Villa Sciacca Lumia

We were relieved to find the right house after all: it was next door to the one we first tried. We’d arrived around 11:30 at night after driving down a very steep street, hoping to shower and get to bed, but the manager had given us the wrong house number and incorrect information. We couldn’t find the promised key or reach him by phone despite repeated attempts. Seeing a faint light, we knocked and disturbed other guests, who were frightened. It was unpleasant for them and for us, and the management seemed unprofessional and inattentive. The photos also made the house look better than it was. It was smaller and quite different from the other one, and not clean. The blankets and other fabrics looked heavily used and apparently unwashed, with large brown stains, so we didn’t use them. Fortunately, we were there for only three nights.

This was extremely bad. The beach was full of algae, there was no Wi-Fi, and no one explained the apartment or how the kitchen worked. Inside, it was filthy and unhygienic: hair was everywhere, even on the toilet, the dishes and kitchen were dirty, and sticky liquid covered the floor and counter. We tried calling and messaging the landlords on WhatsApp to arrange an early departure, but couldn’t reach them. We’re disappointed with both the communication and the condition of the place, especially at €150 a night. A refund seems unlikely. We definitely wouldn’t recommend staying here.

For anyone who loves sea, sunshine, and animals, this feels like a little bit of paradise. It’s a beach house at a really good price, so you shouldn’t expect the comfort of a five-star hotel.

The views are stunning and the location is fantastic. The surroundings feel a little neglected, though, and need some maintenance before the place is truly perfect.