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manarola cinque terre

The 5 terre

We are in Val di Vara, a cool hilly area in the hinterland of La Spezia, just a few kilometers from the sea of the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets.

The Cinque Terre is a rugged stretch of coastline on the Ligurian Riviera di Levante, located in the territory of the Province of La Spezia, between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, where the five villages are now known worldwide: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

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Riomaggiore

Manarola

corniglia cinque terre

Corniglia

monterosso cinque terre

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Cinque Terre represent one of Liguria's main tourist attractions, thanks to the geographical and anthropomorphic characteristics of this hilly, rugged terrain, softened by the work of man who has created terraces sloping towards the sea for the cultivation of vines, olives, and other horticultural species.

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vernazza cinque terre

Vernazza

Monterosso

The 5 terre

Golfo dei Poeti

The Gulf of La Spezia, also known as the Golfo dei Poeti due to the frequent visits of poets and writers such as Shelley, Byron, Petrarch, and Montale, is a wide and deep inlet on the eastern coastline of the Ligurian Sea. The gulf takes its name from the city of La Spezia, located centrally at the bottom of the gulf itself, where an important commercial port is situated; it houses one of the main arsenals of the Italian Navy.

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Tellaro

Lerici

Porto Venere

The Val di Vara

Extensive green area in the hinterland of the Province of La Spezia, the Val di Vara is characterized by a remarkable variety of natural environments whose particular physiognomy has been shaped by the millennia-old shaping action of the river of the same name that crosses it

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Calice al Cornoviglio

Varese Ligure

Alta Via dei Monti Liguri

The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, an important and ancient communication route with France, is a long pedestrian path, obtained by connecting ancient ridge paths, which winds for 440 km along the high ridge of the mountain watershed, from Ceparana (Province of La Spezia) to Ventimiglia.

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Passo dell’Alpicella

Valico dei Casoni

Genova

To discover the city of Genova, the best way is to explore its "carruggi". Arriving at the Genova Piazza Principe station, you can walk along Via Balbi, characterized by ancient university buildings, and visit Palazzo Reale, now a museum. From Piazza della Nunziata, continuing towards the old port, you will find the Acquario di Genova, famous for its 28 tanks that host a variety of marine creatures.

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Piazza De
Ferrari

Acquario

Lunigiana and the Cave di Marmo

Lunigiana, which owes its name to the ancient Roman colony of Luni, founded by the Romans in 177 BC, is today identified with the valley of the Magra and its tributaries, reflecting the most significant characteristics of the landscape and culture of two regions, Toscana and Liguria.

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Fosdinovo

Pontremoli

Cinque Terre

About 50 minutes by car from our agriturismo lies one of Italy’s most iconic and beloved destinations: the Cinque Terre, a spectacular stretch of the Riviera Ligure di Levante, in the province of La Spezia.

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare are five unique seaside villages nestled between the blue sea and the green hills. Known around the world, they still retain an authentic soul and a rare balance between landscape, tradition and simplicity.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the Cinque Terre are a remarkable example of how man, with patience and respect, has shaped a challenging territory into beauty: cultivated terraces, dry-stone walls, vineyards and olive groves – everything here tells an ancient, living story.

Staying with us means you can easily visit the Cinque Terre during the day and return in the evening to the peace of the countryside, far from the crowds and immersed in nature.
The five villages to discover
Monterosso al Mare – 41 minutes from the Agriturismo
The largest of the five, with sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking sea and relaxation.

Vernazza – 50 minutes from the Agriturismo
One of the most charming villages, with a small harbour set between the rocks and unforgettable views.

Corniglia – 49 minutes from the Agriturismo
The only village that doesn't sit directly on the sea. From above, the view over the vineyards and the water is stunning.

Manarola – 49 minutes from the Agriturismo
A cascade of colourful houses on a rocky spur. One of the most photographed spots along the Riviera.

Riomaggiore – 48 minutes from the Agriturismo
The easternmost village, with its traditional Genoese tower-houses and a dramatic view of the sea at sunset.

A landscape to experience and respect
Since 1998, the Cinque Terre have also been protected on the marine front by the Marine Protected Area, which preserves their extraordinary biodiversity. A year later, the Cinque Terre National Park was established – the only national park in Italy created to safeguard a “human-shaped” landscape, deeply linked to the land and local culture.

At Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, we offer you the perfect base to explore the Cinque Terre – and the ideal place to come back to, to enjoy calm, authentic flavours and nature after a day of discovery.

Golfo dei Poeti

Less than an hour’s drive from Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, you’ll find one of the most charming landscapes in Liguria: the Golfo della Spezia, better known as the Golfo dei Poeti. A name that is not only poetic, but also deeply meaningful – this stretch of coast inspired artists and writers like Shelley, Byron, Petrarca and Montale.

