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CASTLE near the sea with private pool, park and views of the sea and Mt Etna

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for CASTLE near the sea with private pool, park and views of the sea and Mt Etna

Outdoor dining
Pool
5 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, dishwasher

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Stazzo (Acireale), SR
  • Timpa Natural Reserve
    3 min drive
  • Acireale Cathedral
    9 min drive
  • Piazza del Duomo
    9 min drive
  • Catania (CTA-Fontanarossa)
    46 min drive

Room options

About the area

Acireale

With a stay at this castle in Acireale, you'll be by the sea, within a 15-minute drive of Mount Etna and Ionian Sea. .This castle is 16 mi (25.7 km) from Piazza del Duomo and 25.7 mi (41.4 km) from Catania Beach.
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What's nearby

  • Timpa Natural Reserve - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Acireale Cathedral - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Piazza del Duomo - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Piazza San Domenico - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Piazza del Duomo - 27 min drive - 25.8 km

Getting around

  • Guardia Mangano Santa Venerina Station - 3 min drive
  • Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Tocco - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Il Muretto - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Pane Condito Il Muretto - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪La Conchiglia - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Panino Beach - ‬4 min walk

About this property

CASTLE near the sea with private pool, park and views of the sea and Mt Etna

An Art Nouveau-style castle near the sea, with a superb private pool, and surrounded by one and a half hectare park that includes a lawn with a swing, a lemon orchard, bougainvillea, roses, palm trees and a wonderful pine: in Castello Claves you can truly have a taste of 19th century decadent life!

The castle, located just 200 meters from the square and the marina of Stazzo, was built in the late nineteenth century and used as a base for hunting. The descendants of the first owners - an exquisite elderly couple - live on the ground floor. The couple, while occasionally using the park and the pool, provides privacy for their guests who will have the rest of the property and a private entrance.

The first floor of Castello Claves has a large living room with access to a spacious panoramic terrace. On this floor there are also a double bedroom with view of Mount Etna, a large double bedroom with access to the terrace, a third bedroom with two single beds (which can be united), two bathrooms (one with bath) and a kitchen with dishwasher.

The second floor is the floor with the turrets. The turrets offer a charming stay with a marvellous 360 degrees view that includes the sea and Mount Etna. The panorama gets even more fascinating at nights with all the towns lights! You can access the two turrets from the terrace on the rooftop. The north tower has a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The south tower has a double bedroom that can be reached via a spiral staircase. This room does not have a bathroom.

Castello Claves is ideal for families who are seeking an exclusive experience in Sicily! The park is well kept also thanks to the owner who, among other things, has let the vegetation grow up to the first and second floor in order to provide the terraces with a green roof and therefore a beautiful and desired shade.

The first floor of Castello Claves offers a pleasant stay even in low season thanks to its radiators. The turrets, not having the heating, are not suitable for a winter stay.

Stazzo: Castello Claves is located at 200 meters from the sea, in a village that thrives on fishing during low season and tourism during high season in summer. There are two marinas and restaurants. In the nearby villages of Santa Tecla and Santa Maria La Scala, there are excellent seafood restaurants. Taormina and Giardini Naxos are about 25 km further away.

The pool measures 15 by 7 meters and it is open from April until October.

The following might be to be paid extra: Pets, Tourist tax.
There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a microwave. The bathroom has a shower and a bidet.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property manager

Giulia Tiriticco / Victor van Veelen

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Italian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Fridge

More

  • Private pool
  • Washing machine

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Castle sea Park Views sea Etna Stazzo
5001
Castle sea Park Views sea Etna
sea Park Views sea Etna Stazzo
sea Park Views sea Etna

CASTLE near the sea with private pool, park and views of the sea and Mt Etna Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 92 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam Bullmore

