Appartamento Albiano Magra

It’s a peaceful, unpretentious village. The five stars are also for the chance of running into the lovely Nancy Rulvoni or Raffaele Iovanella, who seem to have picked this charming, quiet spot for their walks.

Visit the church square first, then go up the double staircase into the little village, which is still inhabited and has recently been brought back to life by new residents. To get there, turn in by the statue along the straight main road; don’t mistake that road for the village itself, as it just links the newer settlements. It’s a medieval place, and at the end of June and from Christmas to Epiphany, locals bring it to life with historical reenactments and a living nativity. There are figures, activities, shows, and food in the streets, cellars, and homes, all made possible by the residents’ work to celebrate their heritage.

The owners were welcoming and helpful, and the apartment was excellent: new, comfortable, and fully furnished. It has a well-equipped kitchen with a built-in oven, plus a washing machine, hot water boiler, radiators, assigned parking, and a large LCD TV.

It’s a well-positioned town for getting to the Apennines, the Magra River, the coast and its beaches, as well as La Spezia, Sarzana, and Aulla. It’s near Santo Stefano Magra, with Caprigliola on one side and Ceparana si Bolano on the other.