Giandriale

With their hearts set on running a bed and breakfast in the Liguria region, the Giani family searched hard and long before finding Giandriale. Set high up in the remote mountains above the coast, the 18th-century stone farmhouse is surrounded by a low range of mountains covered with thick woods as far as the eye can see. Utter silence prevails. There are just two guestrooms within their home and five others plus two apartments in the refurbished stone barn next door, simply decorated with country-style wooden furniture. Guests can relax in one of two comfortable living rooms. Meals are enjoyed in the downstairs dining room with its old-fashioned country stove, which is used occasionally in winter for making polenta. Lucia prepares coffee cakes and jams for breakfast and uses mostly regional recipes in her cooking, taking advantage of their own organic produce. Classic sightseeing destinations in the area include the Riviera (Portofino, Santa Margherita, Chiavari) and the Cinque Terre, 45 minutes away. Nereo can also suggest several interesting off-the-beaten-track itineraries beyond Giandriale. Hiking trails and mountain bikes are available.