Most people imagine Cinque Terre as pastel-colored houses tumbling down cliffs, pretty harbors, and narrow twisted lanes. That’s true, of course, but go a little higher into the hills, and you’ll find beautiful scenery and quiet country charm.
Here, vineyards cling to terraces, olive trees twist in the sun, and small family-run farmhouse tourist businesses (called agriturismo in Italy) welcome travelers who want a more local experience.
Staying in a farmhouse gives you a taste of the Cinque Terre that many visitors never see. Instead of rushing from one crowded village to the next, you’ll slow down, enjoy the landscape that has sustained families for centuries, and often share in the homegrown food and locally produced wine.
A Landscape Shaped by Farmers
The Cinque Terre is a triumph of human persistence. Generations of farmers carved thousands of stone terraces into these steep hillsides so they could grow grapes, olives, and lemons. Without their work, the villages below may not even exist.
The agriturismi in Cinque Terre are part of this story. Many are still active farms, run by families who’ve lived on the land for decades. When you stay at one, you’re not only getting a bed for the night, you’re also supporting the regeneration and sustainability of these local farms.
A Little About Us
Hi! We are Justin and Lu. We’re from Australia and now call Italy our home. Our blog is a point of connection between tourists and the best local businesses. Our mission is to encourage more tourists to explore beyond the famous villages of Cinque Terre!
Buon Viaggio!
Why Choose an Agriturismo?
A farm stay is an experience. Here’s what travelers usually love about them:
- Tranquility – they’re often tucked into the hills, set in peaceful gardens and with countryside or sea views.
- Space to breathe – terraces, gardens, and sea views replace shoulder to shoulder foot traffic.
- Food with a story – breakfasts might include eggs from the hens outside, homemade jam, or olive oil pressed right on the property.
- Warm hospitality – most are family-run, so you feel like a guest, not a booking number.
- Better value – in high season, farmhouse rooms are often more affordable than hotels in the villages.
What You’ll Find at an Agriturismo in Cinque Terre
Every farmhouse has its own personality, but they often include:
- Rooms or small apartments with charm (sometimes stylish and modernized)
- Homemade breakfast often included
- Wine and olive oil tastings, especially in Monterosso and Levanto farms
- Outdoor seating with panoramic views
- Parking – a practical bonus given the location of these venues
- Gardens and (sometimes) swimming pools and wellness facilities
- Easy access to hiking and cycling routes
- Pet-friendly rooms and common areas
Some farms also offer experiences like cooking classes, boat tours or guided walks through their vineyards and terraced orchards.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Farm stays aren’t for everyone. Here are a few things to weigh up before deciding:
- Location – most of the farmhouses are in the hills (close to Levanto and Monterosso). Without a car or scooter, you will be relying on hiking, local buses, or shuttle services (sometimes offered by the accommodation). If you're still deciding whether to base yourself in Levanto or in one of the Cinque Terre villages, choosing between Levanto and the villages walks through the key trade-offs.
- Evenings are quiet – don’t expect late-night bars or nightlife right on your doorstep.
- Rustic quirks – narrow roads, fewer amenities around, and sometimes patchy Wi-Fi.
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⇒ Most Convenient Farm Stay in Cinque Terre
⇒ Recommended Luxury Farmhouses around Cinque Terre
Most Convenient Farm Stay in Cinque Terre
Agriturismo Buranco – Monterosso al Mare
Tucked into a vineyard estate just behind Monterosso’s old town, Agriturismo Buranco blends country quiet within a short 10-minute walk to the beach and Monterosso's old town. Perfect if you want a farmhouse stay but with easy access to the village and train to the other Cinque Terre villages.
The Farm: This is one of the few places producing the sweet (and rare) Sciacchetrà wine. But the farm also grows lemons, olives, and citrus fruits.
My Tip to Make it Special: Book onto a wine tasting experience or tour where you can view the winemaking, ageing, and bottling process.
Amenities: Garden, rooms, and family apartments (some with views), and an on-site restaurant.
Access: Best by either car or train (Cinque Terre Express). A short walk to Monterosso old town. Car parking is available on site.
Recommended Luxury Farmhouses around Cinque Terre
I’ve chosen these as my recommended mid-range and luxury farm stay, which offer something a little extra.
Missanega Agriturismo – Monterosso al Mare
A peaceful and stylish retreat above Monterosso, Missanega is surrounded by olive groves and a citrus orchard. The views from the agriturismo stretch toward the sea, and the family makes you feel instantly at home.
The Farm: There’s plenty of produce to taste and enjoy, including jams, lemon liquor (Limoncino), honey, seasonal vegetables, and of course, their Riviera di Levante DOP Olive Oil.
My Tip to Make it Special: Request a delicious picnic basket packed full of goodies to eat in the privacy of your room terrace, or stroll to the pool for a refreshing dip and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo in the garden overlooking the sea.
Amenities: Garden, pool, elegant comfortable rooms with sea views, homemade breakfast, ebike rental.
Access: Best by car; about 10 minutes’ drive from Monterosso. Car parking is available on site, and there’s a shuttle service to Monterosso town.
Angiolina’s Farm – Levanto Hills
Set in the quiet hills of Levanto, Angiolina’s Farm feels like a countryside hideaway. This lovingly restored stone farmhouse is set in a lush garden looking out onto sea views. The rooms have been elegantly styled and tastefully furnished.
