A farmstay in Liguria is the best way to enjoy the olive groves and vineyards, just a few kilometers from the sea. The most popular areas are the Levante region around Levanto, the Cinque Terre, and the Gulf of La Spezia, and the Ponente region in the hinterland of Imperia, Diano Marina, and Albenga—the land of olive oil and Taggiasca olives. You’ll find about two hundred of them on Booking: below are the best areas, what to expect, and even where to find a spa for a few days of relaxation.
- Near the Cinque Terre: the hills of Levanto, La Spezia, Lerici, and Sarzana
- Among the Olive Trees of Ponente: the Hinterland of Imperia, Diano Marina, and Albenga
- Riviera dei Fiori: the valleys behind Sanremo and Bordighera, with villages such as Dolceacqua and Apricale
- What to expect: a few rooms, a kitchen featuring locally sourced ingredients, and often a pool and a view
- Do you need a car? Almost always, yes: farm stays are located in the hills, outside of towns
Farmstay Accommodations in Liguria on Booking
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Farmstays near the Cinque Terre
The hills between Levanto, La Spezia, and Sarzana are home to the largest number of agritourism properties in the region. Accommodations here are generally less expensive than in the villages, and it’s cooler in the summer; to visit the Cinque Terre, drive down to the nearest train station and continue by train. In the Cinque Terre, grapes are grown on terraces overlooking the sea: this is the land of Sciacchetrà, the local passito wine.
Farmstays near Levanto Farm stays near La Spezia
Farmstays in the Ponente region, among the olive trees
Behind Imperia and Diano Marina, the hills are covered with olive trees: this is where oil is produced from Taggiasca olives. Around Albenga, the plain is famous for its vegetables, such as purple asparagus and spiny artichokes. A farmstay in this area combines the countryside with the sea: the sandy beaches are just a few minutes away.
Farmstays near Imperia Farm stays near Albenga
Farmstays on the Riviera dei Fiori
Behind Sanremo and Bordighera lie the Nervia Valley and the Argentina Valley, dotted with stone villages such as Dolceacqua, Apricale, and Pigna. This is the region of Rossese di Dolceacqua and Taggiasco olive oil, just half an hour from the French Riviera.
Spas and Wellness in Liguria
If you’re looking for a few days of relaxation, there are about 180 properties with spas listed on Booking in Liguria: large seaside hotels, resorts in the hills, and a few farm stays with small wellness centers. The selection is widest around Alassio and Finale Ligure in western Liguria and between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure in eastern Liguria.
Tips for Choosing
- Roads: Many farm stays are accessible via narrow, winding roads; ask what the final stretch is like.
- Dinner: Not all places serve dinner; if you’re interested, ask if dinner is served and if you need to make a reservation.
- Swimming pool: It makes all the difference in the summer, especially with kids—make sure there’s one.
- Distance from the sea: “near the sea” in Liguria can mean a 20-minute drive on winding roads.
- Off-season: In the spring and fall, farm stays are quiet and prices are lower.
Would you rather spend time at the beach? Check out the beachfront hotels or campgrounds in Liguria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the most beautiful farm stays in Liguria?
In the hills near the Cinque Terre, between Levanto, La Spezia, and Sarzana, and in the Ponente hinterland, among the olive groves of Imperia, Diano Marina, and Albenga.
Are there any farm stays in the Cinque Terre?
There are very few in the villages; there are many more in the surrounding hills, between Levanto and La Spezia. From there, you can reach the Cinque Terre by car or train.
Do you need a car for a farm stay in Liguria?
Almost always, yes: farm stays are located in the hills, outside town centers, often along narrow roads.
Where can I find a spa in Liguria?
Especially around Alassio and Finale Ligure in the western part of the region and between Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure in the eastern part, in seaside hotels and hillside resorts.