There are places and experiences in your life that you know you will return to in your memory time & again. For us Villa Castello Portovenere was one. Paola manages the property and is extremely responsive and helpful. Upon arrival, she will meet you and take you on a journey to the green door. When you walk through that threshold, you are transported to another time and place. The beauty of the views over The Gulf of Poets, treasures from a garden bursting with fresh, ripe, fruits and vegetables, a peaceful setting allowing lucky guests to experience Italy as it was in a time long ago. A time, without the crush of crowds from cruise ships. A time when you could make a meal from the garden, watch a sunset while sipping a negroni at a small marble table under a canopy of century old grapevines, listening to the serenade of seabirds, ocean waves and the hourly chimes of the Church of San Lorenzo. All of this, within walking distance to Byron’s Grotto & the small but iconic Church of San Pietro.
Villa Castello is a beautiful, peaceful setting that you will never forget. The Villa itself is simple and unpretentious with all the amenities necessary for a sound sleep, preparation of a fabulous homemade meal with fresh ingredients from the garden and/or the Ligurian Coast. The Villa has excellent air conditioning, comfortable beds, bathroom with rain-shower, washing machine, dishwasher, grill, indoor & outdoor dining areas, TV and internet. There is one grocery in town with excellent local ingredients. There are also wine shops with bottles unique to the region.
Villa guests need to be fit and traveling light because It is a challenging hike up 365 steps to arrive at the green door. But, it is an experience well worth the effort.
Here’s an insiders tip: During your stay, avoid the crowds, swim in secret coves and tour the Cinque Terre on a private boat tour with Antonio (Crazyboat Cinque Terre). Truly a don’t miss addition to your stay in Portovenere.
