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Customer Reviews

Overall:
Great location, walk to town.
Enjoyed Most:
The private patio overlooking the beach.
Enjoyed Least:
The plumbing.
Surrounding Area:
Portovenere is a great place.
Tips or Restaurants:
Antonio's Mussels are the best.
Check In Out:
My Italian was not good at check-in and check-out.

Philip, October, 2012

Overall:
We enjoyed the port town of Portovenere. It's small and quaint. It was an easy walk to town and to see some of the historical sites. It's also an easy departure point to see the towns of Cinque Terre (hopefully the hiking trails won't be closed when you are there). The parking, though, is very limited and you need to purchase a pass just to park--and then hope you can find a spot.
Enjoyed Most:
The small house was cute and had a wonderful view of the water and the boats in the harbor. The patio was a nice place to sit with our wine and "people watch" as folks walked up and down the strand. It was an easy walk to town for a quick espresso and gelato--so very convenient.
Enjoyed Least:
The shower was small and plugged up. The igniters on the stovetop were quite a challenge. There is no American coffee pot and while there is a TV, it only has Italian channels. Not a big deal as we weren't there to watch TV!
Surrounding Area:
We had first gone to the Chianti region so this was quite a change and gave us another perspective on Italy. Driving around all of Italy we found it to be lush and green with either preserved hilltop towns or old or ruins of long ago castles. The history surrounding you is difficult to describe but awe-inspiring. This was a good departure point to see the five towns of Cinque Terre. We were also able to take an overnight trip to the Verona area to do a bit more sightseeing.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Portovenere was the closest town and definitely an easy walk.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring salt and pepper, salad dressing, and any comfort food that is not Italian. Most of the markets (COOPs) have ingredients for Italian dishes and not much more. We did find the larger COOP in Spezia had more food choices to offer. Definitely bring a GPS if you are renting a car or you will be lost in the world of never ending rotaries. You should also bring a wash cloth as they aren't supplied in the units. Parking in all the areas of Italy we visited is very challenging so plan ahead. Keep in mind that Italy was built long before parking was an issue. Go the the Pizzeria Il Timone for dinner.
Directions:
Yes, we used a GPS and again be ready with Euros to purchase a parking pass. Lorella allowed us to park in front of the unit to unload but then the next morning we had to find a place to park.
Check In Out:
The check in/out was fine but the front door key can be a bit tricky.

Sandra, October, 2012

Overall:
Very good overall.
Enjoyed Most:
Portovenere is not overrun by toruists at the end of April. Good place to relax.
Enjoyed Least:
Extra charge for heating the property.
Tips or Restaurants:
Everything you need is available nearby.

Frank, May, 2012

Overall:
We had a fantastic week at Lunetta, a beautiful little beachside bungalow. The owners, Giuliana and Laurella, made us feel like family. The highlight of each day was sitting out in the front garden drinking wine and watching all the activity on the water: yachts, fishing boats, and ferries full of happy holiday makers heading for the Cinque Terre--all right in our front yard!
Enjoyed Most:
The beautiful views from every room and the front garden.
Enjoyed Least:
The fact that we had to leave it!
Surrounding Area:
We felt like locals in the little village, especially in the evenings when very few tourists were around. There were so many great restaurants and little shops and we never got tired of exploring. The town and surroundings were both visually stunning.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The bus stop right across the street from the property connects to all the small towns nearby and we took it to La Spezia a few times to reach the train, as well as explore La Spezia. There's also a walking path to the nearest coastal village, starting at the top of the central piazza in Portovenere, but we only walked part of the way as it was quite challenging.
Tips or Restaurants:
There's an excellent grocery store just down from the property through a stone arch that has everything you need. It's open on Saturday afternoon so you can stock up when you first arrive. We tried several restaurants in town (as well as down the beach out of town) and every one was very good. The seafood is so fresh, especially the mussels which are harvested right there in Poets bay. The swimming beach is right across the street and the water is gorgeous--so bring swimwear.
Directions:
We came by train to La Spezia and then took a cab to the property. It cost 35 Euros. When we left we took the bus back to La Spezia and walked to the train--about a 15 minute walk if you're dragging a roller bag, 10 without.
Check In Out:
The owner met us at the front gate and took care of everything, including providing directions on how to operate the washer--not simple for us Americans! She also walked us to the bus when we left and asked the driver to let us know where to get off. It couldn't have been any easier.

Julie, May, 2011

Overall:
Exceeded my expectations.
Enjoyed Most:
The view and the location.
Enjoyed Least:
nothing not liked
Surrounding Area:
Beautiful and peaceful.
Nearby Events or Locales:
In Portovenere, an easy walk to the piazza and town restaurants.
Tips or Restaurants:
The close grocery store allowed us to easily provision our delightful kitchen with all the necessities, coffee, yogurt, cereal, etc. We enjoyed making several meals at "home", breakfast each day, several lunches and a couple of dinners.
Directions:
we did not have a car and very easily used buses, trains, ferries.