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical week in a unique home.
Our week at Liliana’s beautiful Castello was a delight. We were a party of 8; two parents & 6 young adults 17-23. There was plenty of beds to go round and enough bathrooms too. The kitchen and dining room were perfect for our needs. The decor throughout is charming and reflects a true family home without feeling cluttered or intrusive. The outside spaces are even more wonderful. The half shaded veranda is very spacious and perfect for dining and lazing around. The terrace between the towers offers stunning views of Etna and the sea and on occasions we ate there too. Both spaces have large tables and chairs. The swimming pool is a proper size at 15m and well equipped with loungers, shower and changing room. Water temperature in June - perfect. The whole Castello is surrounded by a stunning garden which is lovingly maintained. Beautiful scented shrubs everywhere, tropical palms and mature trees. Fresh lemons to pick from the orchard. The place is teeming with birds and butterflies. The town of Stazzo is lively but refreshingly unpretentious. The restaurant on the square sells delicious pizza, the two bars are busy and fun. Fresh fruit and veg from a stall on the square is high quality and good value. In the evening a gelati van sells modestly priced cornets. Our host Liliana was so kind, helpful and respectful of our privacy. Nothing was too much trouble. She wanted us to have a wonderful time in her magical home and we did -100%.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill S., Ajax, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique Vacation Rental
Staying the castle was very unique and a lot of fun. Lilliana the host was great.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerry S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and authentic
Lovely, clean, intimate, felt like royalty Perfect hospitality Beds and mattresses need to be replaced immediately
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

theresa g., Yardley PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Authentic Sicilian experience
Our family had the most wonderful time on our Sicilian adventure! The Villa was like stepping back in time. We cooked most of our meals in. The pool was picture perfect, and the balconies were inviting for playing games, dining or reading books. We enjoyed walking down to the Marina for coffee or evenIng drinks. There was a nice restaurant as well. I would recommend renting a car to explore. Although the Villa has five bedrooms, we found it comfortably slept our group of six. The turret bedroom didn’t have a bath, and the spiral staircase wasn’t for the faint of heart. The other bedroom had two cots which were better suited to small children, not adults. Both of these points are clearly stated in the listing, and we weren’t bothered at all. Liliana was lovely! An incredible host, We felt so welcome and safe in her family home.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Living the Dream
We felt truly at home at Castello Claves. Owner and ground floor resident Liliana Di Re loving has created and curated unique details in every room and in the ample gardens to showcase the story of her remarkable family. We never grew tired of discovering photos, objects, and assemblages that showcased their story and Liliana's unique artistic talents. She helped us contact an extraordinary local chef to cater a special birthday luncheon under a flowering pergola on the main terrace; we also dined under the stars on the rooftop and enjoyed relaxing around the ample pool. The castle is equipped with ample bedding and towels, and the handsome dishes and glassware were plentiful. The town of Stazzo is a bit scrufty, but the little supermarket there easily supplied us with fresh bread, food, drink and other essentials when we were not otherwise enjoying easy day trips to Taormina, Catania, Aci Castello, and Siracusa. Would go back in a heart beat!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

debbie k.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful slice of Italian heaven
The property is even more beautiful than the pictures! The pool area is drenched in sun all day (there are shades if you want them). There are two large balconies, one designed for breakfast, one for evening aperativo. The rooms are all very comfortable and artfully decorated over the last 120 years of family ownership. Liliana is delightful and left us homemade marmalade and cakes as well as basic breakfast supplies. Don't forget to check out her hand made bags available for sale in the tower too! It is a wonderful place to stay, my only note is you will probably want a car just because Stazzo isn't that big. That said we whiled away many joyful hours sitting by the pool, walking in the garden or taking in the views of Enta and the sea. You can't go wrong!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Didier D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
All members of our group enjoyed the privacy and elegance of Castello Claves. The location was perfect for exploring Mt. Etna, Taormina and Catania. Views from the towers are spectacular! Short, easy walk to the water and small eateries. We loved hearing the church bells & roosters : ) Our on-site host Liliana was very kind and helpful with any requests we made. She recommended a local private chef (Bruno Trovato) who escorted us on a tour of local markets and prepared an amazing dinner for us with the super fresh items we chose. It was everyone's favorite meal of the trip.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Helga T.

Liked: Cleanliness
A very special vaccation
We were 6 persons together on vaccation and this was everything we expected and more. We stayed there from 27 May - 6 June and it was wonderful. The castle, the furnitures, the decorations, the garden, the swimming pool is all so special. Our hostess, Lillian, is a warm friendly person. She is very helpful and gave us useful tips about everything. She arranged for us a trip to Etna with a marvellous guide (she knows everyone) :-). This is a excellent place for family vaccation or with few friends but having a car is a must. We take with us many good memories from our stay in the castle. Thank you Lillian :-)
Stayed 10 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lee J.

