Reviews of Villa Saracena

Self catering villa in Maiori, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Susanne B.

Dayton, OH

United States

VERIFIED

Truly enjoyed it

July 2023 - Our extended family truly enjoyed Villa Saracena!

The al fresco dinner prepared by the chef on our first night was absolutely perfect. A highlight of our stay at the Villa with plenty of delicious food and drink.

We loved being in Maiori and away from the Amalfi crowds. After each day of touring and boating we enjoyed the pool very much. The villa is quite spacious with many levels and incredible views. The outdoor spaces are incredible.

We would stay here again! Grazie Mille!

Travel tips

  • We really enjoyed a special dinner at Torre Normana and visiting Maiori city center.
  • Beautiful lunch and visit to Olive Tree farm near Sorrento.
  • Day trip to Positano. Amalfi and Ravello was very nice.
  • Did a full day boat tour from Maiori around Capri with lunch stop in Massa Lubrense which was amazing-highly recommend.
  • Book transportation well in advance. We used Amalfi Coast Transportation and were very pleased.

Danny H.

Bayside, NY

United States

VERIFIED

A special space

October 2022 - This house was truly a special space. Each room with its own character and layout gives it so much personality. We had terrible weather (rain almost every day) but because of this space, our time on the Amalfi Coast was still an absolute blast. Didn’t get to use the pool because of the weather, but the hot tub was a great addition. Roof views are out of this world.

Only downside is it’s slightly far from all the towns, about 15 mins from the closest one which doesn’t sound like a lot but driving in Amalfi is very intense. You can flag the bus down in front of the property which is a great option as well.

Also knowing Italian is really useful if you want to communicate with the housekeepers. We didn’t know Italian so had to go through the company to speak to them first which made some simple things take a bit longer but nothing major.

Sally B.

Wiltshire

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

What an incredible place with plenty of space and millionaire views!

August 2022 - We had a fantastic holiday in Villa Saracena, what an incredible place with plenty of space and millionaire views! We would definitely return.

The kitchen had everything we needed to cook but the real wow factor was the outside space, plenty of places to sit and enjoy the wonderful views and the pool was just divine.

The caretakers were incredibly helpful and kept the property clean and tidy on a daily basis without imposing on our privacy, this was a real bonus for us. We'd like to thank them for such a wonderful time, they were amazing hosts.

Summer In Italy have been EXCEPTIONAL. Friendly, professional and timely responses and advice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and will definitely use them again. Thank you!

Travel tips

  • The bus stop is right outside the property and arrives approx every 30 mins (except on a Sunday). Its a much cheaper way to get to the town to get shopping etc but with such a large party we got a taxi back with all our shopping.
  • Taxi's can be expensive and can vary a lot so try and find a local number and stick to this. I think a car would be advantageous for the shopping run.
  • We visited Minori, Ravello and Positano, try and use the water taxi's as these are very reasonably priced.

Jennifer T.

Batavia, IL

United States

VERIFIED

Perfect location for the Amalfi area

June 2022 - Villa Saracena was the perfect location for the Amalfi area. It is further South, however, the service in this area vs Positano/Praiano was so much better.

The villa is very clean, views are spectacular and the outdoor space is where you'll spend your time when in house.

This villa has all of your needs and a wonderful property manager, Mrs Pina who was very helpful.

Summer In Italy was fabulous to work with. Booking with them was fluid. Thank you Klint and Luca!

Travel tips

  • Having a car is important, roads are very curvey and tight. It can make a nervous driver stress.
  • Shopping is close to the villa, within minutes.

Patrick C.

Heilbronn

Germany

VERIFIED

Unforgettable holiday

June 2022 - The holiday in this villa was unforgettable. If possible, we will come back!

Mio thanks to Alfonso and Pina [the caretaker].

Summer In Italy communication and service were excellent.

Travel tips

  • In Maiori you can find everything.
  • Just enjoy the villa and the view.

Kevin P.

New York

United States

VERIFIED

Perfect setting with friendly staff

May 2022 - Villa Saracena was the perfect setting for my recent stay in the Amalfi Coast. The villa offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean in a serene setting.

