Agriturismo La Pietra, sea views over olive groves in La Spezia
Agriturismo La Pietra sits on the hills above La Spezia, in Liguria, among olive trees with views over the town, the harbour and the gulf. It offers clean rooms, a breakfast buffet and parking. It suits guests who travel by car and want quiet as a base for the Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Agriturismo La Pietra.
Where Agriturismo La Pietra is, above La Spezia
Agriturismo La Pietra is on Via Vecchiora, on the hills overlooking La Spezia, in Liguria. Guests describe it with a view of the sea, the harbour and the gulf, surrounded by greenery and olive trees, and with a night-time quiet that's hard to find in town.
The location has a good side and a difficult side. The good side is the view and the calm. The difficult side is that you can't do everything on foot from here, and one review warns that without a means of transport it can be tricky to get here.
One guest mentions that bus line 24 serves the area and that it's half an hour's walk down into town. That said, I'd see it as a place to choose with a car, since there's private parking.
What the rooms are like and what you can eat
The farm stay's rooms are described as clean, modern and carefully finished, with furnishings that several reviews call beautiful. Some have a small private garden, and one guest speaks of a shabby-chic, nest-like atmosphere.
- The essentials. According to the listing, there's free wifi and air conditioning, and some guests mention a tea corner with a kettle and fragrant linen.
- Breakfast. Several reviews talk about a generous buffet, sweet and savoury, with local produce.
- The restaurant. The listing mentions traditional cooking with ingredients from the vegetable garden, and one guest says they booked dinner through the property.
Some limits to note. One guest writes that the rooms are a little small and the facilities minimal, and that the shared lounges weren't available, though they think that was down to the season.
What guests say about Agriturismo La Pietra
On Google it has 4.5 out of 5 from 143 reviews, and most comments are very positive. Put together, four themes come up.
- The view. Almost everyone cites it as the real highlight, both in daylight and at sunset over the gulf.
- The staff. Many guests find them friendly, helpful and attentive, including when it comes to advice on the area.
- Cleanliness. Rooms and bathrooms are described as spotless in several reviews.
- A base for the area. One guest writes that the location is perfect for visiting La Spezia, the Cinque Terre and Portovenere.
What to know before you book
I have to be honest here, because the negative reviews for La Pietra are few but specific. If you book, it's worth keeping them in mind.
Three guests gave a single star, for different reasons. One describes problems with cancelling and moving a gifted stay, as well as no staff on hand on arrival in the evening, despite having said so by email. Another says they booked a room by phone at one price and paid a different one on arrival. The third complains of being given a different room from the one chosen, cleanliness below expectations and unprofessional behaviour in the kitchen.
These are isolated cases compared with the many good reviews, but they point to two practical things. Get the price and room type confirmed in writing and, if you're arriving late, let them know and get a clear answer on who will greet you.
| Strong point | Worth knowing |
|---|---|
| View over the town, harbour and gulf | Awkward road, without a car it's hard to get here |
| Clean rooms and a breakfast buffet | Rooms a little small and essential facilities |
| Night-time quiet and private parking | Far from supermarkets and services |
| Friendly staff for most guests | Some criticism about prices and booking management |
Who this farm stay suits
I'd choose Agriturismo La Pietra for a couple travelling by car who want to sleep quietly with a view and use La Spezia as a base for the Cinque Terre and Portovenere. It also suits anyone who loves walking, since several guests find it convenient for trekking and nature.
It isn't the right place if you don't drive, if you want to go out for dinner on foot or if you're looking for a hotel with every service. And if flexibility matters a lot to you, read the conditions carefully before booking.
What to do in La Spezia and nearby
La Spezia is an excellent base for visiting the Cinque Terre and Portovenere, as guests point out, and from the farm stay you can head down into town for transport and restaurants. The hilly area is also perfect for walks among the olive trees and for enjoying the gulf from above.
If you're planning a second stop on the Ligurian coast, Mapiola also has Il Pozzo e il Melograno in Finale Ligure, another option for organising your trip.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
