Ginostra is a very special place for people who like a simple living. I was very lucky to have found Merko's house in high season. Price was good and the location is excellent. Enjoyed the simple lifestyle, the frescos on the ceilings, the view, the grumbling volcano, fresh local produce from the shops (amazing tomatoes, basil, ricotta and peaches) and I used the outdoor shower exclusively. I would certainly come back!

Some small improvements are needed however. There was some confusion on check-in as to whether I had rented (and had access to) the entire house - which I thought I had. I had to insist a bit with Patrick the caretaker (who with Contessa the donkey met me at the boat) as to which bedroom I would be using. Kitchen is simple and quite ok but really needed a deep cleaning which I ended up doing before I felt comfortable using it. My cooking was limited by the lack of proper cutting knives (I borrowed one from the shop - thanks Monika!), a cutting board and no dish towels. There is really no shade on the terrace during the day and in late July the temperatures are quite hot and humid; with a modest investment reed decking above the terrace could be supplemented or something else fashioned into a sunshade. That's about it! Lyle