Ara dei Pre is a lovely spot for a relaxing holiday, set in the green countryside of Liguria with a view of the sparkling, blue Mediterranean and a backdrop of craggy mountains. The accommodation is in a cheerfully decorated, refurbished farmhouse not far from the town of Vezzano Ligure.
The bedrooms are comfortably and stylishly decorated and each comes with a hairdryer. Breakfast and other meals can be taken on the terrace or in the rooms — the establishment prides itself on fine local home-cooked dishes made from the best of local farm produce.
Guests are welcome to relax in the extensive grounds, or may be tempted to explore further afield. Local attractions include the city of La Spezia with excellent facilities and shops; and the scenic coastline which is famed for its crags, beaches and outstanding fishing.
There are regular cruises and boat trips up and down the coast; and the cliff-side villages of the Cinque Terre are not to be missed. The Romans established the wealthy port of Luni (from which Lunigiana) at the mouth of the River Magra to the south — it was finally razed by the Normans but the ruins make for a fascinating visit.
Inland Liguria consists mainly of majestic wooded mountains — most of the population lives at sea-level and there is little agriculture to spoil the natural beauty (although what little wine and olive oil is made tends to be excellent.) The attractions for hikers and mountaineers are obvious, but these wild lands also hide a wealth of historical and natural attractions, and there is a varied and interesting population of wild animals, birds and butterflies.
With a rich history that stretches back to pre-Roman times, it is no surprise that the locals take great pride in their heritage. The calendar is a busy whirl of pageants, feasts and exhibitions with pride of place going to Vezzano's Sagra dell'Uva or Festival of the Grape.
Liguria has a long tradition of welcoming visitors — it has been a favourite of Europe's elite for centuries — and offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, history and vibrant culture. Please use the link below to book your stay!
