truly astonishing views: Through Vineyards to Vernazza (15km, 7hrs): a demanding but thrilling
circular walk leads inland from Monterosso to two chapels which boast
incredible views across the terraced slopes to the sea. The route then
takes you across several small valleys, through woodland and vineyards,
before zigzagging steeply down to the very traditional village of Vernazza
from where you follow the main coastal path back to Monterosso.
For a break from walking, you can use your hire car to explore the Park further. Other worthwhile excursions include the island of Palmaria and even the intriguing Mediterranean port of Genova and the famous Tuscan town of Pisa, both also accessible by train.
Reached via a steep, twisting road, the Olive Farm is located above the town in the hills, 3 kilometres from La Spezia and its restaurants (a 1½-kilometre stepped path takes a more direct route from the estate down to the port). As its name suggests, the handsome old stone buildings are surrounded by olive groves as well as vineyards from which your friendly hosts produce oil and wine. The apartments and open-plan studios are in two buildings, Menello and Porfiano, about 500 metres apart. For April and October, we recommend those in Menello, which have a fireplace in the living room. For other months, Porfiano is air-conditioned and closer to the panoramic swimming pool with its views over the coast. The accommodation in both is decorated in warm colours, and furnished with wrought-iron beds and antiques. Original features, such as beamed ceilings and exposed stonework, add real rustic character. Outside, there is plenty of space to sit and relax in the extensive grounds.
Prices & travel 2009:
Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais > Important notes on pricing > Booking form (Menello: studio with alcove)  |
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