Villino al Faro - Holiday home with whirlpool at Santa Maria di Leuca

At the south-easternmost point of the Italian peninsula, the lighthouse (faro) of Santa Maria di Leuca, which dates back to 1866, rises 48 m high. At the foot of the lighthouse and hidden among olive and pine trees, lovely small holiday home Villino al Faro is an ideal retreat from everyday life and (maybe sometimes) tedious daily routines. Beyond the cozy terrace, the sea and the steep coast of Punta Meliso rising 100 m high stretch out 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.

Villino al Faro is not far from the basilica; more specifically, it is about 100 m from its rear wing, which is inhabited by nuns. The holiday home therefore remains untouched by the buzzing activity in the large piazza in front of this significant church.

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

Sleeping facilities are provided by a bedroom (double bed) with en suite bathroom (shower/WC/bidet) and a sofa bed in the living area. If you want to use the living area as a kind of second bedroom, it can shut off (for more privacy) from the kitchen area by an accordion partition. The second bathroom (shower/WC/bidet) is accessible from the living area.

Villino al Faro also features: refrigerator with freezer compartment, dishwasher, gas stove, microwave, electric kettle in the kitchen area; a mobile, foldable dining table and TV in the living area; fly screens in the windows, WiFi, air conditioning with heating device (extra charge), hair dryer, children's bed and highchair; washing machine in an extra room in the outdoor area. 

The Villino’s cozy outdoor area leaves nothing to be desired. Dining furniture for your meals out in the open, loungers, a hammock and a hammock chair for taking it easy at any time of the day, a jacuzzi pool* to relax in are at your disposal. And - the sea is always within 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. 

At your disposal on the roofed terrace: outdoor shower, stone sink, charcoal grill.

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 along the magnificent steep coast; they can be reached by boat or, in some cases, on foot.

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. 

By the way: The nature park between Leuca and Otranto starts right at the property line of Villino al Faro. During low season, the coastal road is perfect for cycling tours. "Sentiero del Salento" is a hiking trail which runs directly along the sea. 

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-like beaches of the Maledive del Salento. 

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

At small Castrignano del Capo, about 5 km north of Leuca, there's a weekly market every Thursday morning, where they sell products/produce typical for the region.

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

More information about Santa Maria di Leuca