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Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view

Leivi villa with private pool

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Photo gallery for Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view

A stone building with a rustic exterior, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone pathway leading to a wooden structure.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a covered seating area, surrounded by trees and a stone building.
A swimming pool at night with a lit-up building in the background.
A rustic interior with a stone wall, wooden furniture, a fireplace, and a wooden door.
A rustic interior with stone walls, wooden beams, a stone floor, a red chair, a table with a checkered tablecloth, and a chandelier.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10450 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Leivi, Liguria
  • Place, Parco Botanico Villa Rocca
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Chiavari Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Colonia Fara
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Genoa (GOA-Cristoforo Colombo)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Leivi

Seaside stay .You'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Parco Botanico Villa Rocca and 6 miles (10 km) of Circuito Kart Carasco with a stay here. Borgo Basilica dei Fieschi and Porto di Lavagna are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Villas in LeiviOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Parco Botanico Villa Rocca - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Chiavari Beach - 10 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Colonia Fara - 11 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Porto di Lavagna - 12 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Lavagna Beach - 13 min drive - 9.5 km

Getting around

  • Chiavari Station - 17 min drive
  • Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Creuza De Ma - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Barcelleria - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Torre Fara - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪TRATTORIA PEDUN - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Ristorante Panoramico - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view

Mereta Castle (Castello della Mereta) is a 15th-century castle on the olive-covered hills of Leivi, above Chiavari, between Portofino and the Cinque Terre.

The property offers a total of 10 sleeps in 5 double rooms (PLEASE NOTE the 5th room is only available for reservations for more than 8 guests, or on request for an extra). The property is not shared with other people, so we can say that it is at your sole use. All the bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning to allow a pleasant rest also in case of very hot weather, while the common areas do not have air conditioning available.

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PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING: the property is an ancient building, dating back to the 13th century. The interior is very well kept and as you can see from the photos and you can read from several reviews (we have a 5 stars average!), it is clean and comfortable, the air conditioning is new and the kitchen is antique style, but modern. Nevertheless, all the furnitures are antiques, such as the beds, the sofa etc. If you are not that kind of person who likes such an historical and antique atmosphere, please do not book this property. We have great respect for everybody's personal taste, but we had guests who were disappointed because they were expecting modern space and atmosphere like the ones they could find in a 5 stars Hotel. We are not equipped with all the amenities you can expect from an Hotel, nor we pretend to be as an Hotel, we are an holiday house with some very original characteristics. Let me also say, more than original, I would say, unique. You can relax under the shadow of a centenary Watchtower which was built even before Christopher Columbus had discovered the Americas, but definitively you will not stay in a 5 stars Hotel. Our reviews have a 5 stars average rate but we are not a 5 stars hotel!!!
To make a long story short, we are for many, but not for all!
If this fits with your expectations, please continue reading the description of the property! We would love to have you staying with us!
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The site is quiet and romantic, with the infinity swimming pool equipped with water jets and a large green relax area with sun beds and from the terrace a remarkable panoramic views towards the peninsula of Portofino and Sestri Levante, then towards the Val d'Aveto and Val di Vara, and on a clear day, looking towards the South, you can see the profile of Corsica's mountains.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: allowed in some areas only, contact us for details

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 4,844 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: babies and kids are welcome!

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Extra costs for people more than the guests number

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Allowed in some areas only, contact us for details

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 10
Note from host: extra costs for people more than the guests number
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts cash. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10. Note from host: extra costs for people more than the guests number For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number IT010029C2AW53U73U

We should mention

  • All guests (including children) need to be present at check-in to show their government-issued photo ID or passport.
  • Onsite cash transactions can't exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view to the airport?

This villa is 32.8 mi (49-min drive) away from the Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view?

As of Oct 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view on Oct 18, 2026 start from CA $679, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this villa.

How close is 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view to the beach?

This villa is 5.2 mi (19-min drive) from Chiavari Beach and 5.3 mi (20-min drive) from Lavagna Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view offer free breakfast?

This villa does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view?

No, there is no casino at this villa.

What time is check-in at 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view?

Free parking is not available at this villa.

Does 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view have a pool?

This villa features an outdoor pool.

Does 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this villa.

How close is 15th century castle, between Cinque Terre and Portofino, private pool, sea view to downtown Leivi?

This villa is 0.3 mi away from Aigo.

Mereta Castle – 15th c. castle near Portofino & Cinque Terre, pool, sea view Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 82 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, excellent! We had a lovely holiday
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an amazing opportunity!It’s hard to put into words the fantastic stay that we had at Alberto’s place. Beautiful and tranquil from start to finish. Everything that you need is provided and well stocked. Battista keeps the property and pool clean and beautifully maintained. The views are spectacular. The rooms are comfortable. We would love to return someday again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice

Nice place
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely !

