Communication: quick to respond to messages and although we had to use google translate as neither spoke the other language we seemed to manage ok.
Check in: a taxi was booked from the airport for us by the host, would recommend as it’s far easier than public transport and with 3 of us worked out as a few pounds extra in comparison. Easy check-in and room was ready 5 hours early.
Local guide: Luca who was our local contact was brilliant. He showed us around the first day and we exchanged numbers in case there were any problems. Again, he didn’t speak English but google translate came in handy and he was always on the end of the phone. He also found us a place that sold us wine when the supermarket was closed on a Sunday afternoon!
Room: double bunk bed, very squeaky any time someone moves but it was safe. Uncomfortable mattress and pillows were very lumpy but we slept ok. Well equipped kitchen but slightly dodgy hob that takes a bit of fiddling to get it to work. We managed to trip the electrics a number of times as it can’t cope with having lots of electrical items running at the same time. Bathroom was equipped with a washing machine (bonus), and was clean. Small shower but works well.
Location: has private access to a small rocky outcrop where you can paddle in the sea. There is a pool onsite however it was being refurbished when we went so we couldn’t use it. Lovely outside space with tables and chairs next to the pool, ate lunch there lots. Short walk to beach, supermarket and restaurants. We can definitely recommend paying the €1 to get into the national park, much less crowded that the beaches and wonderful sea to swim in (though be careful as there were jellyfish on our last day). Enter the park and walk about 500m, just past the hotel in the right with a swimming pool appeared to be the best spot for us. Take water as there’s limited refreshment options in the park itself and you’ll need to pay to renter. Also swim shoes would be beneficial as we all cut our feet on the rocks getting in/out of the water.
Restaurants we can recommend:
Villa Clellia: about 25 mins walk for beautiful fresh food. Absolutely delicious.
L’angolo di Mondello- Tratoria da Franco: lovely restaurant for fish, just off the beach, reasonably priced.
Do not go to Al Gabiano: nice staff and wonderful view but terrible food
Overall a good stay, would recommend for a relaxing beach break