Ann, May, 2011

Overall:
Our week-long stay at Lunetta was the best part of our 12-day visit to Italy. The house was absolutely lovely. The view was spectacular. The waterfront location was close to everything you needed or wanted to do, and yet the terraced property and situation of the house provided a sense of privacy and serenity unequaled by any vacation property we have ever rented.
Enjoyed Most:
The house and the setting were perfectly married, an ideal cottage by the sea. The view from the property was expansive and idyllic. Additionally, the owners who occupy the gorgeous villa and grounds on the terraces above the house were extremely gracious and helpful, while at the same time providing us with a sense of privacy by their attentive but polite demeanor. Wonderful house and wonderful people.
Enjoyed Least:
The house would have been perfect for us if it had been equipped with a microwave, wifi, and an outdoor grill, but these represent a minor shortcoming for what otherwise broaches on perfection.
Surrounding Area:
The food and the local wines! The people! The architecture of the centuries-old towns and cities. The breathtaking scenery of mountains and deep azure sea coming together in one place. A visually stunning environment all the way around.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The house is located just outside the central part of Portovenere, only a few easy minutes of walking. The town itself is lovely in every way, picturesque, colorful, full of great venues for enjoying the waterfront and the antiquities that comprise the old port city. It also boasts a number of excellent restaurants. Additionally, the nearest city, La Spezia, is only fifteen minutes away by bus and offers another great source of beauty and enjoyment. La Spezia also offers some very nice shopping and great pedestrian feel.
Tips or Restaurants:
Pack light. Almost anything you could possibly need is easily at hand. Regarding restaurants, try the small, intimate places for great food, atmosphere, and value. If you like shell fish, especially mussels, there is no town like Portovenere. Mussels Marinara!!!!
Directions:
The house is located on the main seafront road with no side streets to navigate, no complex directions required. We took a cab from the La Spezia train station directly to the house just by giving the driver the address.
Check In Out:
When we arrived in La Spezia, we called the property manager, who is fully bilingual in English and Italian, and she did a great job of accommodating us and connecting us with the owners who when we arrived welcomed us with terrific warmth and hospitality. It could not have been a better experience.

David , May, 2010

Overall:
Just a big thank you to the owners for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Enjoyed Most:
PortoVenere was the ideal, gentle and beautiful village base for hopping around the Cinque Terre and up to Santa Margherita and Portofino. The owners were very helpful and the house was extremely relaxing and easy and we could sit and watch all the activity in the bay and marina and across the water to the mainland and mountains. Just perfect.
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing. The house, though not luxurious, was absolutely comfortable and the basics of food provided on arrival were very welcome until we got to the shops.
Surrounding Area:
As said the immediate environment was superb with easy access to La Spezia, and all the Cinque Terre towns or inland if you wanted to leave the coast. We enjoyed every minute of our stay and would have liked longer but...
Nearby Events or Locales:
PortoVenere town and restaurants and shops were a 5 minute walk. Bus stopped outside the villa for La Spezia and boats 150 metres to go to the Cinque Terre.
Tips or Restaurants:
Didn't need any extras, although as suggested had taken some basic kitchen utensils and towels. Restaurants were all great and fish from the fishmonger off the boat at the marina was delicious.

Janfrey , October, 2007

Enjoyed Most:
Location, location, location. Fast access to the beach, and great window and patio view of the busy waterfront activity every day. Great fun to see the ever-changing combination of rowboats, sailboats, luxury yachts, sunbathers, families and fishermen. Short walk to everything. Easy to feel at home. Really liked the artwork.
Enjoyed Least:
No complaints. Really appreciated the beach towels. Maybe a few more bath towels or larger ones for a week-long stay.
Surrounding Area:
Lots of options for activity. We could have happily spent all our time in Portovenere, but it is also a great jumping off point for visiting the surrounding area. You can get everywhere by boat - Palmaria and the smaller nearby islands, the Cinque Terre towns, Lerici, even Portofino. Easy access to hiking trails. Train connections via La Spezie, 20 minutes away by bus or taxi are also easy.
Tips or Restaurants:
Bring mask, fins and snorkel if you plan to swim -- great snorkeling! Beach is pebbly, so aquasocks also a good idea.

Cathy, September, 2006

Overall:
The owners are on-site, but not intrusive, and most pleasant. They were willing to make sure there were extra blankets and some "starter food" in the house. Access to the small washing machine was a very nice convenience.
Enjoyed Most:
The wonderful location - handy to town, the view, just separate enough to be away from the crowds.
Enjoyed Least:
Toilet had to be "jiggled" carefully to prevent running, stove took forever to light - but quite insignificant in the total scheme of things. Parking was a challenge - to the point that one hated to move the car in case there would be no chance to park again until very late in the evening.....but that situation is faced by nearly everyone in town. Very glad we had requested extra blankets since heating is prohibited after April 1 and nights were quite chilly.
Surrounding Area:
Ability to walk to town, the range of restaurants, the ease of getting to Cinque Terre to walk and explore, the view, the view, the view.
Nearby Events or Locales:
The Cinque Terre was readily accessible by boat and one could walk between the towns from either end.
Tips or Restaurants:
One superb! restaurant - "le bocche" at the base of St. Peter's church, one charming "spaghetti all day" osteria a short walk to the north, lots of interesting small, pleasant places - including the one where the menu reminds you that "time and quality go together, everything here is made when you order it." "Miramar" restaurant does a wonderful whole, and incredibly fresh, fish. Be sure to have a sweater for evening and something "cuddly" to put on in the morning.

Nancy, April, 2006

Overall:
Portovenere makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region. You do not need a car. Take the ferry or the bus to one of the Cinque Terre towns or Lerici. Hiking any part of the trail that goes from Portovenere to Monterosso is a must.
Enjoyed Most:
1 The view was incredible! 2 The owners were very nice. 3 It was an easy stroll into town. 4 There was a bus stop across the street. 5 There is a small, free bathing beach across the street.
Enjoyed Least:
1 The kitchen could use nicer cooking utensils. It would be nice if there were spices available - salt, pepper, sugar, etc., to use so you do not have to stock the kitchen with the basics for one week of cooking. 2 It would be nice if the owners would plant flowers in the flower beds surrounding the house. 3 More blankets in the house so you do not have to ask for them. The nights can be chilly.
Surrounding Area:
The surrounding area is very, very beautiful. This is an excellent place to relax and take your time strolling through the towns.
Tips or Restaurants:
The local supermarket has a very good cheese and fresh pasta selection. On Mondays there is a market in town.

Justine, May, 2005