Casale Calavita

We had a great week in this rural spot on the coast near Santa Cesara Terme. It feels like a home away from home, with comfortable, well-equipped apartments: a bed, kitchenette, bathroom and shower, superb air conditioning, and a small private terrace. The shared freshwater pool was cleaned daily. There’s plenty of seating, shaded spots, sunbeds, and cushioned terraces tucked beneath bamboo for sun protection. The hard-working family did everything they could to make our stay as good as possible, and they brought us fresh fruit, including figs and plums, and eggs from their hens. The local village of Cerfignano has a couple of shops and some nice takeaways, about a 10-15 minute walk away, with a small town square and a bar. Santa Cesara Terme is a five-minute drive, with a beautiful cove, and Castro is ten minutes away. Most places worth visiting are within driving distance, with Bari the furthest at two hours. It’s a great base for exploring the Heel of Italy. There’s lots of wildlife on site too, including cats, a dog, hens, a turtle, and swallows diving into the pool each day. We’ll definitely be back. Thank you! Callum and Sammy.

Our two-bedroom apartment on the first floor had everything we needed, plus a large rooftop terrace. The owners were lovely, and we got fresh eggs from the chickens some mornings, along with more apricots than we could eat in a week. It’s a peaceful, restful place with a beautiful pool and a great base for exploring Salento. We’d love to come again. When driving to Casa Calavita through the small town, look for the sign saying 'honey' or 'mille'. They have the best honey, with lots of different flavours!

We got back from our vacation in Santa Cesarea Terme yesterday, and hope to return soon. Casale Calavita is a heavenly spot, surrounded by greenery and quiet. The apartments are comfortable and have everything you need. The sea is close, with Porto Miggiano and the 100 Steps beach just a three-minute drive away. The 24-hour pool available to guests is the highlight. Many thanks to the hosts for their hospitality.

The owners and their hardworking, friendly daughters deserve a lot of credit. The place was spotless and well organized, the pool clean, and the cozy cottages had shaded verandas and everything we needed. It’s not a five-star hotel, of course, but it felt like home. The owners were so kind that we felt like guests among friends. We loved the evenings grilling on their barbecue and relaxing by the pool after dinner, and the shaded parking was a real plus. The week flew by, and when I got home, a colleague saw my photos and booked the week after me. My kids had a wonderful time too. Thanks again for a great vacation. I’ll definitely be back and recommend it to everyone!