Villino al Faro - Holiday home at Santa Maria di Leuca

At the south-easternmost point of the Italian peninsula, lovely small holiday home Villino al Faro lies hidden among olive and pine trees at the foot of Santa Maria di Leuca’s lighthouse (faro), which was built in 1866 and rises 48 m high. Beyond the terrace, the sea and the steep coast of Punta Meliso rising 100 m high stretch out before you in a richness of color.

In this place, where, in ancient times, people pinpointed the end of the world and a heathen temple was dedicated to goddess Minerva, tourists from all over the world today admire the splendor of impressive Basilica di Madonna de Finibus Terrae (Santuario), which dates back to the year 1700.

Although located in the immediate vicinity, the Villino remains untouched by the buzzing activity in the large piazza in front of the basilica. Its rear wing, which is about 100 m from the house, is inhabited by nuns.

Charming Villino al Faro lies in the immediate vicinity of holiday home Casa Finis Terrae, has a quarry stone façade which is just as lovely, was, however, built later. It is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden and accommodates up to four persons.

The holiday home has got one bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom (shower/WC/bidet). The living room, which is furnished with two chairs, dining furniture and TV, can be turned into a second bedroom by turning the chairs into beds; it can then be shut off (for privacy) by an accordion partition from the kitchen area (incl. refrigerator with freezer compartment, dishwasher, gas stove, microwave, electric kettle). The second bathroom (shower/WC/bidet) is accessible from the living area.

Villino al Faro also features fly screens in the windows, WiFi, air conditioning with heating device (extra charge), hair dryer, washing machine in an extra room in the outdoor area, children's bed and high chair. 

The Villino’s cozy outdoor area leaves nothing to be desired. There's a large dining table you can gather round to enjoy your meals out in the open; you can take it easy on the loungers or relax in the hammock. The nearby sea is always within your view.

You might even spot dolphins in the current between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, if you are lucky, and the Greek coastline on the horizon, if days are particularly clear. 

An outdoor shower, an outdoor stone sink, a sunshade and a charcoal grill are also at your disposal on the terrace.

Parking: When vacationing at Villino al Faro, you can park your car in a reserved parking space behind nearby Albergo del Santuario.

The lighthouse, the basilica, the stately manors and, last but not least, the sea grottos count among the attractions of Santa Maria di Leuca. Locals call the grottos masterpieces of nature and there are quite a few of them along the magnificent steep coast.

You can start on a discovery tour several times per day from the harbor of Santa Maria di Leuca and choose from among several tours on offer. Entering the grottos by boat is really a special experience; however, the short stop for a swim in the sea, jumping into the crystal clear water and (if you have got the courage) diving into a grotto hidden behind the rock are just as special. 

If you prefer relaxing at the beach, you might do so at the Lungomare of Leuca (ca. 1.5 km from the house). Should you want to spend an entire day at the beach, we recommend taking a ca. 15-minute drive to Pescoluse on the Ionian Sea, to the Caribbean beaches of the Maledive del Salento. 

Convenience goods, restaurants and bars are found at Santa Maria di Leuca, which spreads out at the foot of the lighthouse and the basilica. You can walk to town by descending the staircase at the Casacata Monumentale; there are about 270 steps from the Santuario down to the harbor. 

At the weekly market on Thursday mornings in the center of Castrignano del Capo, ca. 5 km north of Leuca, they sell products/produce typical for the region.

Nearest train station: Gagliano Leuca (ca. 7 km)

More information about Santa Maria di Leuca