Italy

We had an excellent holiday at Casa Tranquila. Located a short drive from Montalbano we found the location excellent to visit the coast as well as day trips to Matera and the hills of Calabria via Castello Svevo in Rocca Imperiale. The large air conditioned bedroom had a modern bathroom adjoining and a few steps down either side of the house led to the small but perfectly functional kitchen. We didn't make much use of the downstairs sitting room as we ate al fresco all the time. We couldn't really fault the place or the owners so gave it a high five all round and if tranquillity and a good location is what you are looking for then look no further. A car is essential but the place easy enough to find even though up a track off by an orange grove off a small road.  

Casa Tranquilo Villa, Montalbano Jonico, Basilicata

United Kingdom

Couple from Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom

Wow! I’d never heard of Basilicata before coming across the advert for Casa Tranquillo on Clickstay, but what a great experience in and around the region and in this authentic rural property, lost in the fig trees and orange groves outside Montalbano Jonico.  

Dan and Justine are excellent hosts and, based just next door, are always available to give you all the advice and support you need to fully explore the area, from the cave dwellings of Matera and the promenade at Policoro, to the winter sport resorts at Monte Sirino and the hilltop village and castle at Rocco Imperiale, just over the border into Calabria.  In addition, they can recommend restaurants and excellent Italian wines.  Bear in mind that not much English is spoken in the region so a basic knowledge of Italian is useful if not completely essential.

The property has a lot of character, although it is also very well equipped.  The bathroom is modern, the sun beds and the plunge pool are great touches.  Staying here is a good reflection of rural life in Southern Italy, and the fascinating flora and fauna that comes with that (make sure you bring some insect repellent).

Overall, an excellent property in a lovely location, just waiting to help you rest and relax.

I’ll be back.  


Friends from Cardiff, United Kingdom

This is the first time we have returned to the same place for a holiday and we were not disappointed! 

Since our last visit Dan has expanded with the addition of another villa.
 
This villa was perfect for us. it comprised of a large kitchen / dining room with a snug with 2 sofas and library and TV. There were also 2 good sized air conditioned bedrooms one with 2 single beds and one with a double bed. In addition there is a good sized bathroom with large shower.
Outside was a good sized plunge pool which was big enough for our 6 year old son to develop his swimming and our 12 year old daughter her snorkelling.

Nothing was too much trouble for Dan (the owner) who would help us in anyway he could even after we had left the property and had some border issues with our dog, oh yes did I forget to say that our dog was also made welcome both in the villa and in fact the whole area including beaches and restaurants, very different to the UK.

We would not hesitate to recommend either of these villas to those who want to experience the real Italy in comfortable friendly surroundings.

Casa Lucania, Montalbano Jonico, Basilicata, Southern Italy

Family from Eastleigh, United Kingdom

Peaceful, clean, friendly, visually stunning, very well equipped and maintained. I need not say more!

 From Islington, United Kingdom

A very tranquil place to stay away from the tourist areas so we were able to experience the real Italy!  The main bedroom was lovely and the air conditioning helped on really hot day.  There was a good selec tion of equipment in the kitchen which meant we did eat in some nights.  A fan in the downstairs lounge/bedroom would have been nice as some nights it was a little warm.  The plunge pool was well used and it was lovely sitting under the vines reading, playing games and eating grapes.

 From Maidenhead, United Kingdom

Please Not. This is a legitimate copy of the first written review for Casa Lucania  by our first visitors, (supplied by the owner) taken from our Visitors book in 2012. 

"25th July to 6th August 2012

For three of us it was out first trip to Italy, and what an experience!  Lots of fun and food with good memories to take back with us. We spent lazy days recharging and  enjoying the wildlife around us, swimming in the warm (!) sea and finishing our days hitting Montalbano for pizza or cooking pasta at Casa Lucania.  

Loved the town and people of Montalbano (“Bloody Marys” just captured the vote for best pizza, although the family atmosphere of Heineken Bar was brilliant).  Beaches preferred were Scanzano and Montegiordino (rocky and quiet).  Trips to Matera, Craco, Pisticci, Monte Pollino National Park and Pietrapertosa were great, although none of us had the courage to take the 1km, mountain to mountain cable run called the  “flight of the Angels”!

In some ways we were humbled by the warm simplicity of local people showing us the value of family traditions – thoughts to take back with us and seek to continue with.

Thanks Dan for making the house available to us and answering all our questions.  It’s been great!  Hope to be back some day.”

Claire, Ian, Chris and Matt."

 From Redhill, United Kingdom

This is a lovely place. Great welcome from Michael and Lorena who are currently looking after the property. Peaceful rural location - up a dirt track - you need a car. Nice to cool off in the pool. The surrounding area is beautiful. Lots of small hilltop towns to explore but also handy for the coast. Historical/archeological sites and not too far for shopping (Taranto and Matera) and restaurants (Policoro). Not too many Brits - so it helps to know a little Italian. We would definitely consider going there again.

 From Rushden, United Kingdom

Our second time at this property and still amazing Dan (owner) is excellent host, provides for all small details that make the difference and lots of local knowledge. An idyllic, peaceful location in rural Italy away from the crowds and tourist attractions.
We couldnt ask for more and cant recommend highly enough.

 From Northampton, United Kingdom

An excellent property from which to explore the real unspoilt Italy.
The property was rustic and comfortable and the plunge pool was just what the children and us required to cool off during the hot summer temperatures.
Dan, was an excelellent host and helped to make this a holiday to remember, nothing was too much trouble, our personal thanks to you.
The recommended restaurants were spot on and the language barrier was overcome with smiles and laughter.
Would definately recommend this one and cant wait to return.

 From Eastleigh, United Kingdom

An excellent base from which to explore the rugged Basilicata region.  The property has a very rustic feel and is finished to a high standard.  It is set in lush and peaceful grounds amongst orange and olive trees, a 5-minute drive from Montalbano Jonico.

The property is on two levels (not connected internally) - the bedroom and bathroom upstairs (spacious with tile floors and a very comfortable bed) the living room, kitchen and plunge pool downstairs.  The living room is the converted farmhouse stable and has the feel of a small chapel or even a cave, with plenty of space for 4 people and equipped with hi-fi and DVD player).  The kitchen is also well equipped (including oven, hob and washing machine) and there was a welcome pack of wine, pasta, pasta sauce, bread, cheese and milk waiting for us on arrival.

Basilicata is unspoilt, mysterious and full of history.  The villas owner, Dan, was very friendly and full of helpful information about the region.  We visited the crumbling deserted town of Craco, mountain villages Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, Greek ruins at Metaponto, the mountains of the Parco Nazionale del Pollino, and explored the beautiful Basilicatan countryside, dotted with ancient hilltop towns, before moving on to Puglia and Matera (the latter an extraordinary town about 50 miles from the villa).  A GPS is available to hire to avoid any problems on the winding country roads.

If you are looking for 5-star luxury or an activity-packed holiday resort this is probably not the place for you.  But the villa is the perfect place to relax, escape civilisation and live a rustic life for a few days!

Dan

No properties