The Farm: The once abandoned farm is again planted out with olive trees, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and herbs. Homemade breakfasts offer a chance to taste the farm produce and enjoy warm hospitality.
My Tip to Make it Special: Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage under the shade of a garden pergola. Or learn the culinary art of making homemade Genovese pesto and enjoy your creation with a tasting of 3 local wines.
Amenities: Garden and pool area, stylish, comfortable rooms (some with sea views), homemade breakfast, possibility to book activities and experiences.
Access: Best by car; with parking available (nearby) on the road. A free parking pass for Leavanto train station is also included in your stay. There’s also a shuttle service to Levanto station (extra charge).
Agriturismo San Cristoforo – Levanto Hills
Close to Levanto but surrounded by olive groves, Agriturismo San Cristoforo offers a balance between convenience and calm. The recently renovated stone house is set amongst a terraced farm of olive trees, citrus, and Mediterranean vegetables.
The Farm: All the produce from the farm is put to good use with DOP “Riviera di Levante” oil, pesto, citrus juices, and seasonal fruit and vegetables, available to taste during your stay. Breakfast is wholesome and (in warm weather) served on the panoramic terrace overlooking the terraced hills and beyond to the sea.
My Tip to Make it Special: Explore the Cinque Terre National Park through a vast network of marked trails connecting 18 hilltop villages in addition to small seaside towns like Bonassola and Framura.
Amenities: Garden, tastefully renovated rooms (some with garden views), homemade breakfast, easy access to hiking trails.
Access: Best by car; with parking available (nearby) in the village piazza. Levanto is a short 10-minute drive.
Agriturismo Faraggiana Coast – Levanto Hills
For those who like their farm stay that feels more like a boutique hotel, Agriturismo Faraggiana is a great pick. With a pool and spa, you get the perks that feel like a luxury Cinque Terre hotel but with the atmosphere of a homely farm stay.
The Farm: All surrounding land is typical of the area, with vineyards and olive trees. At breakfast, you can enjoy local organic produce, freshly baked bread, and homemade cakes.
My Tip to Make it Special: The wellness center is a place to feel pampered and includes a sauna, Turkish bath, and hot tub. You can also arrange for a cleansing Himalayan salt massage.
Amenities: Garden and pool area, beautifully appointed rooms, homemade breakfast, and bookable boat tours of Cinque Terre.
Access: Best by car; with parking available on site. There is also a shuttle service to Levanto.
Recommended Budget Friendly Farmstays
Here are a couple of affordable agriturismi that combine homely comfort with authentic local character.
Agriturismo Costa di Campo – Vernazza Hills
In the hills above Vernazza, Costa di Campo farmhouse offers sweeping views of the coast. It’s in a remote location, but if you’re seeking a peaceful ‘get back to nature’ escape, then this will feel like heaven.
The Farm: This picturesque property blooms with seasonal flowers and trees with fruits, including small oranges and lemons. Olives and vineyards surround the property.
My Tip to Make it Special: Pack a picnic and sip a glass of wine in the garden terrace, where you can enjoy the sunset views.
Amenities: Garden, options for rooms, and family apartments
Access: Remote location with road access and on-site parking.
Agriturismo I Pipetta – Levanto Hills
In the hills close to Levanto, Agriturismo I Pipetta is an ideal place to enjoy the rhythm of rural life close to Cinque Terre. Set amongst olive trees, the farmhouse offers sweeping views of the Levanto valley.
The Farm: The terraced farm is planted with seasonal crops and olive trees. You can enjoy a homemade breakfast feast of fresh pastries, cakes, bread, jams, eggs, olive oil, and fruits. And a dinner of traditional Ligurian dishes using seasonal ingredients.
My Tip to Make it Special: From the agriturismo, you can explore the local coastal hikes that take you to some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the area.
Amenities: Garden with views, homely rooms, and fans provided in hot weather.
Access: Arriving by car is best. There is free car parking nearby (ask for help with heavy luggage), and you can request a parking pass for day trips to Levanto.
Agriturismo Near La Spezia
La Spezia is a short train ride from Cinque Terre and has ferry access to numerous towns around the Gulf of Poets, including Portovenere and Lerici. Our blog has dozens of articles to help you find your way around and enjoy the region.
Agriturismo Belvedere 9 – La Spezia Hills
This restored farmhouse (“agriresort”) sits above the Gulf of Poets with views of the harbor, a pool, and homegrown produce. Rooms are light and elegant, and guests love the peaceful setting and the hosts’ genuine warmth. Although situated on a working farm, the location is conveniently close to La Spezia and within easy access of Cinque Terre.
Gli Ulivi di Montalbano – La Spezia Hills
A countryside stay just five minutes from La Spezia, with a pool, self-catering apartments, and olive groves producing the farm’s own oil. Guests enjoy the mix of rural calm and easy access to Cinque Terre by car or train.
Wrapping Up
Staying in a Cinque Terre Agriturismo offers space, peace, and a connection to its people and the land that has shaped this region for centuries. It’s a way to experience Cinque Terre that most visitors never make time to appreciate.
If your idea of a holiday is more than just ticking sights off a list and taking the obligatory photos, a farm stay could easily become the highlight of your trip.
Looking for more La Spezia and Cinque Terre accommodation ideas?
