Casetta Valentina - Montemarcello/Cinque Terre Area

Accommodates 2 - 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Casetta Valentina is a rarity: a fully free-standing cottage for just 2 persons. The location is the charming fortified hamlet of Montemarcello, 800 feet above the sea from high up along the coast at the southern end of the Riviera southeast of La Spezia and Portovenere, a great base for the Cinque Terre. The village enjoys beautiful views of the Gulf of the Poets (named for Keats and Shelley), as well as of the Magra River basin and the coast to the south. Positioning yourself here, you’re within easy striking distance not only of the Cinque Terre, but also of Santa Margherita, Portofino, Rapallo, Genoa, and Portovenere in one direction; and of Lucca, Pisa, Carrara, Viareggio, and Forte dei Marmi in the other. Even Parma and Firenze are thinkable daytrips. Less well known are some really delightful interior hilltowns closeby like Sarzana, Nicola, and Colonnata.

Over the past 20 years, Montemarcello, with its characteristic combination of stone and painted houses, has become a fashionable but not terribly trendy refuge for writers, painters, and journalists. On a practical level, there are a post office, small shops, and two or three good homestyle restaurants. It’s for those who want to breathe in the atmosphere of a seaside community without being with the masses. Since 1985, Montemarcello has in its entirety been designated a National Park. Ameglia is the closest large town, 5 kilometers away; there, you’ll find everything including large supermarket, bank, all shopping and other services.

One important thing to keep in mind: Montemarcello is not at water’s edge. Can you walk to the “beach”? Yes, you can. It’s 700 steps straight down (and, don’t forget, back up again!). Better, you can drive down to nearby Bocca di Magra, where, in fine weather, there’s a little boat service which will transport you to any of several sandy coves inaccessible except from the sea. More “important” beaches with all facilities are within a half hour’s drive at Marina di Carrara, Forte di Marmi, and Marina di Pietrasanta. Also, at Monterosso, the only one of the Cinque Terre with what passes for a real beach.

Also: Can you come here without a car? Yes, you can, by using good bus services from both Ameglia and La Spezia. But we think you should have a car. Call us to discuss if you’re interested in a car-free experience.

Entirely remodelled in 2003, Casetta Valentina is an immensely appealing stone cottage accessible only by foot. You can park pretty close by, not more than 200 feet away in a small public parking lot, but you must be willing and able to transport yourselves – and your luggage – from your car to the cottage. This is crucial.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a living/dining room with Italian TV, small eat-in kitchen, and bath with shower. Upstairs is the bedroom with a queen-size bed. Immediately outside the living room is a patio for outdoor dining and lounging, plus there’s a second terrace on the upper level which enjoys a lovely view of both the sea and the mountains behind.

The owners, who live in a separate house next door, will make you feel immediately at home, offering you their exquisite little tomatoes and other vegetables from their garden. They’ll even prepare supper for you at modest cost. A laundry room is located just outside the cottage; you can also rent a cell phone.

Casetta Valentina is a delightful property, perfect for a couple, in a perfectly preserved little hilltop village overlooking the sea, far removed from the beaten path, yet easily accessible to so many things you’ve dreamed of seeing and doing.