Nestled in the Province of Imperia along the Ligurian coast, Novelli is a gem for travelers who crave authentic Italian experiences, sun-drenched days, and evenings filled with laughter and good food. This hillside and coastal pocket blends olive groves, pine forests, and sparkling sea views into one irresistible package. Whether you’re seeking vacation rentals with a view, a cozy chalet to host your family, or a stylish apartment for a romantic escape, Novelli serves as a joyful base for exploring Liguria’s famed Riviera while staying comfortably in the heart of its slower-paced charm.
Where to stay: Chalet and vacation rental options in Novelli and the surrounding area
Novelli and its surrounding villages offer a spectrum of chalet accommodation destinations and vacation rentals that suit every travel style. Imagine waking to sunlight slipping over terraced olive groves, then stepping onto a private balcony to savor a hot espresso as the Ligurian breeze carries hints of basil, citrus, and sea salt. Chalet options in this region often feature generous outdoor spaces, stone accents, and modern amenities that make a home-away-from-home feel effortless. You’ll find alpine-flavored charm merged with coastal accessibility—perfect for travelers who want to experience both mountain paths and seaside promenades in a single day.
For families, groups, or couples, vacation rentals in Novelli offer flexible layouts, multi-bedroom configurations, and kitchens equipped to handle everything from a quick breakfast before a day of adventures to a long, leisurely dinner with friends. Many chalet accommodations incorporate terraces or gardens where kids can play safely while adults soak in the panoramic views. If you’re planning a longer stay, look for properties with laundry facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and parking—these features can turn a good trip into a great one, especially when you’re bouncing between beaches, markets, and hillside trails.
When you search for places to stay in this region, consider proximity to the beaches along the Riviera di Ponente as well as easy access to the Ligurian hinterland. The best chalet accommodation destinations in Novelli balance serene hillside serenity with practical access to the coast, local markets, and day trips. For a convenient starting point to book accommodations in the area, you can explore options at searchandstay.com, a website dedicated to helping travelers find vacation rentals and holiday homes in Liguria and beyond.
Distinctive experiences you can enjoy from your chalet or vacation rental
Staying in a chalet or a thoughtfully appointed vacation rental in Novelli puts you at the center of Liguria’s signature experiences. Begin with a morning coast-to-hill routine: sip coffee on a sunlit terrace, watch fishing boats dot the horizon, and set a pace that matches the day’s weather and mood. The region rewards outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers alike with activities that feel intimate and unforgettable.
- Coastal hikes with panoramic sea views: Traverse gentle sea-to-sky routes that wind along the Ligurian coastline, revealing glimpses of the Mediterranean, rugged cliffs, and fragrant pine forests.
- Olive oil and wine tastings: The Imperia area is steeped in olive groves and family-run vineyards. Participate in guided tours that explain traditional pressing techniques and finish with tastings of buttery extra-virgin olive oil and Ligurian wines like Pigato and Vermentino.
- Historic village strolls: Alleyways, stone staircases, and centuries-old churches invite you to slow down and notice the detail—doorways painted in sun-washed hues, balconies bursting with geraniums, and small squares where locals meet in the evening.
- Sea activities and water adventures: On Adriatic-like days, you’ll find opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat excursions that bring you close to the coastline’s caves and coves.
- Food markets and home cooking: Local markets pulse with seasonal produce, cheeses, salumi, and fresh seafood. Many vacation rentals offer a well-equipped kitchen where you can recreate Ligurian dishes or join a local cooking class to learn the art of pesto, trofie, and focaccia.
- Family-friendly beaches and secret coves: While famous Riviera beaches draw visitors, the Novelli area offers quieter stretches where families can relax with a picnic, build sandcastles, or nap in the shade of an umbrella pine.
Nearby destinations and day trips: maximizing your chalet-based base
Novelli sits within easy reach of a cluster of Ligurian treasures. A short drive or a scenic train ride connects you to Imperia’s historic center, the glittering promenade of Sanremo, and the family-friendly beaches around Diano Marina. If you’re up for a longer day trip, the jewel-like Cinque Terre towns and the Côte des Vignerons of the French border are reachable with a thoughtful itinerary. Here are a few ideas to weave into your stay:
- Imperia: Explore the old town, the casino area, and the iconic Porto Maurizio waterfront. The city is known for its agrarian heritage, apple orchards, and the regional olive oil trail, making it a perfect one-day cultural and culinary excursion from your chalet base.
- Sanremo: The city of flowers offers a grand promenade, elegant villas, and a vibrant market scene. It’s ideal for a day of shopping, waterfront dining, and catching live music or a summer concert in the town squares.
- Diano Marina and Alassio: Both towns offer inviting beaches and a relaxed coastal vibe. Alassio’s famous Muretto walls and sweet spritz moments pair beautifully with family days by the water.
- Bordighera and Ventimiglia: Explore medieval lanes, hilltop churches, and the scenic coastal paths that weave through palm-lined shores and rocky coves.
- Hinterland trails: Venture inland for forested paths, medieval castles, and panoramic overlooks that reward patient hikers with unforgettable vistas over the Ligurian Sea.
Seasonal magic: what to expect across the year
Liguria shines in every season, and Novelli provides a stable home base to savor it all. In spring, markets fill with fresh greens, herbs, and bright citrus; in summer, the coast hums with music, markets, and outdoor dining. Autumn brings olive harvests and olive oil tastings that tell the story of the region’s heritage, while winter offers cozy evenings by a fireplace, slow meals, and the chance to savor Ligurian warmth in town squares that feel like living postcards.
