Bonifati villas

We were so happy to have found this lovely villa, with its own pool and sea views. We watched the sunset at the nearby cove. The villa is well presented, with some great touches (like a warm outside shower plus 2 inside bathrooms) and the host is so lovely and helpful. A car is a must but it means the villa is in a quiet, peaceful location. What a beautiful part of Italy.

We had a great fortnight here with our 14 and 12 year old. The property is spotlessly clean and an architectural work of art! The bedrooms are very comfortable and the kitchen / living space is very nice. The kitchen is equipped with all the basics you need. Could probably do with a few more bits and pieces (a jug, another serving bowl etc) but the full size fridge and freezer is a real asset. What makes Villa Blue special is the huge roof terrace and outside shower. The views are breath taking and we spent much of our time relaxing and reading up there. The pool is lovely - it's an adequate size and if you get it to yourselves it's a real bonus. A car is essential to explore the region and the private parking at Villa Blue is a great luxury. We explored much of the coastline and whilst the beaches lack golden sand, they make up for it with stunning, turquoise waters that are truly breathtaking. The property would benefit from some local information / leaflets on places to visit, local markets and restaurants as well as details of supermarkets as they varied hugely in their quality. Giuseppe and his family were very gracious hosts and very accommodating. We would definitely recommend this property.

Carerosa is a hidden gem situated in woodland overlooking the Mediterranean. The villa is beautifully designed, light and spacious with a natural charm and stunning views where you can relax and instantly feel at home. There are several terraces to choose from, with excellent dining areas both inside and out in the garden. Solar powered lighting turns the garden, full of colour during the day, into a twinkling magical glade at night and we especially enjoyed eating outside under the stars. As well as a small private pool in the garden there is also a much larger pool 2 minutes walk from the villa complete with sun loungers, a garden area and views over the surrounding countryside. Piero, the owner, was extremely helpful and spoke excellent English. He was contactable throughout our stay and was happy to provide information on the area and recommend the best restaurants. The area of Calabria is a popular destination for Italian holiday makers and whilst the beaches are crowded in July and August they were gloriously deserted at the time of our visit in September. The countryside is beautifully dramatic and dotted with villages perched precariously on the top of the hillsides. Each village has it's own character and is a labyrinth of tiny alleyways, chapels, churches and cats. Pompeii is about 3 hours drive and worth the trip and the little town of Diamante is gorgeous and only a 15 minute drive. A car is absolutely essential as is a phrase-book.

Fantastic stay! Beautiful, peaceful, clean, well equipped. Grocery stores nearby. Adequate internet for working. Owner was very responsive when we needed him, we just couldn’t fault him. A really happy stay, we’d definitely stay there again.

A wonderful Villa. All you need for a two week stay. The communal pool was gorgeous- infinity part over looking the sea. The area felt safe, parking was good. You do need a car to go anywhere and we couldn’t find a taxi service. The area is great as can visit many beaches and towns. Diamante was our favourite. Thank you

Very lovely setting in the hills with lovely quiet pool. The beach nearby - lido del torre- was fantastic and we were regulars at the restaurant. Went for coffee in nearby Centraro and gelato in Belvedere. Both beautiful hilltop old towns to see the real Italy, kids loved the pool and everything worked and comfortable in the villa. Perfect quiet, relaxing week away - with lots of Italian food to go with it.