Al Melograno B&B

The breakfast was a real highlight. Franco served samples of local products and explained what each one was and how it was made. He’s a kind, helpful host with an old-fashioned warmth. Getting to the sea isn’t easy, even though it looks close as the crow flies. The Tyrrhenian Sea and the high-speed railway run right in front of the B&B, and the noise and other issues take away from the lovely green setting. His wife was not home, and the internet worked terribly. There are no signs at the entrance, so in the countryside it feels like you’re arriving at a farm rather than a place to stay. That could definitely be improved.

Franco is what makes this place feel like a paradise that’s also like home. His company, the stories he tells, and how openly he shares his life and ideas with guests make a real difference. I still haven’t had fig cake as good as his since I got home, so maybe Al Melograno is even better than home. The property is wonderful, with two fully equipped rooms renovated from an old stable. There’s an outdoor-access kitchen and two terraces with tables and chairs, where Franco serves excellent breakfasts. The sunset over the sea from the B&B patio is breathtaking.

The cottage is beautifully renovated and surrounded by greenery, with vines, fig trees and a vegetable garden. Franco was kind and genuine, and the produce from the garden made for an abundant, unforgettable breakfast. The room felt welcoming, too. A few things made arrival and getting around harder. The entrance looks like a field, with no sign or gate, and reaching the sea below the terrace seems possible only for experienced climbers. The SS Tirrenica highway and F.S. Tirrenica railway also pass nearby and affect the location.

Mr. Franco makes breakfast fresh, with local baked goods and fruit from the surrounding trees. It’s a lovely spread, both to look at and eat. The place is surrounded by greenery, and the spacious, comfortable room is tastefully furnished in keeping with the period style. The kitchen is fully available to guests and has everything you need. This B&B really sets a high bar.