Levanto holiday apartment: Sesta Godano

We (a family of four - kids aged 2 and 4) had a wonderfully relaxing week at Il Balcone. The house/apartment is compact, comfortably rustic and very Ligurian: Just right for a couple or a family with one or two children. The large garden opposite the house is great for kids and for barbecues in the evening. The only thing to be careful of are the steps up to the entrance of the house, but our two-year-old was fine.

We'd recommend Il Balcone for anyone looking for some simple rest and relaxation in an authentic location. The house itself was spotless, very tastefully decorated in a rustic style and well-equipped (including useful bits and pieces like a parmesan grater and pliers). We loved the big, stone sink in the kitchen and the old-style bathroom. What "Il Balcone" may lack in modern amenities, it more than makes up for in charm. This place is a little world of its own.

We were lucky enough to meet the owners and their local "caretaker", and were delighted by the very personal, warm welcome we received. They clearly put a lot of effort and energy into making sure their guests have a wonderful stay. Herzlichen Dank, Annette! Grazie mille, Daniela!

A few words about the location: Sesta Godano is not a tourist location - which was just fine for us. You won't find a wide range of places to eat or shop there (although there are two supermarkets, a number of smaller shops and a few bars and pizzerias), but what you will find are friendly people, a relaxed pace of life and plenty of peace and quiet. Levanto is only 20-25 minutes drive away if anyone desperately needs a bit more action, but we certainly didn't...

We'll be back, and hope to bring some friends and family with us next time. Il Balcone is a wonderful spot to really get away from it all and enjoy the simple things in life. But don't tell everyone... Keep it a secret!