Liked: Cleanliness
THE most magical place!
We are a 5 adults and 3 children party who have just returned from Castello Claves. I cannot recommend this place enough, it is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside, full of history and architecturally beautiful. Lilliana was so welcoming and generous with her time, arranging for us to dine locally at some lovely restaurants and helping to book taxis when needed. We literally didn't want to leave! The area is beautiful, non touristy and a car is recommended but you can get to local amenities by foot. We will be returning for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Annette S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Scott holiday
Fabulous place to stay. We holidayedw it’s our four sons and partners. plenty of room..the pool was brilliant and very welcom e in the heat. Nice to walk down into the village.usedthe shop frequently. The restaurant at the bottom of the road was a disappointment. Lovely to look at all the photos and furniture in the castle. Liliana was lovely and very helpful.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical place
From our first meeting with Lilliana, the property owner who resides on the first floor, to the day we departed, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and were able to relax in the beautiful setting she's created. The gardens and grounds are lovely and the interior has everything you need. We were there for a wedding and had rented a car for the week so that allowed us to visit other towns in Sicily. Because there is not a great deal to do in Stazzo, I would just be mindful of needing either a driver or a car. We did enjoy walking to the Blue Bar, which is a two minute walk down to the sea, every morning for coffee and croissants which were awesome. For a group that wants to have a place to relax and unwind, this is the perfect spot. The pool area is perfect for doing just that and the views from the numerous terraces in the house are amazing. You will not be disappointed if you make this villa your home while visiting this beautiful island.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mark J.

Beautiful castle and location
My family and I have just returned from a week spent in Castello Claves. Although a little difficult to find late at night, it was well worth the effort. ( for those using Sat Nav, we found that if you enter 21Aprile 98 when you get to Stazzo, it does the trick). The house is stunning with a tree lined driveway leading up to an equally impressive residence. When we awoke the next morning, the views out to sea on one side and the views to Mt Etna on the other were also stunning. Liliana was the perfect host, unobtrusive, yet always willing to help when required. The castle has everything you should need, and the outside balcony is massive. The upper level is perfect for views and all day sunshine! The weather could have been a little kinder, quite cloudy on occasions but the last couple of days were gorgeous. The pool area is also impressive. I would say that car hire is a must, both for travelling to Stazzo but also for heading out and seeing stuff. The village is small with a coffee shop, a few restaurants, small shop and a takeaway. The nearest supermarket is a couple of miles away in Santa Tecla. Closes from 1.30 to 4.30 in afternoon. Overall, we had a fantastic time in equally fantastic accomodation. If ever back in this area of Sicily I would not hesitate to stay again. If booking car hire, I suggest booking directly with company you wish to hire through, and not through a broker! We witnessed a few difficulties with people trying to access their vehicles as the company you are dealing with cannot amend bookings made through a broker. Also, take out excess waiver cover. The roads are narrow and the drivers impatient!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful place
We really enjoyed our stay at the Castello. The place is like in a fairytale, the host is kind and helpful and the swimmingpool area outstanding.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Harriet R.

