Maemuna Sea View Apartment

Maemuna — Sea view and legend in the heart of Vernazza

One of the most spectacular sea views in the Cinque Terre, in an apartment where legend meets opera.

Maemuna's windows look out towards the Grotta Maemuna (or Maimuna), a hidden cove along the Vernazza coastline tied to an ancient Ligurian legend: it is said that a mermaid with an irresistible song would lure sailors towards those waters.

The story of the house is just as captivating. Its former owner, a woman with a passion for opera, would have a gramophone loaded onto a fishermen's boat and be taken right inside the cave, to listen to the sublime sound of opera and classical music amplified by the natural rock walls. A memory that still lives on within these walls today.

THE APARTMENT

One-bedroom apartment for a maximum of 3 guests: — Living room with fixed double bed (sleeps 2) — Separate single bedroom (sleeps 1) — Essential kitchen and bathroom — Newly installed air conditioning: one powerful unit in the living room is enough to cool the entire apartment. The single bedroom has a ceiling fan — Free WiFi

AN HONEST WORD OF ADVICE

Maemuna is a historic building in the ancient heart of Vernazza, with all the charm and limitations of an authentic Ligurian fisherman's house. The kitchen is very small and essential, and the bathroom is as compact as one on a boat, with truly limited space. It is the perfect choice for those seeking atmosphere, views and a genuine Cinque Terre experience — not for those looking for spacious living quarters.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE — THE GROTTA MAEMUNA FROM THE SEA

For those wishing to complete the experience, the Grotta Maemuna can only be reached from the sea. Our private Cinque Terre Riviera boat tours, aboard the traditional gozzo boats Grecale and Macaia, include this magical stop — ideally retracing the journey made a century ago.

ARRIVING BY CAR

We strongly recommend travelling by train. Those arriving by car can use the public car park above Vernazza, around 1,200 m from the pedestrian area: a shuttle runs to the village entrance, from where it is about a 5-minute walk to the concierge office. Advance booking is strongly recommended. Details and costs are provided after booking.

CHECK-IN TIMES AND EVENING ARRIVALS

Standard check-in is from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm, with on-site assistance from the Cinque Terre Riviera team. From 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, independent self check-in is available, with full instructions provided in advance by email. Should guests request telephone assistance during this time slot — having already received and confirmed reading the detailed instructions — a supplement may be applied. After 10:00 pm, neither assisted check-in nor self check-in is possible. We strongly advise against planning late-evening arrivals: trains are infrequent, driving in the Cinque Terre is challenging and the car park above Vernazza may be closed.

PETS

Small and medium-sized dogs are welcome, with a supplement per stay. Please select the relevant option when booking. Rules: dogs must be kept on a lead in all common areas, including the stairs; no access to beds or sofas; owners are responsible for their pet's behaviour and for respecting other guests.

WHY CHOOSE CINQUE TERRE RIVIERA

We don't just offer accommodation — we offer a complete Cinque Terre experience. Every detail is taken care of for a pleasant, worry-free stay: — Free welcome breakfast to start your first morning in Vernazza in the best possible way — Quality amenities: local extra virgin olive oil, salt, sugar and compostable Nespresso capsules — Professional cleaning, with accommodation always spotless and sanitised — Eco-friendly practices and a genuine commitment to sustainability — Concierge office in Vernazza for on-site assistance — Tour operator and property manager since 1991