Villini Macrì

The villa’s location was a real plus. It’s close to Parghelia’s center for restaurants, shops, pharmacies, and other basics, about 300m down a fairly steep paved road to the nearby beach, and around 600m from Michelino Beach. Thanks to the host, we had two sunbeds and an umbrella on the nearby beach. Inside, the house was clean and pleasant, with an equipped kitchen, TV, good internet, and a terrace. We were comfortable in the upstairs bedrooms, which have balconies and a lovely sea view. The host is kind and available, speaks German quite well and probably some Russian, but English communication is difficult. Google Translate helped. There are things that need improvement. The apartment could use renovation, and the shower is very small. At 175cm tall, I had to shower with the plastic curtain sticking to my back. We ran short of hot water a few times, though the very high outdoor temperatures made that bearable. Using the washing machine costs extra, and ours was broken for our whole stay. Air conditioning also costs extra. Some things in the house felt unsafe, especially screws sticking out beside the stairs, which injured my wife’s leg. Those should be secured. I hope the host makes the needed improvements, because the location itself is perfect. For the first three days, temperatures were very high and there were lots of fires around town. We later learned this is normal in Calabria at this time of year, and the villa itself is completely safe. Still, seeing the surrounding hills burning by day and night felt stressful and apocalyptic. Guests should be clearly told they’re safe, and that the local fire brigade waits to put out fires until they get close to town. Things settled after two days, with no major fires for the rest of our stay. In reply to the host’s comment: Dear Enzo, my comments are meant to be constructive, and I still gave you 5/5. I told you the day before that we’d be leaving at 5 am, and we settled the deposit then too, so there was time for you to check the rooms, raise anything with us, or charge us. I also asked where to leave the key, and we said goodbye properly, so I don’t understand the complaint. I can’t control the flight schedule at Lamezia Terme airport. We had an early flight and needed to return our rental car, which is normal and shouldn’t need explaining to a hotel or guesthouse. You charge for cleaning, and I didn’t know we were expected to leave the house perfectly clean. We didn’t break anything; we left garbage bags and an uncleaned floor. We also left liquid soap, toilet paper, a new pack of washing capsules that should be useful for the next guests, and fresh, originally packed food in the fridge that we couldn’t take and didn’t want to throw away. I think the communication barrier and the contract and house rules not being in English led to all these comments and problems. Thanks again for your hospitality, and best regards!

The beach was so quiet when we visited near the end of the season, and the water was still a lovely 25°C. It took about five minutes to walk down from the cliffside apartment to the clear sea. Two sun loungers and a parasol for our stay were included, and Enzo also welcomed us with fruit and herbs from his garden and let us try his homemade fig jam. We came as a couple with a medium-sized dog, who was welcome on the beach and loved sunbathing on the enclosed, flower-filled terrace. A gate from the main road gives access through the neighboring residential area, and there was plenty of space for him inside and out. We stayed at Villini Macri for 10 days in September 2023, and it was the best vacation rental we’ve ever had. Enzo greeted us warmly and showed us around. There are charming rooms, several balconies, and a lovely enclosed terrace behind the house, full of plants and flowers. The apartment sits right by the coast with a stunning sea view. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook. The bathroom was well supplied, though the shower is small. That didn’t bother us much during our 10-day visit. Families with children would probably enjoy it too, though the climb back up from the beach is pretty steep and they might need help. We managed it fine. Huge thanks to Enzo and his wife Nina for making us feel so welcome at Villini Macri. We hope we can visit again in the coming years. Thank you both!

The owners are so kind and always ready to help. Their lovely two-story villa has everything you need, including private parking, sea views, and a comfortable patio outside. It’s in a quiet, green area, just a minute’s walk from a beautiful beach and a five-minute drive from the village of Tropea. We’d happily recommend it and would love to come back.

Villas Macri sit above Parghelia’s most beautiful beach, along a private road with parking spaces. There are two balconies and two terraces. The first-floor balcony has a lovely sea view, while the back terrace is shaded and nice for reading, barbecuing, or just relaxing during the day or evening. You can reach the private beach on foot down a steep path. Among the rocks, sand, and pebbles, there’s a parasol and two sun loungers available free for the whole stay. You can also walk along the beach all the way to Tropea. Enzo was friendly, helpful, and always available. We felt very at home there for a week.