Here, the sea meets colorful villages, medieval castles, rugged cliffs and small ports that seem straight out of a painting. It’s the perfect place for a day filled with discovery, culture, nature and relaxation.
Lerici – The timeless charm of Liguria | 35 minutes from I Due Ghiri
Lerici is an elegant and picturesque seaside village that still holds the charm of the past. Strolling through its carruggi, climbing up to the castle, or walking along the Lungomare Vassallo are simple pleasures that speak of history and beauty.

Once a stop along the Via Francigena for pilgrims heading to Rome, Lerici is now a place to walk for the sheer joy of it.

Nearby, not to be missed: San Terenzo, with the beautiful Villa Marigola and the beach of Venere Azzurra
Tellaro, a small seaside gem and one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia
Fiascherino, ideal for a refreshing swim among rocks and crystal-clear waters

Portovenere – A UNESCO World Heritage jewel | 55 minutes from I Due Ghiri
On the opposite side of the gulf, Portovenere welcomes you with its vivid colors, the iconic Church of San Pietro perched above the sea, and an atmosphere that feels suspended in time.
Together with the Cinque Terre, Portovenere is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – every step here is a meeting between history and landscape.

Just across from the village lies the archipelago of Portovenere, made up of three islands:
Palmaria, the largest, known for its panoramic trails and Mediterranean vegetation
Tino and Tinetto, two small islands rich in history, accessible only on special occasions (Tino opens to the public on September 13, for the feast of San Venerio)

Le Grazie – Simplicity by the sea | 45 minutes from I Due Ghiri
Between Lerici and Portovenere lies Le Grazie, a quiet fishing village with a truly authentic soul. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll along the harbor or a visit to the Villa Romana del Varignano, an important archaeological site overlooking the sea.

A sea to discover, a home to return to
The Golfo dei Poeti is perfect for those who seek a slower pace, in a Liguria made of unforgettable views, poetic corners and timeless charm.
At Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, you’ll be in the ideal position to explore all of this in a day – with the pleasure of coming back in the evening to the calm of the countryside, a home-cooked meal, and the warm, genuine welcome of our home.www.terredilunigiana.com

Val di Vara

Just a short distance from Agriturismo I Due Ghiri stretches a place we’re particularly fond of: the Val di Vara – a wide green valley in the inland area of the province of La Spezia, perfect for those who are looking for nature, peace, and small authentic villages to explore slowly.

The valley is shaped by the Vara River, which over the centuries has carved the land and influenced the landscape. The climate here is mild, the air is clean, and the vegetation changes with altitude: broom, heather, and strawberry trees give way to chestnuts, oaks, ash and alder trees, creating a rich and varied environment in every season.
Calice al Cornoviglio – Only 5 km from us
Just a few minutes from our agriturismo lies Calice al Cornoviglio, a charming medieval village dominated by the Castello Doria-Malaspina, dating back to the 13th century. Today, the castle houses an Environmental Education Centre, two art galleries dedicated to David Beghé and Pietro Rosa, and the Beekeeping Museum – a unique place to explore the deep connection between people and their territory.

Madrignano – A peaceful walk from the agriturismo
With just a short walk, you can reach Madrignano, a tiny village nestled in the greenery, with its castle overlooking the valley. It’s one of those places that feels suspended in time – perfect for a quiet stroll and for discovering the most authentic side of Liguria.

Other villages to visit: Brugnato and Varese Ligure
Among the most charming villages in the Val di Vara are Brugnato, with its well-preserved and compact old town, and Varese Ligure, known as the “borgo rotondo” for the distinctive circular shape of its medieval layout. Both are worth visiting, not only for their beauty but also for their strong dedication to organic farming and sustainability.

Nature and outdoor activities
The Val di Vara is ideal for anyone who loves being outdoors. There are walking and horseback trails through the woods, and plenty of opportunities for fishing, canoeing, wildlife watching and nature excursions. This is a valley that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the natural world.

Staying at Agriturismo I Due Ghiri means experiencing the Val di Vara from an authentic, peaceful place surrounded by nature – where every day can become a discovery, and every path a little adventure.


Alta Via dei Monti Liguri

If you love walking in nature and getting lost in landscapes that seem to go on forever, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is an experience not to be missed.
This long-distance hiking route follows the mountain ridge of Liguria for over 440 kilometers, from Ceparana, in the eastern part of the region, all the way to Ventimiglia, near the French border.

An ancient path that connects old ridge trails, today the Alta Via is one of the most fascinating trekking routes in Italy – ideal for those in search of unspoiled nature, silence, and breathtaking views.
Stages close to our agriturismo
In the province of La Spezia, the Alta Via crosses still-intact, peaceful environments. One of the most interesting stages starts from Ceparana (municipality of Bolano, about 30 minutes from us) and continues towards:

Passo dell’Alpicella, just 4 km from Calice al Cornoviglio
Passo dei Casoni, which can be reached from Rocchetta Vara, Brugnato, Montereggio, or Mulazzo
and up to Passo del Rastrello, opening the way to higher inland areas

Along the trail, you’ll walk through high-altitude pastures, hornbeam and oak woods, birch forests, and, as you climb higher, into beautiful beech groves where sunlight filters through the leaves and time seems to slow down.

