Villa Corbezzolo - The heart of Cinque Terre

The + The scenery, breathtaking view from the terrasses The calm, after the crowded villages Easy access to the Blue Path The - Difficult access to the house from the road ( the sign is visible only from one direction, the turn is so steep that you cannot take it coming from Vernazza, you have to come from Corniglia) Challenging parking: only two spots are for the house), if you have a third car it is difficult to find a spot ( in August ) The 108 steps to go from the parking place to the house The fact that each level can be accessed only by the outside , so when it rains ( which happened two days during the week)you get soaked and the stairs are very slippery No independent toilets and no toilet at the living room level (so when it rains….) In the kitchen, the dishwasher and the toaster were out of service ( we informed the owner who did not mention if repair was planned ), we had to defrost the fridge that had so much ice that it could hardly be used There are many flying insects and even with lotions we were beaten by mosquitos and had bugs every night. There is definitely a need for Screens at bedroom windows. There was very limited information in the house re the area, the paths, and trails, the trains and boats, the market in the village…etc…

We had a party of six staying for three nights in September. Pierpaolo was very responsive to all our various inquiries before our arrival and very helpful (and responsive) during our stay as well. We did not find the steps a major problem and helped bring suitcases down; Pierpaolo and his colleague carried almost all of our gear up to the taxi on departure. We found the beds comfortable and the main sitting room, which adjoins the small but functional kitchen, to be comfortable for our group, and the long kitchen table was great for eating and playing cards. The views were beautiful and we loved being away from the crowds of the Cinque Terre towns in the morning and evening. We were a little concerned about the hot water and electricity based on the warnings, but had no difficulties at all (but it was hot and we mostly took cool showers). The main downsides were: 1) as wonderful as it was to have help from Pierpaolo getting from the train station in Corniglia to the villa, six of us sitting in the back of the Land Rover was a little rugged-- we were sweating profusely by the end of the ride both ways. 2) without a vehicle (we didn't rent a car; not a great idea to have a car in Cinque Terre), we had to be back at the villa by dark (about 7:30), as it is not safe on the trails after dark even with flashlights, so could not eat out for dinner unless we ate early. But this was not a big disadvantage; Pierpaolo stopped in Corniglia with us on arrival and showed us to a Bottiglia owned by a neighbor, and she was wonderful and had homemade lasagne, quiche, and wonderful cheeses and other items that we brought home for our dinners. Other nights we bought a few more things that we had to carry back the 2 km to the villa, so best to stock up on arrival. We really enjoyed our dinners in this way so not a big disadvantage. Third was it was hot, and we could not open up as there are no screens and there are lots of mosquitoes (and bees during daylight hours). The villa did have fans so that made it tolerable for sleeping. Screens would be a game changer if you could get them, Pierpaolo! One other lovely feature is the bar 100 m from the villa, open until 6:00; easy to purchase cold beers (in bottles) and lemonade there to carry back; and fun to get an iced latte to bring back in the morning!

If you are a hiker this is the place for you! Location right above blue line trail. Mosquitos out in force. 100 steps down to villa from road. Bring a flashlight. Overall really enjoyed our stay!

The villa is rundown and a 140 steps up or down from parking to the home, it was like climbing a 9 story building with bags, not what I had expected. The owner should clearly state that the property is that far from the parking,I noticed another review about the stairs a week before the trip contacted the owner about the climb, he assured me that the steps where small and not as many as stated by reviewer. WORNG IT WAS A BAD IF NOT WORSE.Not to bad going down but up with bags not something i would do again.Another issue was the lack of screens, since there is no a/c. Our 5 year old was attacked by misquitos,it was not pretty. The 15yr old was upset when we were told the internet was down, and for some reason in the middle of the stay the modem vanished,not that it mattered since the service was not working anyway..We tried to use the dishwasher to find an almost new machine with the racks taken out so it was not usable, my guess owner did not want power to be used, the washing machine had a sign on it that it was to be used only between the hours of 8 to 10 pm,could not figure that one out.I could go on but I guess you get it . STRANGE.

