Hotel Porto Roca

Location, location, location - that’s what this hotel is all about. Perched high on the cliffs and surrounded by the steep vineyards above the bustling village of Monterosso, there is simply nowhere nicer to stay on this stretch of the Italian coast. The charm of the Cinque Terre National Park region is that there is no road link into the towns so it is fantastically unspoiled and delightfully unsophisticated – the Portofino jet set do not hang out here but they are missing a trick. Aside from its magical outlook, the Hotel Porto Roca provides everything you could want for a relaxing few days. The terraced restaurant is a picture with white wrought iron and bougainvillea and every table looks straight out to sea. The waiters are wonderful – from the classic old-timers to the young ones with a bit of a twinkle. But perhaps it is the pool that really sells this place, with its jolly yellow and white umbrellas and incredible views of The Mediterranean. Lie here in a dream world and watch the boats sail past, or wander down the hill into town for a bowl of olives and a glass of Sassarini - the delicious local vino. The rooms are of the traditional Italian variety – damask curtains and brown furniture rather than taupe minimalism, but they are spotless and comfortable each with a little balcony and a view you feel compelled to take a picture of every single morning. Nothing is too much trouble - plenty of recommendations for walking, boating, eating and drinking. Don't go home without having had dinner at Il Moretto, L'Ancora della Tortuga or Ristorante Miky. For lunch take the ferry round to Porto Venere and arrange for Guiseppe to send across his Riva to take you to Locando Lorena - you will have the freshest and best seafood you could wish for. Sit on the hotel terrace in the evening and you won't really want to go anywhere else. But should the mood take you, you can visit the other Cinque Terre villages by boat, train or on foot. These villages cling perilously to the coastline and are best seen from the sea. Get here from Pisa by train in less than two hours and leave your car at home.

What is there to do in the area? Enjoy the beautiful views of the Cinque Terre by taking the ferry that runs from April until October between the villages. The boats run frequently from the ports of La Spezia and Portovenere to the villages of the Cinque Terre. There also connections to Levanto, Deiva Marina, Moneglia, Portofino and to the island of Palmaria. The ferry does not stop in Corniglia since this is the only village without water access. Hiking in the Cinque Terre The terraced, seaside villages of Cinque Terre offer some of the best hiking in all of Italy. The region has an extensive network of footpaths that connect each of the five villages to one another. Some Cinque Terre hiking trails are tiring and difficult, while others are suitable for nearly everyone. The high path Sentiero no. 1 is an old mule-track, perhaps dating back to Roman times, which runs along the ridge which separates the coast from the hinterland. The famous Sentiero no. 2 or Sentiero Azzurro connects the five villages of the Cinque Terre and is about 11 kilometers long and takes an estimated 5 hours to walk. There is a total elevation difference of 500 meters between the highest and lowest points of the trail. Walking through the Cinque Terre National Park, you will discover the coastline as well as the backcountry: villages that cling to the cliffs, tiny sandy beaches and sandy coves as well as terraced fields and extensive woodlands. Follow the paths through groves of chestnut, pine, olive trees and wine yards. Enjoy the spectacular views of the sea and the entire coastline. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast at the Hotel Porto Roca is an important moment. In the morning you will find a rich buffet with different types of breads, pastries, croissants, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, fruit salad, cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, bacon, fruit juices, various teas, coffee and drinks. There is also a corner dedicated organic gluten-free products. In summer, breakfast is served on the terrace. Our breakfast will help you recharge and prepare for a day on the trails of the Cinque Terre. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The hotel restaurant, La Terrazza del Porto Roca is a unique restaurant that will delight you with the excellent quality of its cuisine along with its scenic location. In fact it is one of the few restaurants in Monterosso that offers its guests an enchanting view. A dinner on the terrace or in the spacious panoramic dining room will transform your evening into an unforgettable moment. Our restaurant is not only available to hotel guests, but it is also open to all those who want to enjoy our cuisine and the unique experience of lunch or dinner overlooking the sea. La Terrazza del Porto Roca offers a detailed menu with a strong regional 'footprint.' Such as traditional Ligurian pasta which is strictly homemade, as well as fresh pesto, made from our basil. Our chef will also delight you with fresh seafood caught in our bay and other classic Italian dishes. There are also delicious homemade desserts ready to complete your dining experience. All is accompanied by a selection of local and Italian wines from the most prestigious labels. Which are your most popular room types, and why? The sea view Double room for the spectacular sea view. Why do people love staying in your hotel? Nestled in incomparable scenery Hotel Porta Roca gives our guests the impression of sailing above by the sea accompanied by fragrant flowers and the sounds of birds chirping. It is surrounded by the pristine nature of the Cinque Terre and its lush Mediterranean vegetation overlooking the bay of Monterosso. This view of crystal clear waters and sheer cliffs makes it a paradise beyond compare.. At every turn you will see our taste in and appreciation for beautiful things. Every corner is modernly furnished with antique furniture of rare beauty and great value giving the impression of staying in an elegant private villa. Our sea view infinity pool is unique in the Cinque Terre, overlooking a small sheltered bay, surrounded by greenery and vineyards. To match up as naturally as possible to the context that surrounds it, was built in a secluded location on the side of a hill in terraces towards the sea, built as a dry-stone walls of the Cinque Terre using the stones of a local quarry with sea water, creating for those who is immersed, a game of continuity with the horizon between sea and sky, in a landscape of rare beauty. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Come, relaxing and fall in love.