Casa Mia's simple charm,
spectacular sea views,
and superb location are
sure to entice anyone
wishing to explore this
amazing part of Italy's
coastline. The quaint
fishing town of
Portovenere is a
10-minute walk away,
where you can find a
wide variety of cafes,
restaurants, and other
shops. Also in
Portovenere is the
beginning of the hiking
trail linking all the
towns in the Cinque
Terre region.
The home is reached from
the parking area (about
250 meters) by a little
stone pathway lined with
rosemary bushes,
lavander, olive trees,
and grapevines. The
aroma alone is enough to
remind you that, yes,
you are in Italy! Inside
Casa Mia is a pleasing
mix of comfort and
history. The home is
tastefully furnished and
accented with antique
pieces collected from
local markets. Outside
is a refreshing pool
(built in 2007) and
garden area. There is
also a delightful patio
area that has been
equipped with all the
necessities for outdoor
dining; a gas stove top,
sink, barbeque, and
pizza oven. The main
house sleeps four in two
bedrooms, and the
"guest" house can sleep
an additional two guests
in a queen bed. Also
included in the
guesthouse are a small
kitchen corner, and a
guest bathroom with
shower.
Casa Mia's quaint charm
is apparent the moment
you step into the living
area featuring
comfortable furniture
and a beckoning
fireplace. The small
kitchen is equipped with
the essentials,
including a gas stove,
oven, and
fridge/freezer. The two
bedrooms are simply
furnished and share a
bathroom with a shower.
The covered terrace has
a table and chairs, and
offers a tantalizing
view of the
Mediterranean Sea. Both
the main house and the
guesthouse have air
conditioning.
Portovenere is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Portovenere's harbor is
lined with brightly
colored houses and
narrow medieval streets
lead up the hill to a
castle. The main street
of Portovenere, lined
with shops, is entered
through Portovenere's
ancient city gate.
There is a picturesque
church on the
promontory, once the
site of a temple to
Venus (Venere in
Italian) from which
Portovenere gets its
name. Nearby is Byron's
Cave in a rocky area
leading to the sea where
the poet Byron used to
swim. Today, there are
several rocky places
where it's possible to
swim but no sandy
beaches. For swimming
and sunbathing, most
people head to the
island of Palmaria, just
across the strait.