What a beautiful place and an exquisite view from this home! The host was helpful and accommodating to pick our family of 7 up from the train station and allowed us to stow our luggage prior to check in. We were traveling as a family throughout Italy for an extended time and thus each had a 40-50 lb suitcase, which was a challenge with which to navigate the many, many, many stairs to/from the villa, even for our somewhat fit family. We did visit during a very hot week and, unfortunately, there was little breeze-- so the lack of air conditioning or fans made sleeping uncomfortable. That said, for the adventurer, hiker without luggage for a 2 week stay, this home is very special. The blue trail is very close and the walk to Vernazza was awesome-- the swimming there was a highlight too! The host is very helpful and friendly and the home is clean and well-kept.

I spent two nights at this beautiful villa with my family. It was definitly a different experience in every positive sense! The place was spacious, comfortabe and had breathtaking veiws. All amenties were provided with a touch of rugged beauty. We had access to the garden and got actually picked some vegetables. The host was kind, responsive, and ready to help in everyway he could. Highly recommend this property.

We were not expecting 145 steps (or so) interspersed by rugged pathways to drag luggage up and down from the road or the remoteness of this property from any access to the village of Cornigilia for food. Nor were we aware that there was only one taxi and you must reserve the day before you need the service. Also we were not aware that there was no air conditioning so we tried to sleep in stifling heat (late June 2018). Also there are lots and lots of steps within the villa to get back and forth between bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. If you have any walking or climbing handicaps or require air conditioned rooms to sleep in on hot summer nights, rent another property. The views, however, from this property were outstanding. There were 6 of us and we rented the entire villa but getting to and from restaurants or markets and the train was a hardship. Equally hard was navigating the path leading down to the villa at night or with luggage. This property is certainly not for the faint of heart!

This home is in the perfect location in the Cinque Terre. You can walk or drive to Corniglia and walk along the blue path to Vernazza. There is a fun little bar with an amazing view about 300 meters from the house along the walking path. Our family of 9 fit comfortably and had enough space for everyone. The upstairs bedrooms had ocean views. The property is well maintained with gardens, flowers and is right next to the blue walking path. Pierpaolo was very helpful with rides for Grandma and Grandpa to Corniglia. We hope to come stay here again someday. Thank you for your hospitality!

A marvelous location centrally located in Cinque Terra region. Wonderful accommodations and outside space. Fully equipped. Beware of spotty WiFi, not surprising in this location and some irritating limitations, for example washing machine use limited to 2 hours in the evening. With the sprectacular location goes the biggest problem particularly for those who are less than very fit is the over 110 steep steps between the parking area and the house. The is easy access to the coastal path linking the five villages.

Our extended family of 8 enjoyed 4 days in this beautiful property situated midway between Vernazza and Corniglia. Wisteria was in full bloom, and the roses, figs, olives, and other garden splendor are on their way. Besides the master bedroom, the other bedrooms are small, but adequate and the window views of the sea are magical. The kitchen is servicable, but not overly equipped. Pierpalo was terrific, ferrying us and our luggage to the villa and in to town to catch the ferry ride. The blue treking path is near the villa, and we enjoyed the hikes and the beers afterward at the neighborhood pub. Wonderful for families, youths, and those who don't mind a lot of steps. Certainly a beautiful scenic place I recommend highly.

We had two incredible days in the villa during July! Yes, the Cinque Terre is very crowded during that time, but you would never know if you are staying with Pietro Paolo. The pictures really do not capture the full beauty of this place; no photo could. As for practical matters, the beds are comfortable, the kitchen is amply equipped and the garden takes care of many of your needs. Communication with Pietro Paolo is excellent and he is a generous host. We will be back and I highly recommend this location!

We loved our stay! Pierpaolo was a great host and was super helpful with our trips to and from the train station, ideas for things to do / see, etc and the villa was wonderful. It is between Corniglia and Vernazza on the blue trail. If you are looking for a place to stay that is not in the heart of one of the villages, with incredible views, great scents from the gardens, and a great host, this is the place to stay.

C'est un peu sportif avec la chaleur pour faire l'épicerie mais la maison est très bien situé, a mi-chemin entre Corniglia et Vernazza. L'hôte est venu nous cherchę directement a la gare. L'arrivée et le départ furent très simplifię. Merveilleux points de vue des différentes terrasses de la maison.

Nous avons passe un excellent weekend en famille dans cette magnifique maison dans un endroit incroyable. Un grand bravo au gestionnaire pour sa réactivité et implication .