Beautiful castle and views, Silvia the host was so helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of the most magical places I have ever stayed. Every corner of the castle had something interesting: the kitchen was fantastic (we made pizza in the pizza oven), we had drinks in the taverna, lounged in the pool, and had dinners on the balcony overlooking the sea. Prepare to have your jaw drop
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was amazing! Un sogno. See you next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience

Facility was very unique! Family experienced how castle existed since 15th century and still an architectural showpiece. Beautiful grounds and setting. Castle was as listed by owner. Views are spectacular.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful and unique experience!

My wife and I came here on our honeymoon and we were blown away! It is truly a unique experience to stay in a medieval castle, but even more stunning was the location of the property - nestled in a quiet town in the Italian countryside. The hosts were great and very accommodating, and we had an incredible stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Castle Stay!!

Amazing weekend get away! Pictures do not do the property justice. Alberto and Silvia were excellent hosts and very attentive to any needs. My only regret is not having spent more time there!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Castle above Chiavari

Beautiful spot to stay and explore that part of Italy. Winding road to get there but worth it. Very comfortable furniture throughout and well maintained. We didn’t cook meals, but the kitchen was well stocked. Just telling friends that you stayed in a castle built in the 1400’s is worth it.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Castle exceeded our high expectations! Staying in a real castle was like a dream come true. All the rooms were beautifully decorated in a style appropriate to the historic nature of the property. There were amazing views from all the windows, the multiple balconies, and the multiple lawn and pool areas. Two excellent restaurants were in walking distance, and a large grocery store was 10 minutes away. So much to see and do within an hour's drive or train ride. Highly recommend the Castle!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay in Leivi.

Great stay. Excellent customer support. Sylvia and Alberto were very responsive and caring. Very spacious and lovely pool. I suggest you having a car as the villa is 10 minutes (by car) up in the beautiful mountains. Unique experience in a 1400 castle.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Host

Alberto and Silvia were excellent hosts. They addressed all questions and concerns promptly. They communicated throughout our visit. You will not find better hosts on VRBO
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Castle

Huge property with historical details. Beautiful pool with scenic views that can’t be beat. Hosts were very accommodating. The inside air was stale from not being aired out. Other than that it was a wonderful experience.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Special Place

We loved this property. The home is full of antiques but is very comfortable. We did need a car to get to the home. Sylvie recommended the restaurant, Peppen and it was the best place we have eaten in a long time. The owner was gracious and fed us way too much wonderful food. Stay a whole week to enjoy this property and the towns near by. Thanks to Alberto for sharing this home.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

the best weekend of our lives!

This was the best weekend of our lives! Mereta Castle is pure magic — the kind of emotions you simply won’t experience in any other place. We were deeply impressed by the warmth and care from the host and his manager. The house is incredibly beautiful, full of family history going back generations. The garden is so well-kept, and the view of the mountains and the sea is simply breathtaking. If we could give it 100 out of 10, we would, without a doubt! We wholeheartedly recommend this place — whether you’re coming as a family or as a couple. We’ll definitely be coming back here again and again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just like the pictures

We injoyed our stay greatly. A little tricky to find in the dark but we got it. Amazing views, rooms were very nice. The weather was perfect so we really used the pool. House manager went above and beyond helping us figure things out. I would say this place is for people that are mobile. Lots of stairs that we did not mind. LOVED IT
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Location and Area

The property was as advertised in its quality, room and features. The "tavern" is two levels and large leading out to the pool area. This is in my opinion the gathering area during our stay and it can host a larger number of people. The property value is enhanced by this entertainment area. Not a walkable location if that is important which it is to me. Need to drive everywhere .Quiet at night but during the days neighbouring dogs and immediate church bells are very evident. Good location for a larger family gathering.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Slept in a museum!

We just loved staying in Castello del Mereta! Our host Angelica was very accessible and answered all our questions promptly. There are 5 floors of stairs to navigate, so would not recommend for guests that have challenges with stairs. We made sure to sit in all the salons and soak up the history and 1920's decor. The special accordian concert in the garden was a treat. The views amazing. The nearby Pepen Restaurant has an antipasti experience that is not to be missed. Ask Angelica to make reservations. Thanks so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Magnifico!