The Most Magical Stay
We had the most wonderful holiday at Castello Claves. The castle, grounds and pool are even better than what the pictures show, and the location is ideal if you fancy a quiet, non touristy beach spot. Lilliana, who owns the castle and lives downstairs, was lovely, very hospitable and friendly, and happy to help us with anything we needed from organising taxis to ordering pizza! All the rooms in the castle have great character, and the place is beautifully decorated. The tower rooms especially are magical, unlike any room i've slept in before, it really was a unique experience. The balcony space is huge and we enjoyed many delicious meals out there. The pool is a really good size too, surrounded by picturesque grounds and very comfortable sun loungers and beds. The sea is only 200 yards or so down the road, and the little town of Stazzo looks out onto it. There were not sandy beaches near us, but instead wooden structures on the volcanic rock that made it easy to climb down and go swimming. There were a couple of nice restaurants in Stazzo and little bars serving delicious granita on the seafront, but the best meal we had was at Lorenzo's in the neighbouring town of Santa Tecla. We ate incredible fish and seafood, and drank fantastic wine, all at a very reasonable price. The walk was only 25 minutes or so, and it was an easy amble down the little roads. We did not have a car during our stay, and if you wanted to go further a field it might be wise to hire one as transport links weren't great, but with the heat (37c some days), we were very happy to just enjoy the lovely grounds, pool and town of Stazzo. It was only 10 minutes to a little shop and to a few restaurants/bars, plus Lilliana can organise you a cab for a good price (we used this for airport connections, a bigger supermarket trip and a trip to the waterpark, Etnaland, which was great fun). We also enjoyed a snorkelling excursion with Mario, which was a really nice half day out. All in all we were very impressed with Castello Claves and the surrounding area. Would recommend highly for families or bigger groups looking for a standard pool/beach villa holiday but with a Castello Claves with a twist. Thank you Lilliana!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

nancy b.

A wonderful truly authentic grand home. Wonderful character, it was a treat to stay there
We will never forget our great experience at this lovely house. A fantastic place for a large family holiday!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Bryan G.

Amazing holiday beautiful place
We had the most wonderful relaxing time here at Castello spectacular views amazing gardens and place to stay we will definitely be back. I wish I had booked for 2 weeks so we could have explored but really we didn't feel the need to move from this tranquil place. Liliana was a really lovely lady, next time we will ask her to join us and cook for us and tell us all about the history of this beautiful castle at leisure whilst drinking the tasty mount etna wine 🍷 We purchased from the local shop. We loved that there where no shops just a beautiful harbour with a chilled cafe to sit and watch the boats!!! Oh I wish I was back there right now. Thank you so much Liliana for allowing us to stay in your home xx
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Fiona C.

Lovely characterful old house walking distance to shops and restaurants. Excellent pool
The Castello is very different from the run of the mill villas and appartments
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Claire J.

Fanastic villa and a great week away!
The property is stunning. The photos do not do justice to the size of this place! Set in gorgeous gardens, with hammocks, swings, olive and lemon trees, the villa is steeped in history. We all loved all the historical photos of the place. The pool was so refreshing and the pool area offered a good selection of shade and sun. The living area is set on the first floor, with the tower rooms. The rooms were cool and airy and the beds were comfy. There is a full kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and a HUGE oven/hob. We spent a lot of time on the terrace, looking out over the gardens, but there is also another huge roof terrace on the second floor which had great views out over Mount Etna. Liliana is a great lady :) we were always made to feel welcome, and upon arrival there were loads of goodies in the fridge together with a yummy chocolate cake. She loved having the babies around, and they loved having the run of the place! Liliana was very helpful at getting our days out booked, and has so many great stories from her time in this historical place. All in all, it was a great week away, made better by the accommodation. The one v. small negative (for me) was that Stazzo is quite quiet, with the restaurants not really open at lunch. We were making our own most days, but would have nice to have this as an option. However, Blue Bar on the harbour does a great selection of gelato and cannolis :) Thumbs up!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

6/10 Okay

John B.

Very characterful but in need of some updating
The swimming pool is a real plus and the property is full of character. The proprietor is was very friendly and helpful. However, the facilities do need some updating from simple things like the blunt corkscrew to the very rickety beds. The access to the tower bedroom can only be for young and fit people and is a long way from the bathroom. I appreciate it is a difficult building to use aircon in but some fans to move the air would help. With some upgrading it would be wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Ralph N.

Excellent and peaceful.
A great place to stay and relax.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsay M.

Beautiful, stylish, authentic Italian holiday home
Perfect for an extended family holiday including a toddler and baby. Such a feeling of spaciousness and gracious old-style Italian living. The house is full of interesting artefacts collected over the decades and all so tastefully displayed. Huge balcony hung with jasmine and borganvilia, ideal for relaxing, meals, and views over the gorgeous garden and the Med. Plenty of room for everyone to be together to relax, eat, have fun or find private space when required. Swimming pool a very generous size and lots of reclining seats, loungers and surrounded by mature trees and shrubs. Liliana, who lives on the ground floor and keeps a very low profile is a wonderful host We all loved this place and will definitely consider coming again and would recommend highly.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Hannah F.

