La Sosta di Ottone III
Curated by Maria
While it is true that the magic of Cinque Terre has become more accessible to visitors––thanks to an extensive rail network connecting the coast to the main cities of northern Italy––it is also true that the heart of this beautiful coastal region must be earned. To fully know Liguria, with its small cliffside villages and winding footpaths, you must tune in to the quiet rhythms of the area, from the lush hills to the sea below.
Wrapped in traditions and history and with welcoming and knowledgeable hosts, La Sosta di Ottone III is the ideal base for getting to know this singular destination. This intimate boutique hotel is an oasis of a property tucked in the hills of Cinque Terre, between the rocky coast and the terraced vineyards and olive groves.
Just like the people who inhabit it, the area has so much to give visitors, welcoming you to discover the magic of this special landscape for yourself.
At a glance
Location: Levanto, Italy
Price: from €180
Rooms: 6
Suitable for: Families (babies OK, toddlers are not recommended)
Nearest Airport(s): Pisa (PSA) – 90min, Genoa (GOA) – 75min
Arrive by: Car, Taxi
Open: April – October
Check in: 2pm Check out: 11am
The Hotel
Housed in a 16th-century stone mansion in the medieval hamlet of Chiesanuova, some 200 meters above sea level, La Sosta di Ottone III features six suites with stunning views, a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, and a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
Getting to the property is an adventure in itself. The winding road twists through the Ligurian hills before arriving outside La Sosta. The last 100 meters are only accessible by footpath (or tiny monorail!), a reminder of the rich and ancient history of the area.
Rooms
The six spacious guest rooms, some with beamed ceilings, are airy and comfortable. Shuttered windows look out over the terracotta rooftops and hills with glimpses of the sea or valley below. Some rooms are large enough to house 3-4 guests, handy in case you come with a small family or a few friends.
Inspired by local traditions, the style of the hotel and rooms consists of soft pastel hues, paintings by local artists, and traditional details. We love the juxtaposition of the simple antique furnishings with contemporary touches by local designers such as Luceplan, known for his innovative and sustainable approach to creating lighting fixtures.
Food and drink
The downstairs restaurant serves up a menu of Ligurian specialties. The chef's set menus are made from scratch using ingredients from local producers and change daily. The menu is accompanied by a cellar stocked with a selection of natural regional wines hand-picked by a local sommelier. When the weather is good (and it often is), enjoying the terrace is quintessential "dolce far niente"– the art of doing nothing and slow travel at its best.
The area
La Sosta di Ottone III is an ideal place to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea and the lush hills surrounding Cinque Terre. Nestled in the terraced vineyards and olive groves between Levanto and Monterosso, the property's doorstep lies on a network of paths that are ideal for discovering the five connected villages of Cinque Terre on foot. The calm and tranquility of the hills is a welcome respite from the crowds of the coastal towns below, especially during the high season from May to September.
Your hosts
Born in the early 2000s out of owners Angela and Fabio's unconditional love for the land, the intimate hotel offers guests a charmingly at-home hospitality experience. The property was renovated in full compliance with green building standards using natural materials and a team of local craftsmen. Angela and Fabio are happy to share their favorite paths, beaches, and vineyards so that you can experience Cinque Terre like a local.
Why we love it
Staying at La Sosta di Ottone III is a unique opportunity to tune into the rural rhythms, natural beauty, and slow pace of life of this unique setting. Here, at this "nest" perched in a historic hamlet between olive groves and the sea, guests can savor everything good that Cinque Terre has to offer.
Good to Know
The Cinque Terre is a sensitive area and has suffered in recent decades from over-tourism. Visiting in April or October, when crowds are fewer, will give you the advantage of seeing the area as a local and reduce your impact as a traveler on this remarkable region.
Given the rugged nature of the landscape, this property is not well suited to the smallest walking travelers (under 5) and those with physical disabilities.
Good Trips perks
Welcome aperitivo for two guests
Promo code: GOODTRIPSGUESTS
Sustainability in practice
It can be a complicated feat to use sustainable methods to restore a historic property in Italy. So it takes a dedicated person or people willing to go through the throws of the ordeal. They have managed to reform the home to run entirely on renewable sources.
Dedicated to their community and environment, the owners act as exemplary hosts who will give their guests a cultural immersion into all that is good in these stunning rolling hills.
Food is local, seasonal, humane, and organic
Locally made, organic toiletries
Low-to-no plastic use
0KM Food
Conscious waste management
Runs on renewable energy resources
Involve locals in decisions that may directly affect them
Construction materials are local and low impact
Designed with the local surroundings (built and natural) and culture in mind
Locally designed/made furniture and/or secondhand
Supports local community and economy
Historic preservation of the original structures
Support community projects and initiatives
Inclusion, respect, and equality are central within the workplace and relationship with the community
Provide meaningful connections between travelers and locals