When I started to research about Cinque Terre and where to stay, La Francesca Resort appeared to me as the perfect location.
The resort is located in between Levanto and Bonassola, in the Italian region of Liguria. It’s close to visit Cinque Terre but still manages to stay away from all the tourists that daily visit the five villages.
La Francesca Resort
In a nutshell La Francesca Resort is a large private area with everything you will need to really relax without any worries.
There is a small bar where Italian style breakfast is served every morning together with a minimarket where you can buy all the essentials you may need such as food to cook or even basic things like shampoo.
Parking is available with several spots around the resort which made it easy for us to go anywhere from that location to the nearby towns. A pool, private beach and its own restaurant were also features that really made an impression on me.
To get there you can fly into Milan (3h drive/4h30 train) and visit other cities before you get there. If you really want to go straight there you can get a flight to Pisa (1h20 drive/3h20 train), Genoa (1h20drive/3h40 train) or Florence (2h drive/4h30 train).
*All times are approximately and may not reflect traffic and other changing factors.
The Bungalows at Resort La Francesca
With 55 bungalows divided in four different styles depending on location and number of rooms, the area is calm and cosy.
The properties are located along a hill that takes you directly to their private beach. All bungalows are equipped with a small kitchen which is perfect if you want to cook you own meal and save some money (The Cinque Terre area is quite expensive for meals).
Dining at Rosadimare Restaurant
We enjoyed the half-board experience and I was glad I went for this option as after really exhaustive days hiking the Cinque Terre villages we didn’t have to think or look for a restaurant.
In Rosadimare restaurant we were served with delicious meals every day and the chef is worth five stars for flavour and presentation. The service overall was excellent.
The best part though was definitely the view! What a perfect end to our days, watching the sunset from Rosadimare restaurant while admiring the Mediterranean and enjoying traditional Ligurian food.
Leisure activities in the Resort
There are several activities in the Resort that will make you want to stay there all the time! A tennis court, football field and table tennis are available all year. If you want to keep your swimming up to date there is a large swimming pool which is seasonal (take bathing caps).
My favourite area was with no doubt the private beach. It’s so idyllic and calm. La Francesca Resort promotes ecotourism and the area is protected in favour of the marine fauna.
Guests in the resort are really respecting of nature and committed to keep the beach clean. The water is crystal clear and the perfect place to relax away from the crowds where you can listen the birds singing.
From La Francesca Resort you have a lot of trekking paths that you can use to explore the areas around. Take it slowly, get your comfortable shoes and discover the beautiful landscapes.
Around La Francesca Resort
The closest are Bonassola and Levanto are worth the visit. Colourful houses with beautiful architecture and amazing views are everywhere. They are easy to explore by foot or if you prefer by bicycle. You can quickly rent one in these villages.
To visit big cities around like Genova, La Spezia, Lucca, Pisa you can go by car or train. But I definitely recommend if you’re heading to this area rent a car, it made our life easy.
The main reason I went to La Francesca was to visit the Cinque Terre villages that are declared Unesco World Heritage site.
From the resort you can walk about 15-20 minutes to Levanto where you can get the hop/off boat that goes around the 5 villages or the train. A tunnel connects the La Francesca to the Levanto and you can enjoy a beautiful trail along the coast. Check more here.
You can also cycle along this trail or just drive to Levanto and back. Although I liked the walk and it’s totally doable I wish I had driven there because on the way back we were exhausted to walk back.
In my opinion
I had a relaxing time at La Francesca Resort and believe it was the perfect place to stay when visiting Cinque Terre. The villages around can be very busy, especially in the summer time and it was nice to come back to such a peaceful place like La Francesca where we finished our days enjoying good food while admiring the most beautiful sunsets. To see more you can click here.
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** I had a discounted rate for my stay at La Francesca Resort in collaboration with them for this review. As always thought and opinions remain my own.
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I’ve been curious about Cirque Terre recently as I keep seeing it pop up on my feeds across social media and for some reason I’ve ignored it thus far! That water looks so refreshing and the area looks so charming and picturesque! I will definitely look to stay at La Francesca when I go Thanks for sharing your experience!
Never hear of this place but it sounds amazing! the food looks so yummy
I am really a beach lover and the beach here is so beautiful. Someday, I really do want to visit and dine here.. hopefully very very soon. I really can’t wait. Thanks so much for sharing such a lovely place.