Beautiful Castle Stay
We absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful castle that had amazing views of both the sea and Mount Etna, especially from the turrets and terrace! The castle was full of history and the huge swimming pool was absolutely amazing - it even had a diving board and basketball hoop which was loads of fun for everyone and there were plenty of sun loungers for all of us to use. Lillana was a great host and made us feel very welcome - even baking us a cake on the day of our arrival! I would definitely recommend staying at the castle!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017

10/10 Excellent

Barnaby A.

The reality somehow outdoes the description. A lavish 3 storey castle overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Liliana, our septeguanarian host provided the warmest of welcomes and plenty of useful tips for our week long stay. With Liliana living on the ground floor that meant we had the other 2 floors to ourselves (3 if you include the Rapunzel bedroom on the 3rd floor within one of the castle turrets). Liliana allowed us to use her table tennis table and was around to answer myriad questions on anything from the house's history to recommended day trips. Acireale is certainly worth a visit, as is the little sea front village a 10 minute walk down from Acireale's town centre; Santa Maria La Scala. Liliana will also help with booking various nearby attractions including tours to Mount Etna; an absolute must, though the guided walk at 2,900 metres up made me feel a little light headed in the slightly rarified air. Much of the furniture dates back to the Art Nouveau period with ancestral and recent family photographs adorning the walls. The beds and linen were comfortable and crisp and the kitchen was kitted out with all the equipment you could wish for. Liliana was kind enough to have a bottle of red wine and a scrumptious home made cake for our arrival. The first floor terrace was a wonderful gathering area for breakfasts and suppers, and to while away the hours reading and chatting. The swimming pool has clear, mineral filled water from a well and is larger than most at 18 metres ( we estimated). The small village of Stazzo has an excellent butcher, 2 mini markets, a pleasant bar for an early evening drink (with snacks) and also a good pizzeria behind the slipway. There is a small black sand beach and a number of bathing decks with steps into the sea from the rocks. Some of these are private and some are public. We would suggest you hire a car as most attractions are a drive away. If it is a family holiday you may want to bring some games with you. This was a 6 person family holiday and we were there to celebrate a family milestone. There could have been no more luxurious base for us than Castello Claves. And Liliana is a delight. Not least because, along with her helpfulness, warmth and humour, she left us to our own devices. We have no hesitation in recommending Castello Claves. And Owners Direct for making the whole process as straightforward as possible. Kind regards Hilary and Barney.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Janet C.

Wish We Could Have Stayed Longer--It Was That Special
This was truly one of our family's most memorable vacations. The property is extraordinary, a true castle by the sea, within easy walking distance of the small harbor, bar, gelateria, and several restaurants. This amazing place is like an oasis in the middle of the small seaside town of Stazzo. The private pool was a great way for grown-ups to start the day and children to let off some steam after sightseeing. The views of the sea and Mt. Etna can't be beat, and meals on the terrace made us feel like we were in a movie. Catania, Mt. Etna, and Taormina are within easy reach by car for sightseeing, as are other sites. However, you may feel so comfortable that you don't want to venture too far from the castle. Lilliana, the property owner who lives on the ground floor, is a wonderful hostess. She offered us a warm welcome, along with a little treat, despite the fact that our flight was delayed and we arrived later than expected. She gave us full reign of the castle, offered travel advice, and was prompt in responding to inquiries, without being the least bit intrusive. We can't recommend this wonderful place more highly--and we can't wait to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

Beautiful Sicilian escape!
We had a wonderful stay at Castello Claves. The place is really even better than described--photos can't fully do justice to the rooftop views of the Ionian Sea in one direction and Mount Etna in the other. Stazzo is a laid-back destination that offers a few good, affordable restaurants, a marina with boat tours, and easy access by car to Taormina, Catania, and Acireale. The castle itself is great, and gives you the sense of being an old-school Sicilian aristocrat. Liliana, the owner who lives on the ground floor, is very nice and hospitable, and is happy to help with arranging local excursions. A highly recommended property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016