Casale De Li Canti

There were a few things we did enjoy: the room had air conditioning, the pool was well maintained, and the shower had plenty of warm water from solar heating. The two girls serving breakfast did a great job. They spoke only Italian, but were friendly and helpful. Still, as a couple who don't speak Italian, we felt completely neglected, almost like aliens. At the end of our stay I told the host that we felt that way. He and especially his wife didn't seem to look after us, and appeared to look down at us while we had breakfast in the pit. We had to ask for everything. We were given a restaurant name, but nobody offered to book a table, which seemed necessary during those covid times. The pool had a downside too: we were told to leave before sunset because it needed cleaning, though the robot was still in the water the next morning. The room's supposed flatscreen was a tiny old AKAI box. Breakfast was all ALDI or LIDL, and living in this area, they could have made a little effort to offer burrata or mozzarella. The lush greenery in the photos has been replaced by dead olive trees because of Xylella bacteria. There was unfinished wiring in the bathroom, and the Internet was lousy, unstable or absent, and slow when it did work, even with no one else in the house. This destination may be OK for families with children, especially Italian speaking ones. The host said he preferred farming and winemaking, but honestly, I didn't see him work much.

The meals were a highlight. Dinner was offered on three nights, and the food and service were so good we can't praise them enough. Much of it came from the farm, and it was fantastic value. Don't miss it. A special grazie mille to Giuseppe's mother for her wonderful cooking and baking, and to all the lovely staff. We felt at home during our six days here, thanks to Giuseppe and his family's hospitality. Our room was comfortable and spotlessly clean. Breakfast was generous, with juices, fruit, yogurts, homemade pastries, cheeses, and ham. The property sits among olive groves, with a lovely pool overlooking the sea. Beautiful Ionian beaches are only a few kilometers away, and the Adriatic coast is a 30-minute drive. We hope to return soon.

Good.

Giuseppe, his family, and Maria made us feel wonderfully welcome and were always there to help. We spent nine days at this magnificent farmhouse, two kilometers from the sea, surrounded by olive groves with a beautiful view of the horizon. The traditional local food was excellent, with lots of vegetables from their garden. We tried Giuseppe's fantastic oil and wine, and Mrs. Rita deserves special thanks for her cooking. Many thanks to everyone, and a big hug to the three girls. We hope to see you again soon, Sergio and Anna.