A different way to experience Liguria
The Alta Via shows you a different Liguria – far from the sea, but just as captivating.
It’s made of lesser-known paths, the scent of woodland, open horizons, and a deep sense of freedom.

If you're staying at Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, you can easily explore this hidden side of the region in a day, choosing between more accessible routes or panoramic trails, depending on your pace and your spirit of adventure.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply enjoy walking in nature, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is ready to welcome you.

Genova

About an hour and a half from Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, Genova is the perfect destination for a day trip to discover a city full of character, contrasts and surprises.
Lively and full of life, facing the sea and steeped in centuries of history, Genova is best explored on foot, wandering through its characteristic carruggi – the narrow alleyways of the old town – between noble palaces, ancient churches and hidden corners rich in charm.

The Aquarium and Porto Antico – A journey beneath the sea
One of the must-see attractions is the Acquario di Genova, one of the most visited sites in Italy and perfect for both adults and children.
With 28 tanks and hundreds of marine species, it offers a real journey through underwater worlds: dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks, seahorses and exotic creatures from around the globe. It’s a place to learn, be amazed and get inspired.
In the newly redeveloped area of the Porto Antico, you can also visit the fascinating Magazzini del Cotone, now home to cultural and entertainment venues. Just a short walk away, the Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi offers a unique educational experience where learning takes place through play and curiosity. Nearby, the spectacular Biosfera, designed by Renzo Piano, houses a small tropical ecosystem overlooking the sea, while the Bigo, a panoramic lift inspired by the port’s old cranes, takes you up high for a truly unique view over Genova and its harbour.

The historic centre and its treasures
Leaving the waterfront behind, a short walk leads you to the heart of Genova’s old city.
From Palazzo San Giorgio, one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings, continue up to Via San Lorenzo, home to the beautiful Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, one of the finest examples of Ligurian Gothic architecture, with its distinctive black and white striped façade.

From there, it's just a few steps to the lively and scenic Piazza De Ferrari, with its iconic fountain, the Teatro Carlo Felice, and Palazzo Ducale, now a vibrant cultural centre hosting exhibitions and events year-round.

A city to explore, a home to return to
Genova is a city that surprises – it tells stories of the sea and the mountains, of ancient times and modern life.
At Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, you can leave in the morning to explore this fascinating urban world, and return in the evening to the peace of the countryside, the scent of a home-cooked meal, and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent.

Lunigiana and the Cave di Marmo

Just a few kilometres from Agriturismo I Due Ghiri lies the Lunigiana, a borderland that connects Liguria and Tuscany, named after the ancient Roman city of Luni, founded in 177 B.C.
Here, among green valleys, stone villages and medieval castles, you’ll find an authentic atmosphere shaped by millennia of history, soft landscapes and traditions that are still very much alive.

The Valle del Magra and its tributaries offer endless possibilities for those who love slow exploration: fortified villages, Romanesque churches, artisan workshops and small trattorias where you can savour the true flavours of the region.
Villages to visit and places to discover
Among our favourite stops: Pontremoli, the city of bridges and the Premio Bancarella, known for its love of books and literary events
Filattiera, with the beautiful Pieve di Sorano surrounded by countryside
Mulazzo and Montereggio, the latter known as the “village of booksellers”
Bagnone, nestled among hills and waterfalls
Fivizzano, often called the “Florence of the Lunigiana” for its elegance
and the charming village of Verrucola, dominated by an imposing castle

Each place tells a different story – of stone, culture, and a simpler way of life.

The Marble Quarries of Carrara – A heritage carved into the mountains
Less than an hour’s drive from the agriturismo are the world-famous Marble Quarries of Carrara – one of the most striking sights in all of Tuscany.
For centuries, this white marble – chosen by Michelangelo and artists from across the globe – has been extracted from the mountains surrounding the city. Visiting the Fantiscritti and Campocecina areas is a unique experience: you can watch the extraction up close, admire the panoramic views from above, and follow the marble’s journey down the valley.
A must-see stop is Colonnata, a small village nestled in the Apuan Alps, known worldwide for its legendary Lardo di Colonnata, best enjoyed warm on a slice of rustic bread in one of the village’s many traditional shops.
In Carrara, you can still witness marble being sculpted by hand in artistic workshops, just as it was in the past.
We also recommend visiting the Accademia di Belle Arti, housed in the historic Palazzo Cybo Malaspina. The collection spans from ancient to Renaissance works and hosts the prestigious School of Sculpture, attracting students and artists from all over the world.
Don’t miss the Duomo di Carrara, with its Gothic-Romanesque façade, 14th-century frescoes, and the stunning rose window carved from pure white marble – a masterpiece worth the visit on its own.

From Agriturismo I Due Ghiri, you can set off for a day among sculpted mountains, authentic villages and deep, lasting flavours.
Lunigiana and the Apuan Alps await, with their landscapes, their art, and the slow rhythm of things well made.