Villa dei Poeti | 6-Bedroom Villa in La Spezia Cavanella Vara

Fourteen guests across six bedrooms. Four bathrooms. A tennis court. A swimming pool set into terraced gardens that command views across the Ligurian hills. Welcome to Villa dei Poeti, a sprawling family estate in La Spezia’s countryside where the Mediterranean light seems to linger longer than anywhere else. This is the kind of rental that stops people mid-conversation—not because anyone’s talking, but because someone’s just noticed the view.

Inside Villa dei Poeti

Villa dei Poeti sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across three floors designed to give everyone space without feeling abandoned. The ground floor holds the beating heart of the property: an open-plan kitchen and dining area outfitted with a dishwasher and coffee machine, alongside a separate kitchenette for backup. Two bedrooms anchor this level—one double with an additional sofa bed, one twin—served by a bathroom featuring both shower and jacuzzi. There’s also a dedicated dining room, useful when 16 people need feeding and the open kitchen area fills with the controlled chaos of group meals.

Ascend to the first floor and the social energy shifts. The living room dominates the space: fireplace-centred, equipped with television and DVD player, the kind of room where arguments about film selection become inevitable. Two double bedrooms occupy this floor—one accessible via its own spiral staircase, offering semi-private retreat status. The twin bedroom provides flexibility for children or friends who’d rather not share a larger space. Two additional bathrooms with showers ensure the morning queue never becomes genuinely unbearable.

The second floor operates almost as a separate wing. A double bedroom, a double sofa bed area, and another shower-equipped bathroom allow guests to spread out without constant negotiation. Throughout the villa, air-conditioning is standard, heating is provided for cooler months, and creature comforts like hairdryers, iron and ironing board, and a washing machine handle the necessities of longer stays. A 43-inch plasma television connects to both PlayStation and Wii systems—a practical recognition that group holidays include varying energy levels and moods.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens surrounding Villa dei Poeti command the landscape like a private fiefdom. Terraced lawns descend through Mediterranean plantings—olive trees, citrus species, heritage rosemary—the kind of vegetation that blooms reliably under Ligurian sun. The private swimming pool sits at the heart of an expansive terrace, bordered by sun loungers and parasols positioned to catch the optimal angle of light from dawn until early evening. A partially-covered dining table beneath this terrace converts outdoor meals from functional necessity into extended social events; even summer heat becomes manageable here.

Beyond the pool zone, the gardens reveal their true scale. A dedicated children’s play area—swings and climbing equipment—occupies a sheltered section. A full-size football pitch with net markings stretches across the lower gardens, genuinely regulation enough to keep competitive players satisfied. The tennis court sits with its own commanding position, useful for anyone who wants sustained activity rather than pool-adjacent relaxation. A functional gym space, compact but properly equipped, handles the guest who brought workout discipline to their holiday. A barbecue setup completes the outdoor kitchen infrastructure.

The vista from these terraces sweeps southward across undulating hillsides toward Tuscany’s border. Early morning light arrives soft and amber; by late afternoon, the distant ridgelines assume deep purple definition. This is the view that stops conversation—not metaphorically, but genuinely stops it, suspended in that moment when beauty becomes almost uncomfortable to witness.

Location: La Spezia and the Surrounding Area

Villa dei Poeti occupies prime position within the Ligurian countryside, 19 kilometres south of La Spezia’s historic waterfront—close enough for evening excursions, distant enough to escape urban density. La Spezia itself functions as the functional hub: a walled medieval town with 13th-century San Giorgio Castle commanding its skyline, an attractive harborfront district suited to pre-dinner walks, and the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia housing significant Renaissance paintings. Summer boat trips depart La Spezia’s marina toward Palmaria Island, where pebble beaches and sea caves punctuate rocky shorelines.

The five villages of Cinque Terre lie 25 kilometres to the north, accessible by train from La Spezia (a 5-minute journey) or by coastal road for those preferring scenic routes. Monterosso al Mare, the largest and northernmost village, offers a genuine sandy beach (uncommon along this dramatic coastline) plus crystalline waters for swimming. Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore complete the UNESCO-listed quintet, each perched on cliffsides or built directly above the sea, their pastel-coloured buildings reflecting centuries of maritime culture. The Sentiero dell’Amore (Path of Love) between Riomaggiore and Manarola provides the most spectacular walking route: a clifftop trail with unobstructed sea views, naturally lit by Mediterranean afternoon light.

Local dining begins steps from Villa dei Poeti—a stone-thrown pizzeria serves evening meals alongside basic groceries. Supermarkets and grocery shops lie 5 kilometres distant; Brugnato, 11 kilometres away, houses a major shopping centre for retail inclinations. The region produces distinctive white wines (Cinque Terre DOC designation), fresh pesto, and seafood-forward cuisine. Hiking trails penetrate the lush countryside immediately surrounding the villa, with cycling routes following the same valleys and ridgelines.

Explore our luxury villas in La Spezia, browse our villas in Province Of La Spezia, and our full collection in Italy. For destination inspiration, read our Liguria travel guide.

Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo), 100 kilometres northwest, provides the primary international gateway (approximately 90-minute transfer). Milan Malpensa Airport, 180 kilometres distant, offers alternative access for northern European connections (2.5-hour transfer). Carrara, just over the Tuscan border, functions as a cultural detour—the marble quarries and Michelangelo Museum appeal to those interested in Renaissance craftsmanship.

May to September represents peak season: warm, reliably sunny days with sea temperatures around 20-22°C enabling comfortable swimming. September and early October offer extended warmth with reduced crowds. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, though the landscape acquires a mist-shrouded romantic quality unsuited to pool holidays but ideal for hiking and introspection.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa dei Poeti accommodates extended families spanning three generations without compromising comfort—grandparents retire to the second-floor sanctuary while teenagers dominate the games room and living areas. Groups of up to four couples navigate the space without territorial conflict; each pair effectively holds a private floor arrangement, with common areas allowing genuine socialising rather than forced proximity.

Families prioritising activity variety thrive here: the tennis court and football pitch keep teenagers and adults engaged between pool sessions and excursions; younger children deploy the playground equipment and swing structures as their territory; the PlayStation/Wii setup manages weather-dependent downtime. Parents appreciate that the villa layout permits supervised autonomy—children occupy defined areas while adults relax without constant visibility demands.

Professional groups and corporate retreats find Villa dei Poeti’s scale and amenities suitable for working mornings followed by team activities or regional exploration. Friends approaching life transitions—milestone birthdays, pre-wedding gatherings—appreciate the space to accommodate both intimate conversations and group activities simultaneously.

The property appeals less to couples seeking romantic seclusion; the sheer scale and activity infrastructure suggest group dynamic over couples’ retreat.

Practical Information

Villa dei Poeti sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Bedroom configuration comprises four doubles and two twin rooms; sofa beds supplement standard sleeping arrangements. Air-conditioning throughout the property manages summer temperatures; heating services cooler months. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard; satellite television provides entertainment beyond gaming systems.

Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo) lies 100 kilometres northwest—approximately 90 minutes by road transfer. Direct parking is shared with two neighbouring villas, a practical arrangement typical of rural Ligurian estates. Flexible check-in and check-out arrangements accommodate travel variability; confirmation during booking finalises timing.

Staff availability extends to both personal chef services and housekeeping arrangements—particularly valuable for larger groups prioritising relaxation over domestic labour. Wine tasting excursions can be arranged through local producers; pet policies operate on request (advance confirmation required). Linen, towels, and basic utilities are included in rental pricing; pool heating operates seasonally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa dei Poeti

How many guests does Villa dei Poeti sleep?

Villa dei Poeti accommodates 16 guests maximum across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The configuration comprises four double bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, and multiple sofa beds providing supplementary sleeping capacity for flexible group sizes.

What is the nearest airport to Villa dei Poeti in La Spezia?

Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport lies 100 kilometres northwest of Villa dei Poeti, approximately 90 minutes by car. Milan Malpensa Airport, 180 kilometres north, provides an alternative for northern European connections, though transfers require approximately 2.5 hours driving time.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa dei Poeti?

May through September delivers warm, consistently sunny weather suitable for swimming and outdoor activities; sea temperatures reach 20-22°C by July and August. September and early October extend the season with maintained warmth and significantly reduced tourist crowds. Winter months (November through March) bring cooler temperatures, occasional rainfall, and mist-shrouded landscapes appealing to hiking enthusiasts and those seeking contemplative retreat rather than pool-focused holidays.

Is Villa dei Poeti suitable for families with children?

Villa dei Poeti functions as a comprehensive family property. The private swimming pool operates with adequate depth zoning for different ages; sun loungers positioned around the pool allow parental supervision without direct poolside presence. A dedicated children’s play area featuring swings and climbing structures occupies a sheltered section of the gardens. Nearby beaches at Monterosso al Mare (25 kilometres north) provide supervised beach environments. Gaming systems (PlayStation, Wii) manage indoor activity during weather-dependent periods. The tennis court and football pitch accommodate older children and teenagers without parental participation. Maid service availability reduces domestic labour, particularly valuable with young children present.

What is included in the rental price at Villa dei Poeti?

Standard inclusions encompass all utilities (electricity, gas, water heating), Wi-Fi internet connectivity, satellite television access, bed linen and towels, parking access, and seasonal pool heating. Gaming system access (PlayStation, Wii) is included. Optional services—personal chef, housekeeping, wine tasting excursions, pet accommodation—require separate arrangement and additional cost confirmation.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa dei Poeti?

A local pizzeria lies within walking distance of Villa dei Poeti, serving evening meals and stocking basic groceries. Supermarkets and broader grocery shopping are located 5 kilometres distant. Brugnato, 11 kilometres away, houses a significant shopping centre for substantial retail requirements. La Spezia’s waterfront district (19 kilometres south) contains numerous restaurants ranging from casual seafood trattorias to fine-dining establishments. Cinque Terre villages (25 kilometres north) offer traditional coastal restaurants featuring locally-caught fish and regional specialities; Monterosso al Mare particularly concentrates tourist-oriented dining facilities.