Calamoni di Favignana Apartments & Wine Experience

Rosy, who handled check-in, was a real help. She knew the island well and was available whenever we had questions or needed something. The setting was also quiet and central, away from town but handy for reaching the popular beaches, as long as you have at least a bike. That's where the good parts end for me. We booked through the website, where the apartments looked beautiful in the photos. What we got was a different place: a basic, recently built two-room apartment, about half the size and not comparable to the pictured ones. I found that misleading, almost scammy. When I asked which of those lovely apartments we'd be getting as I paid, they had nothing to say. We spent 10 days here with family over the August holiday, and I don't plan to return unless management makes an offer or apologizes. Be careful before booking.

It's a nice little place, but with the price pitched like a luxury apartment, the kitchen should have had more basics. Without a moka pot, proper kitchen knives, or even a corkscrew, it was hard to make the most of renting an apartment with a kitchen. The tablecloths and sheets were said to be high quality on the website, yet several had holes. Also, don't leave bread or biscuits in the pantry, or you'll wake up with ants.

We had a lovely first-floor apartment, with a terrace overlooking the sea where we could have breakfast and dinner. Everything was new and the rooms were very clean. The location made it easy to get to both Lido Burrone beach and town by scooter.

Villa Calamoni Firriato made for a really relaxing break, and I think I'll definitely come back. We loved having our own space, the quiet and the natural setting, with the sea nearby. The vineyard workers were courteous and attentive, and always ready to come sort out anything that happened. The wine was excellent, and the cleaning lady was helpful and kept things very clean. Inside, the house had all the comforts we needed. I'd recommend it.