Cinque Terre is one of my favorite places ever its so incredibly beautiful I love it there. I’ve never been to this hotel but thanks for the recommendation I would consider staying there next time.
This place looks beautiful – looks like I have another destination added to my list : – Maybe I will have to try a resort holiday too
Author
It’s not your typical resort holiday, you have your own kitchen inside the bungalows if you want something different, but I would try the restaurant there as the food is delicious!
Ahh I understand, I used o actually sell holidays for a resort company, they had villas and bungalows like that within their complex. Would be a nice change to what I’m used to haha
I will hopefully be going to Italy in the summer so fingers crossed that I can go and be able to check out a few places when I am there. Cinque Terre looks amazing! x
This place looks like the best spot to unwind. Always wanted to visit Italy..now I know about a place! Thanks
A truly relaxing vacation spot! I would love to go there. The views from the balcony is stunning! And the private beach! What more can you ask for? Oh my, there are so many scenic spots to visit all over the world! If only traveling was free…
I love Cinque Terre and it is on my list of places to go back! When we went we arrived late in the afternoon and just took our chances at Riomaggiore and were lucky there was a hotel with a room free! I do love the idea of staying in a bungalow with a private beach though. I will definitely keep that in mind for my next trip. It is seriously one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Author
I agree! It’s so beautifully preserved, you really took the risk, glad you make it to a hotel because everywhere was so full!
Yeah we were lucky! We drove from Paris to Rome and pretty much just too our chances wherever we stopped for the night, we were lucky though, never without accommodation the whole time! Stayed in some really nice places too!
It looks like such a beautiful place to visit. I miss out so much as I’m quite nervous to travel by plane (or any other form of transport) lol so this is making me jealous!
The resort looks like a destination in itself! Your pictures speak for itself how splendid it is!
You know Greece and Italy are so much alike. Looks like a great place to stay!
The food at the Rosadimare restaurant looks very nice. And I love the beautiful village look of the town right along the sea. I am sure if I can make it out to Italy anytime soon I will include this place among my travels.
I’ve never heard of Cirque Terre before but it looks stunning. I have been to Italy before, but not anywhere that looked similar to this. Perhaps if I ever get back there, we will have to drop in for a visit!
oh my gosh your photos are stunning, what a place to be! Cinque Terre is on my list of places to visit with my Husband, along with Positano and most of Tuscany lol!
It looks so beautiful there your photos look great. I do love it when a hotel has a private beach it makes such a difference.
Author
Yes Melanie, for me it was the best part because the other beaches around were quite crowded, specially on the weekend and in there it was just peaceful!
It sounds like you had a fab time. Your photos are all beautiful, it looks a gorgeous area. I love all the houses on the cliff, so cute!
Cinque Terre has always been on our bucket list. Your photos make me want to go even more. They are fantastic. I love an accommodation with a view and the view from this place looks awesome. I will keep this place in mind for when we finally make it to Cinque Terre. Thanks for sharing.
Looks like you had a great time! I’ve never been there, but I’m considering places for my honeymoon. This is going on the list!
Author
Italy is definitely a beautiful place for honeymooners, let me know if you need more info, next post will be just about the 5 villages of Cinque Terre, X
Cinque tere is such a beautiful place . I’v been many place in Italy but never been to this city . Wish one day I get there!
I’d stay there for as long as I live if I could, just imagine the endless amounts of swimming and the beautiful view! WOW! It’s definitely worth staying there for your vacation. I can’t help but stare at the pictures of the view!
What a wonderful getaway to a truly beautiful locale. Did you take more photos of the Cinque Terre villages? I’d love to see more of those homes clustered together.
Ahhh that hill with the houses looks absolutely mesmerizing! I really wanna visit Italy just to see places like these haha xx
Cinque Terre , seem like a beautiful place . Love to see all the pictures . I’ve been in many places in Italia but never been here . Would love to come there again one day if I have enough money
Hi Amalia
Thank you for the great information and beautiful pictures! Can you recommend a hotel or B&B in Monterosso al Mare? Planning a trip to Cinque Terra in late April.
Thank you so much:)
Author
Hi Patty!
Check out this hotels here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/amalias247?currency=GBP. Hope you have a great time!