Hotel Il Saraceno stands in Volastra, a quiet hilltop hamlet above Manarola in the municipality of Riomaggiore, and it is the one choice here for visitors who want to sleep among vineyards and terraces instead of in a crowded village. It is a three-star hotel with a rooftop terrace, a garden, a lobby fireplace, a bar and a free breakfast buffet, and guests rate it exceptionally well. Free parking on the property makes it a rare find in a region where parking is scarce and costly, so it is a good base for travellers with a rental car or those who prefer the peace of the hills. The trade-off is distance: the villages are down the hill, so you will use the trail, a bus or a taxi to reach the sea. The reward is cooler evenings, park views from the rooms and a very different side of the Cinque Terre.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the hamlet of Volastra, up the hill from Manarola. Manarola station is roughly a 20-minute walk away, and the Nativity scene of Manarola is about 18 minutes on foot, since the paths are steep and the way back is uphill. Plan how you will get back up before you set out. The marine protected area is about 17 minutes away on foot. Genoa airport is about two hours by car, so it suits those renting a car for a longer Italian trip.
The rooms
The hotel lists double and triple rooms with park views, with air conditioning, a safe, free WiFi, a bidet and free toiletries. Rooms are simple, quiet and comfortable rather than luxurious, and free infant beds are available for families with a baby. Check the room category you want when you book.
Food and facilities
A free breakfast buffet is served each morning, and the rooftop terrace and garden are lovely places to sit in the evening. The lobby has a fireplace, which is welcome in cooler months. There is a bar and room service, and a few restaurants are a short drive away. There is no restaurant of its own, so plan your evening meals and your transport in advance.
Who it suits
Drivers, walkers and couples who want a calm base away from the tour groups, and travellers who value free parking and breakfast. It is less suited to those who want to step out of the door and into a village, or who do not like hills.
Good to know
Check-in is from 2 p.m. until the late evening and check-out is at 11 a.m. Pets are not allowed. Free cancellation is offered on some rates. Opening dates can vary, so check when you book, and confirm your transport plan to the villages before you arrive.
Why stay here
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Free parking on site
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Garden
- ✓Lobby fireplace
- ✓Bar and room service
- ✓Free WiFi and air conditioning
- ✓Park-view rooms
Good questions
How far is Hotel Il Saraceno from Manarola?+
The hotel is in Volastra, about a 20-minute walk from Manarola station, and the way back is uphill.
Is parking free?+
Yes, free self parking is available on the property, which is rare in the Cinque Terre.
Is breakfast included?+
A free breakfast buffet is shown with the stay. Check your rate when you book.
