Ganzirri may not be everyone's idea of a holiday destination. It's a bit off the beaten track and not really known or advertised as a holiday town. I ended up there to explore some family history but after travelling the last 3 weeks through England and Scotland, I have been more than pleasantly surprised. There are numerous reasons why, but none would be possible without Giandiego! From the moment I made initial contact with him, he was warm, friendly and polite. His apartment is in a quiet* street, with a beautiful, relaxing view over lake Ganzirri. Although only two of us, the apartment was large and I believe would fit 4 comfortably. It is simply, yet tastefully furnished and has some amazing kitchen pots and pans that make cooking a pleasure! While on the subject of food: you can walk less than 5 mins from the door to purchase freshly caught seafood from that morning. There is a green grocer and an amazing fresh cheese and meat shop which will make you put on a kilo! Across the lake is a fabulous butcher and a few bigger cafes that do brilliant gelato and granita. If not into cooking there are numerous restaurants and trattorias about to eat delicious meals. One trattoria in Via Lido particularly stood out... By far my favourite part of Giandiego's house was it's proximity to the beach and ease of getting there: The number 79 bus stops 20m from the front door (purchase your ticket from the Tabbachi below the apartment) and takes just over 10 mins to get you to Torre Faro / 'punta' where there is an absolutely stunning beach and Lido "The Orca Hyb" - Look for the gold and blue umbrellas. We spent almost every day there with beautiful, warm, crystal clear waters to swim as well as an amazing view across the Straight of Messina to mainland Italy. It is quiet and tucked away with no sound of traffic like the other Lido's if you head south of Lake Ganzirri. Giandiego's apartment was amazingly clean, very modern and was well equipped with helpful things for travellers like towels, shampoo and soaps and has a washing machine for use by guests. There is air conditioning in the bedroom which saved us during a particularly hot spell of weather. Nothing was too much trouble for Giandiego and he even kindly loaned us some beach towels to use so we didn't have to buy any. I almost feel like I don't want to say too much because I don't want his place to get too busy with bookings but I need to because the credit is all Giandiego's. He is a lovely host with a very big heart. Grazie Giandiego. Australia is a long way, but believe me I want to return as soon as possible! * I am certain the street is quiet for 51 weeks of the year but unknowingly we happened to be there during the biggest week in the town's...