Spectacular doesn't begin to describe our stay in the Mereta Castle in Leivi Italy! We had plenty of space for our extended family and the views were amazing! Our own private "restaurant" downstairs with plenty of flatware and utensils in the spacious kitchen. The veranda was truly a wonderful place to spend hours admiring the countryside. We felt like royalty entering the grounds with an electronic gate. Angelica was wonderful as she greeted us and brought fresh vegetables half way into our stay. They even erected a US flag on top of the watch tower, nice touch! Fantastic.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2016
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Mereta

We had a truly wonderful week at the quirky and magical Mereta. Situated in a small and friendly village amongst olive groves, and with spectacular views down the valley to Chiavari and the sea, it is a great place to relax and unwind. All the rooms are huge, have amazing antique furniture (we were still spotting interesting items at the end of a week) and are very comfortable. The pool is an ideal place to cool down in the summer heat, and from which to watch the sun setting behind the mountains. There is an excellent local restaurant, a very convivial outdoor bar and coffee shop and a small general store in the village. It is quick to drive to Chiavari or a very reliable bus service runs from outside the gate. We really hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay up in the hills of Chiavari

If you are looking for a getaway that is away from the city noise but still close enough where you can quickly go into town if you need something, this is the place for you. The castle is amazing and is exactly that. If you are looking for something modern, this is not for you. The pool and yard are amazing and I would say that is the most modern part, but the castle itself was built in the early 1500s and maintains that charm. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, and the kitchen is well stocked. If I had one recommendation, it would be to replace some of the mattresses, but I find that they are all the same across Italy/Europe. The family is commutative and if there are any issues or concerns they are a phone call or text away. The center of Chiavari is about 5km away, and you still have easy access to Portofino, Cinque Terre, or Genova by train or car. Keep in mind that you need to have a car to get there.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique property

We attended a wedding in Tuscany and had decided to extend our visit and continue to vacation with our immediate family members. We selected the historic castle which is in an area northwest of where the wedding was and closer to the coast. How often does one have the opportunity to stay in a 500+ year old castle? Well, if you have a chance, we would highly recommend it. The property is a drive up a winding road into the hills, but once you arrive, you are in heaven. The view is spectacular, the surroundings are peaceful (only interrupted by some charming church bells) and serene, especially at night for stargazing. The castle itself, is very comfortable and the infinity pool is amazing. Silvia, the property manager, was extremely helpful and always available. There are a lot of stairs which might pose a problem for some, but no one in our party complained. Plus, we were blessed with some beautiful weather. We made some beautiful memories at the Castle Mereta.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getting to stay in a Castle!!! Amazing!

We had a wonderful time staying at the castle. We would have loved to be able to climb the tower, but, alas, it is closed due to structural concerns (not a surprise as it was built over 6 centuries ago). The location is ideal to travel to the Cinque Terre and all of the towns and cities of the west coast of Italy. We stayed for only two nights and wish it were more, but our travel schedule only allowed for this short time. We had great days at the Cinque Terre and Portofino and the castle's location made travel to both a breeze. We used the train to go to the Cinque Terre and drove to Portofino. We spent the evenings enjoying the pool, multiple patios, the views from high on the hill and especially enjoyed the fog rolling in over the hill and enveloping us and all of the hill all the way to the valley. It was awe inspiring. The castle is not for the person who can't do steps, but we loved every step in the place. Our hosts were great and made our stay a real pleasure. Overall, I would say go to the Castle and stay a while. It will be worth your time and effort. Thanks to Alberto and Silvia for all of your help in making our stay in the Castle a time to remember.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, unique venue & wonderful location for the perfect Italian experience with our friends!

What a fantastic time we had at this very unique venue! Staying in a very historic Castle can be a bit intimidating, but with the guidance of the property owner and his property manager, Silvia , we found this the perfect place to meet up with our dear friends from Switzerland and back home in the U.S. And the ideal jumping off spot to explore Portofino, Santa Margharita and Rapallo to the north and Cinque Terre to the south. We cooked delicious meals together (making good use of the pizza oven), had refreshing swims in the pool with an amazing view and just enjoyed being in this beautiful place with our dear friends, with Italian sight-seeing being the added benefit to our stay. The accommodations were so comfortable for all of us and Silvia so accommodating with all of my questions. She even made us reservations at nearby Ristorante Pepen, which is a must for your stay! as We were treated so well by them, with course after course of the tastiest food, impeccable service and a lovely view from our outdoor table for 10! The food, the wine, the delicious and time-intensively prepared cake, just for us, make me wish we lived nearby for a repeat dinner whenever we wanted! That was an evening to remember, as was our stay at Castle Mereta! Forever grateful for our time here and for the opportunity to stay in such a historic location! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022