Has anyone stayed in Chiavari? After much research that's where I want to stay for the bulk of a 31/2 week vacation. I'm finding some places with some appeal but I'm simply "not sure," at this point. I'd like a roomy apartment or home like place to stay for about 10+ days, easy access to trains or busses. No driving for this stay. More, I'd like a place that truly is helping a local vs. pushing them out of their home. This is hard to determine on the standard sites, good old: VRBO, Booking & Airb&b. I'd really like some sort of terrace plus view, and not onto another person's balcony. Am I nit picking? Grazie!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2326 posts
You might want to look at the Take Me Home Italy blog by Marilyn. She moved to Chiavari from the US in 2017 and has an online travel planning business now.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1604 posts
Here's where we stayed for several nights in October 2022 and liked both the apartment and Chiavari a lot: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38118507?source_impression_id=p3_1735949392_P3Esbq9jzYAaNfwA
The host lives in Chiavari and this seems to be the only apartment she rents out. We had a car on this trip, but on a previous trip we easily took the train to and from Chiavari. No terrace, but there are balconies.
Here's my review:
If you enjoy cooking actual meals while traveling, this is a great apartment for that --- so many places say that their kitchens are fully equipped, but it's often not the case. And there are many other practical features of this apartment that we really appreciated during the 5 nights we stayed here: it's very quiet, everything works, there is nearby parking in Piazza Roma, the beds are comfy and the bedrooms darken very well, the shower is nice, it's steps from a lively pedestrian-only street, and the couch is big enough for two people. The two balconies and their views are fun. Do not be put off by the apartment's being on the 3rd floor because the steps are not steep and are in good shape (unlike some stairs in older buildings). Chiavari is a lively and interesting town that made an excellent base for day trips. Rachele is easy to communicate with and has clearly put thought and work into making her apartment such a good place for guests to stay.
Posted by
OP
Corvallis Oregon
8 posts
Wonderful! Thank you so much for the info, your insight & review, I truly appreciate it!
kristin :)
Posted by
OP
Corvallis Oregon
8 posts
Salve Janet!
I found Marilyn of Take Me Home Italy through research. I got a hold of her once but my recent attempts on her travel site haven't been successful. Have you used her as a planner for trips? If so, perhaps you would have an "in." I have seen her Facebook posts, but they don't allude to travel planning. I wonder if she is taking a break. Whether yes or no I've still gleaned insight and some guidance. I'm traveling in 2026 so my fingers are crossed I'm able to connect with her! To have my Chiavari plea answered so quickly is wonderful. Grazie!
Posted by
Boston
1806 posts
Chiavari is a wonderful little city. I wouldn't worry about displacing locals as the very popular oceanfront area with its marina is already the 2nd home choice of a huge number non-local Italians. Vacationing is what Liguria does - after all, that's why you'll have good dining, transport and other service options.
The town of Lavagna is contiguous with Chiavari and well worth visiting - or staying - it's within walking distance of Chiavari's center.
https://www.apathtolunch.com/2019/05/a-lunch-visit-to-chiavari-our-favorite.html
http://thisitalianlife.blogspot.com/2013/04/life-life-in-chiavari.html
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1176 posts
I have not been to Chiavari but I know locals who believe it is the perfect "Ligurian town" and is nowhere near as famous as some of its neighbors.
The coastal towns are well connected by train so exploring the surrounding area should be easy. The further north you go towards Portofino the more chic and expensive things become.
With the much time I would also suggest you explore the southern side of the Bay of La Spezia. Either take the ferry from Porto Venere to Lerici or a bus from the train station to San Terenzo. San Terenzo and Lerici are connected by a coastal walking path and Tellaro - looking like an undiscovered CT village - is a bus ride from Lerici. I found them to be very Italian in contrast to the touristy nature of PV and CT. Lerici with the marina is touristy but they are Italian tourists camped at the beach for the summer and I really enjoyed these three towns.
Sounds like a great adventure,
=Tod
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2326 posts
No, I haven't been in contact with Marilyn recently, but I'm glad you found her blog. I've been to the towns that Tod suggested and definitely agree with him.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1604 posts
See if this woodcarver still has a shop in Chiavari:
https://thisitalianlife.blogspot.com/2014/07/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_13.html
https://www.saveur.com/pasta-stamp-workshop-italy/
We tracked down his shop in 2018, failed to try to find it again in 2022, but he made us a wooden pasta stamp with our dog and dog's name carved on it from a photo on my phone.