When I arrived in Galatina for my first solo trip to Europe, I had no idea what to expect. However, Alberto's generosity and this apartment made me feel safe, comfortable, and at home in ways that I never could have imagined. The apartment is just as it looks in the pictures and even more beautiful, if possible, when standing on the veranda. As a solo female traveler, safety was a concern for me. However, the front door not only has a triple dead bolt lock but another lock that can only be accessed from the inside. I would soon learn that these features weren't even necessary. The people of Galatina are so kind and the city is so safe that I was never uncomfortable, even when walking alone at night. When I arrived at Terrazza di Charme, Alberto had gone above and beyond his duties by providing me with snacks in the fridge and pantry--which were a huge help as I was adjusting to a new schedule, finding local food sources, and learning to order food in a foreign language. Speaking of, my Italian was very sparse when I arrived in Italy. If you are solely an English speaker, you will have no problem communicating with the host!

The apartment is in a perfect location for access to the city's main piazza, viewing its most beautiful churches, and finding Galatina's best restaurants and bars. Alberto made sure, from the first day, that I knew how to access these places and helped out along the way if I had any questions. He was even helpful in introducing me to some key contacts in the area while I was there performing dissertation research. The air conditioning and nice shower (with plenty of hot water) are a plus for those that are used to those conveniences too!

Long story short, this apartment is amazing, the host is fantastic, and the city is a wonderful place to visit that is full of charm, safety, and some of the most kind and generous people that I have ever met. If you are planning to visit Galatina, whether solo (like me) or in a group (there's still PLENTY of room for that in the apartment), I highly recommend Terrazza di Charme. I plan to return to Italy for future research trips and this apartment is now at the top of my list!