We stayed in this villa for 2 months as a family (2 adults and a 3-year old), to explore Puglia during the low season (February, March). The village Matino is a good starting point to explore whole Salento, all the nice places are reachable within 1.5 hour (Gallipoli 20 minutes, Lecce 45 minutes). You need a car, public transportation is bad.
Matino itself does not have much to offer and was very quiet when we stayed there. We think it’s also because of the low season. The village is really not pedestrian friendly, but thats a problem in many south-italian villages (narrow or non-existent sidewalks). Also the streets are very steep in some areas. The neighborhood is safe and we felt safe to go out also during nighttime.
The next village Parabita has more to offer, there is a nice park to play for the kids with cafes and restaurants nearby.
The house itself is huge, and as a small family, we did close down the living room and one bedroom completely, because we simply had more than enough space in the other rooms. The garden is a massive plus, its beautiful and a dream for our little one and our dog. It’s completely closed with a fence, so you can really relax. Barbecue place and wood is available. You can park your car in front of the house, inside the gate, which is great.
Inside, expect typical olderish italian furniture, and comfortable bed’s. Kitchen is fully equipped with gas stove. Italian cleaning standards differ very much in our experience. It depends on you, but we had to clean first bathroom kitchen and the floors before it was possible to settle. Mind that during winter, it get’s quite fresh in the house, italian houses are not very isolated and heating energy is expensive (paid separately).
There is a small grocery shop nearby (2 minutes walk) and a great fruit and vegetable shop right over the street. Good big mall within 5 minutes driving distance called „Brigros".
Andrea does not live in Matino but his father Giorgio. He’s a great host, very kind and friendly, and always there within a few minutes if we needed help. He lives next door but keeps a respectful and pleasant distance. He even speaks a little German and English, which is a big plus in Italiy. Every few days, we got some vegetables and fruits from his own garden, and very tasty „Dolce“ made by his lovely wife. They really are adorable, our daughter loved him, too.
You can do nice walks through olive trees if you cross the train line down the street (unfortunately, we discovered this area very late because it’s a bit hidden). Also, we did some stunning cost walks to „Punta Pizzo“, sometimes we were the only ones in this beautiful surrounding (due to low season).
All in all, we enjoyed the stay in Andrea’s house very much and absolutely recommend this place.