For vacation rentals and chalet accommodation, this seasonality translates into smart planning. Summer bookings in Novelli tend to fill quickly for hillside lodges with sea views, while shoulder seasons offer excellent value for longer stays and more intimate experiences at smaller guesthouses and chalets. When you’re ready to plan, a reliable resource for accommodations in the area is searchandstay.com, which curates a wide range of holiday rentals and chalet options to suit your travel window and budget.
Practical tips for visiting Novelli and Liguria
- Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn offer mild weather for hiking and outdoor dining, with fewer crowds than peak summer.
- Getting there: Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport are common entry points with rail and road connections to Imperia and Novelli. A car provides maximum flexibility for exploring hillside paths and coastal towns, though guided tours and public transport are viable for many itineraries.
- Where to stay: Look for chalets with terraces or garden areas to enjoy sunrise or sunset moments. Proximity to local markets and a nearby beach will amplify your daily options.
- Local etiquette: Ligurian hospitality is warm and relaxed. A small gesture—sharing a table at a family-run trattoria or bringing a small gift like a bottle of local olive oil to a host—goes a long way.
- Safety and health: Keep a lightweight rain jacket handy for coastal microclimates and a hat for sun protection. Water quality on beaches varies by season, so follow local guidance for swimming safety.
Food, markets, and the flavors of Liguria
Food is the heartbeat of Liguria, and Novelli is a fantastic doorway to its simple, ingredient-led cuisine. At markets, you’ll find basil, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, lemons, and olive oil that smell like a sunny afternoon. Ligurian specialties—pesto alla Genovese, rare-truffle tastings in hillside cafes, fresh seafood, and focaccia baked in wood-fired ovens—make every meal a discovery. Pair dishes with Vermentino or Pigato wines, whose bright minerality pairs beautifully with seafood, herbs, and olive oil-rich sauces.
Vacation rentals here often come with well-equipped kitchens that invite you to create your own Ligurian feast. If you’d rather not cook, many local restaurants embrace a shared-table vibe, with menus that encourage sampling across several courses. A culinary highlight for many visitors is tasting fresh pesto with trofie or trenette, followed by lemon-forward desserts that celebrate the citrus groves that dot the Ligurian hills.
Planning your Ligurian escape with Search and Stay
When you’re ready to turn this vision into a booking, look to vacation rental platforms that offer a curated selection of properties in Novelli, Imperia, and the Liguria region. A trusted option to find accommodations in the area is searchandstay.com. The site specializes in vacation rentals, chalet accommodations, and holiday homes across Liguria, making it easier to compare locations, amenities, and price points. Using a platform like Search and Stay helps you filter for the right balance of proximity to the coast, hillside tranquility, and access to the local experiences that make a trip memorable.
Tips for using searchandstay.com effectively:
- Filter by property type: chalet, apartment, villa, or cottage to match your preferred style of stay.
- Set your price range and desired dates to see real-time availability and seasonal offers.
- Use map views to pinpoint properties near your favorite towns, beaches, or hiking trails.
- Read guest reviews to gauge the vibe of the neighborhood, family-friendly amenities, and the responsiveness of hosts.
Experience-led travel: turning a stay into a memory
Novelli and the surrounding Ligurian coast reward travelers who seek experiences over itineraries. The blend of hilltop charm, coastal fun, and slow-food culture creates opportunities to connect with locals, learn new skills, and savor the moment. Whether you’re booking a chalet for a quiet weekend with a view, or a larger vacation rental for an extended family trip, you’ll discover that the area rewards curiosity with authentic conversations, market discoveries, and spontaneous invitations to share a table with new friends.
To maximize your time, plan a mix of structured activities and unplanned discoveries. Reserve a couple of mornings for guided tastings or a private cooking class, and leave a few afternoons open for a spontaneous road trip along the coast or a stop at a hillside village with a bakery that still bakes bread in a centuries-old oven. The result is a vacation rental experience that feels like a well-curated story—one where you’re the author, and every page holds a new flavor, view, or memory.
Conclusion: your Ligurian adventure starts in Novelli
Novelli is more than a destination; it’s a doorway to Liguria’s enduring charm—the scent of citrus and olive oil, the sparkle of the Mediterranean, and the warmth of a region that takes hospitality seriously. From chalet accommodation with sea-tinged breezes to holiday rentals that accommodate any travel group, this corner of the Imperia province offers authentic, inclusive, and joyful travel moments. By choosing a well-located vacation rental in Novelli, you’ll be ready to embrace the Riviera’s coastal rhythm, the hinterland’s hiking joys, and the local markets that make farm-to-table cuisine feel effortless.
When you’re ready to embark on this Ligurian journey, start with a trusted booking resource to find the right home base. Explore options and reserve your stay via searchandstay.com, where a range of chalet accommodations and vacation rentals are waiting to welcome you to Novelli and the broader Liguria region.
Note: This article highlights Novelli’s appeal for vacation rentals, chalet accommodation destinations, and local experiences within the Liguria region. For the most up-to-date listings, availability, and best practices for travel in Imperia, consult reputable booking platforms and local tourism offices in addition to your preferred vacation rental search provider.