Pierpaolo was an excellent host and his home was AMAZING. A way better and more unique experience than staying in town. You are literally hanging over the water with expansive views of cinque terre. Beautiful location will return in the future!!

We loved our stay at The Heart of Cinque Terre. Pierpaulo was an attentive and gracious host. He shared this lovely piece of paradise, including wine, fresh, organic greens and herbs from the garden. This place was a magical, peaceful respite. Highly recommended if you enjoy the outdoors, hiking, cooking outside and the unbeatable scenery of Cinque Terre.

Amazing place, outstanding vue, garden and terrace, great place to rest and take it easy ! Thank you for the warm welcome ;-) We love it so much !!

Off the beaten path but worth the trip if you can manage the remoteness. The place is well secluded for being in the heart of one of the most touristic locations in Italy and the views and surroundings are simply amazing. With a good clip you can get to Corniglia on foot in about 30-40 minutes, Vernazza is probably 40-50. There is a small bar serving drinks and a limited menu during the day about 5 minutes from the house in Prevo (towards Corniglia on the blue path). Plenty of space for our 12 with rooms well apportioned and many bathrooms. Though the location is rustic the furnishings included a lot of gallery type art pieces so it is a bit eclectic. The kitchen had plenty of crockery for cooking your own meals and there is a great vegetable garden with tomatoes, peppers and basil which we used. There was no baby bed so if you are travelling with infants— you need to improvise. Small quirks being in the heart of cinque terra with the electricity and lots of warnings in the house around not using too many appliances at the same time. You can only use the washing machine between 8pm and 10 pm which we adapted to as we travelled with several children and had been on the road for a few weeks. Also, our all time personal favorite house rule was that no ‘cackling’ was allowed after 10 PM. When they mention to pack light, this cannot be understated. The walk to the parking is uphill and up steep stairs— do not take a shower before packing your stuff out— you will get your morning workout. The parking is terrifying. You wind down a super narrow road and then you park on the side of a cliff with less than a meter between your car and the drop off and on a surface that is unreinforced gravel. I highly recommend that you do not drive at night (so the eat-in feature was great). A great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Cinque Terra without any of the crowds. Host was great and super low key and amenable. It is a beautiful and unique place.

This experience far exceed my expectaions. It was MORE beautiful and well situated then I could have imagined. The view is spectacular and from sunrise to sunset the house is full of light and beauty. The property and enchanted gardens make this an a slice of heaven. The house is well equipped with everything you could need. Pierpaolo was super helpful and kind and answered every question we asked. He helped charter a boat and is very well connected in the community. I would stay here again in a second! I never wanted to leave.

Eine so schöne Aussicht hatten wir bisher noch nie, es war traumhaft. Da die Ferienwohnung etwas abseits gelegen ist, sollte man gut zu Fuß sein. Der Vermieter ist aber auch sehr hilfsbereit, wenn es um das Abholen aus der Stadt geht. Wir fanden es auch toll, dass wir in dem kleinen Garten frischen Salat ernten durften und in der Bar nebenan gab es morgens frisch gepressten Orangensaft. Durch das Teilen der Küche lernt man die anderen Gäste kennen, was wir auch gern gemacht haben. Alles in allem ein rundherum schöner Urlaub. Danke!

My girlfriend and I were lucky enough to stay for two nights at Pierpaolo's beautiful home. From the beginning of our stay we recognized our time in cinque terre as unique and wonderful. It was raining when we arrived to Corniglia and he was kind enough to pick us up in his car to drive us up to the house. We realized later how kind/safe this was of him. The room we stayed in was clean, well organized, and the perfect size for 1 or 2 people. The kitchen was a joy to cook in, which we several times during our short stay. If you are considering a stay in cinque terre and Pierpaolo has a free room and you don't mind being away from the bustling town, this is the place for you. It was a joy and we were honored to be guests.

Staying with Pierpaolo in Cinqueterre was a TRUE HIGHLIGHT. The hillside location is breathtaking, the accommodations were great, and Pierpaolo is the nicest guy. The energy/vibe of the place, and of the host, are very wholesome. You can pick from the garden for your meals!! The room was exactly what I expected and I was happy with my stay. I would recommend to anyone going to Cinqueterre to stay with Pierpaolo. TWO THUMBS UP!