Francesco was an excellent host. Due to a senior moment on our part, we arrived a full day before our reservation. Although he could fairly have turned us away, Francesco graciously accommodated our family (including two young, and very tired, children) by making his home available a night early. He also offered restaurant recommendations for breakfast (delicious in the neighborhood!) and dinner. We were very grateful for his hospitality.

The apartment is in an excellent location -- as advertised, just a couple of blocks from the beach. It was an easy walk with two little kids, and Francesco made it all very convenient by providing beach toys (total necessity! -- though also easily available on the beach and nearby), a washing machine, a hose for post-beach foot-washing, and an outdoor shower. It wasn't clear to me from the posting, but it's worth noting that this is actually a small home, not just an apartment. The entry is private, and the very pleasant outdoor space is a back terrace and garden (with lemon and orange trees!), not just a space between buildings. We loved using the outdoor shower when we came home from the beach, and never showered indoors. The single air-conditioning unit upstairs very efficiently cooled the three bedrooms in the evenings. (We never used the downstairs unit.) Traveling with small children, we particularly appreciated the freedom to be awake downstairs in the mornings and evenings while they were still asleep upstairs.

The neighborhood offers a few not-to-be-missed food experiences. On the same street as Franco's place, but in the block abutting the beach, is a delicious restaurant, La Cambusa. We had lunch there once and dinner twice, and each time had a wonderful meal. The waiters were solicitous toward our girls, offering them kid-appropriate (i.e., basic) pasta options, which they loved. Meanwhile, we enjoyed squid-ink couscous with sea urchin, grilled local cheese with honey and fruit, and a fantastic mushroom ravioli, among other things. They had a seed/nut bread that I couldn't stop eating.

For breakfast and other treats, the pastry shop Il Vero Cannolo is a must. (Take a right out of Francesco's home, then your first left, and it's on the right after 1.5 blocks.) The pistachio cannoli are to die for, and we had amazing breakfasts of their Nutella-filled croissants (cornetti), sugar donuts (ciambelle) and ricotta-filled sweet rolls (can't ever remember the name). The ladies who run the place are warm and friendly, and the sweets are amazing.

Finally, we went a couple of times to Cafe Europa for breakfast and really enjoyed it. (Right out of Francesco's place, then it's on the left in about 2 blocks.) Their baked goods were also delicious, and there we discovered crema di caffe, which tastes like melted coffee ice cream. Such a treat!