Looking for a Holiday Home in Italy? Why the Most Beautiful One Isn't

Looking for a Holiday Home in Italy? Why the Most Beautiful One Isn't Always the Right One!

Sea views, a swimming pool, a beautiful terrace, a beach within walking distance, and ideally all of these things together. When looking for a holiday home in Italy, most people have a fairly clear picture of what they want. But what actually makes a holiday home perfect?

Sometimes I get the feeling that my guests are looking for sea views in all four directions.

With a pool, of course. And a lovely garden. The beach should be within walking distance, and so should the nearest restaurant, but without any noise or crowds, please. Ideally, somewhere surrounded by greenery, yet just a few steps from the sea.

I completely understand. After all, you've been looking forward to your holiday all year, and naturally, you want everything to be just right.

The big booking platforms don't make things any easier. One dream property follows another, the photographs get more and more beautiful, and the descriptions are full of superlatives. Eventually, you start believing that the one truly perfect holiday home must be out there somewhere.

But there is no such thing as the perfect holiday home. At least not one that's perfect for everyone.

I've been working with holidaymakers for around thirty years. First as a host at our own agriturismo in Liguria, and now through Maremonti. Over the years, I've realised that behind my guests' wishes there are often very different ideas of what a holiday should actually feel like.

And sometimes it's worth sorting out those ideas before looking any further.

Are You Looking for a Holiday Home or a Particular Holiday Feeling?

Take the classic wish for a holiday home right by the sea. What exactly makes that so important?

Would you love to go for a swim before breakfast? Then having the beach just a short walk away really is a wonderful thing.

Is it the sea view you love? In that case, a house a little higher up on the coast might be exactly right for you.

Or are you mainly longing for peace and quiet, sitting on your terrace and listening to the gentle sound of the waves?

Then it's worth remembering that Italian beaches can be rather lively in August. Perhaps you'd find the tranquillity you're looking for in a house among the olive groves, with sweeping views across the coast.

There's no right or wrong answer. But the clearer you are about what really matters to you, the easier it becomes to find the right place.

 

 

Three Things I'd Think About Before Choosing a Holiday Home

1. What Does Your Perfect Holiday Day Look Like?

Instead of imagining the house, picture an ordinary day on holiday.

Would you like to walk to the bakery in the morning? Spend hours reading by the pool? Build sandcastles with the children? Go hiking, explore little villages, or stroll through a lively old town in the evening?

The answers often tell you far more about the right accommodation than any list of amenities.

2. What Really Matters to You, and What Could You Do Without?

Choose three things your holiday home absolutely must have.

Perhaps that's a private pool, a peaceful location, and enough space for the whole family.

Then think about what would be lovely to have, but isn't essential.

Every house has its own particular strengths. One is right by the sea, another has a spacious garden and plenty of privacy. A third offers breathtaking views but sits a little higher up the hillside.

If you try to find everything in one place, you may easily overlook homes that would actually be wonderful for your holiday.

3. Does the Location Suit Your Holiday Plans?

Distances alone can be surprisingly misleading.

A beach just one and a half kilometres away sounds like a pleasant stroll. But whether it really is depends entirely on the route.

In Liguria, even a short walk can involve quite a steep climb. And a romantic village house tucked away among narrow lanes might be perfect for a couple, while a family with a pushchair may have rather different needs.

It's also worth thinking about day trips. If you're staying near Imperia and hoping to visit the Cinque Terre, for example, you should know that it's not exactly a quick outing.

My advice: Don't just look at where the house is. Think about how you'll actually spend your holiday from there. A Wonderful Holiday Doesn't Need a Perfect Backdrop.

Some time ago, guests were looking for a holiday home with sea views. They were bringing their dog, who absolutely loved swimming. A lovely house with magnificent views and a beach within walking distance initially seemed ideal. But as we talked, it became clear that what they really wanted was to enjoy long walks and find beautiful places where their dog could swim. Suddenly, other holiday homes became interesting. Places with walking trails through the olive groves and little woodland pools where dogs can enjoy a swim. I happen to know some wonderful spots like these. My own dog, Lume, has thoroughly tested them!

You'll find more tips in my blog article: Where Can You Find Swimming Spots for Dogs in Liguria?

That's what I love about helping guests find their holiday home. Sometimes a conversation opens up possibilities they hadn't even considered when they started searching.

How Can You Recognise a Good Holiday Home Offer?

Besides your personal wishes, there are a few practical things worth checking before you book.

Don't just look at the most beautiful photographs. Are there pictures of all the bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoor areas? Is it clear whether the swimming pool is private or shared with other guests?

On the big booking platforms, I sometimes come across rather imaginative property descriptions. Words are easy to write, after all, and beautiful photographs don't always tell the whole story.

Take a careful look at the price, too. What seems like a bargain at first can quickly become more expensive once additional charges are included.

Are electricity and gas charged according to consumption? Are bed linen, towels and final cleaning included, or do they cost extra? Are there any additional charges to pay on arrival? It's also important to check the security deposit and cancellation conditions.

Always compare the actual total cost, not just the advertised weekly price.

And finally, who's behind the offer? Who can you contact if you have questions before or during your stay?

The major booking platforms offer an impressive choice of properties. A smaller agency specialising in a particular region, on the other hand, can sometimes answer questions you'll never find addressed in a property description.

Both have their advantages. What matters is knowing exactly what you're booking.

And in the End?

In Liguria, you'll find holiday apartments right by the sea, traditional stone houses in little villages, spacious villas with pools, and hidden cottages surrounded by olive trees. Each has its own charm, and each offers a different way to enjoy a holiday.

Not every house is right for every guest. But that variety is precisely what makes the search interesting, and sometimes makes choosing so difficult.

When I talk to my guests, what I really want to understand is how they imagine spending their holiday. Because it's often the small, personal wishes that get lost among all those beautiful photographs when searching for the perfect house.

And when, at the end of a conversation, I feel that my guests haven't simply found a beautiful property but one that genuinely suits the way they want to spend their holiday, that makes me happy.

Because the best holidays don't come from ticking as many boxes as possible on a list of amenities.

They come from feeling at home in the right place.

Still looking for the right holiday home in Liguria? Just ask me. Together, we'll find out what suits you best.

Warm wishes,

Stefanie Ghiglione