Amenities were as described and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. For a large group looking for a great place to stay, I definitely recommend this villa.

Summer in Italy was very helpful and provided the perfect level of assistance needed with my trip. I would definitely use again for a future trip.

Omer H.

London

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

I came with my family and it was simply brilliant

August 2020 - The pool area is brilliant for days where you just want to relax and not travel. It is very private and secluded, but still only 10 mins drive to Maiori / Minori. The villa has plenty of space, and is really enjoyable to cook family/group dinners and lunches.

The caretakers are two lovely people who come every day to do a little cleaning and help you if anything is confusing - and surprised us with a basket of their fresh tomatos and figs! Very decent people who loved seeing us together as a family because that is what the villa spirit is about.

The Summer In Italy team are wonderful. They are constantly available to help, throughout the whole trip it was clear they wanted the experience to be great - they gave great suggestions for beaches, and staying in touch to make sure we were comfortable in the villa. They also helped with things like renting a boat for the day. Very professional and warm people - would highly recommend to anyone considering them.

Erin C.

Saint Paul, MN

United States

VERIFIED

Beautiful villa located in the quiet hills outside of Maiori

July 2019 - Villa Saracena is a beautiful villa located in the quiet hills outside of Maiori. We enjoyed our stay immensely.

The property is huge and spacious – it fit our group of 10 perfectly. The many terraces are a real treat, and make it easy to find peace and quiet – even if you're traveling with a large group.

There is also a lemon grove on the property and you are allowed to pluck the lemons and make your own lemonade with them – one of my favorite things I did the whole trip!

The property managers, Pina and Alfonso are SO wonderful, I cannot say enough good things about them. They brought us croissants, cooked dinner for us, and were so accommodating to all of our needs. Pina also keeps the entire property SPOTLESSLY clean. We had a great stay!

I am very glad that we booked through Summer In Italy.

Travel tips

  • The SITA bus is really the only way around if you are planning to go to the other towns near Amalfi – you need it even to get to Maiori. I'd plan to rent scooters or a car if you stay at the villa and want more autonomy in moving around freely.
  • The restaurant next to the property serves a beautiful breakfast and dinner and would highly recommend!

Kendra V.

Miami, FL

United States

VERIFIED

We hope to return again!

June 2019 - I cannot say enough how much we enjoyed Villa Saracena. We spent 5 magical days.

It was 12 people, 6 couples in total. The villa is so big that if you needed space you had plenty! There are multiple terraces, seating areas. We enjoyed the pool and Jacuzzi. The AC were nice and cold in the rooms.

We did have dinner cooked by Ms Pina [the caretaker] and it was the best ever. She made homemade gnocchi!! It was all reasonably priced I almost wish we would have asked her to cook another meal.

The views of the coast were breathtaking. We hope to return again!

Summer in Italy was great about asking all my questions. Will definitely recommend them.

Travel tips

  • Minori has a great bakery, Sal di Riso, have the gelato there!
  • Maiori has grocery shops but they take a siesta so don’t go mid-day.
  • Take a trip to Ravello it is so beautiful.

Joanne W.

Jersey

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

The very many terraces were a joy to use and to relax and enjoy the views

September 2018 - When I chose Villa Saracena it was because of the outdoor space and this didn’t disappoint. The very many terraces were a joy to use and to relax and enjoy the views.

The indoor space is less elaborate but our holiday was all about the outdoor living so this didn’t detract. The villa is huge over several floors.

Travel tips

  • The bus system is good but crowded for getting around the towns of the Amalfi Coast.
  • We would recommend Restaurant Donna Clelia in Maoiri where we had a fabulous dinner with fireworks over the bay for my birthday.

Indranil R.

Naperville, IL

United States

VERIFIED

Loved the view and the housekeepers

July 2018 - We loved our stay at Villa Saracena! The house is extremely well maintained, clean and beautifully decorated.

Housekeepers Alfonso and Pina were very welcoming and helpful.

We loved the view from each of the terraces.

Would highly recommend it!

Summer in Italy has great customer service. They helped us during our bookings and later on as our arrival date got closer, reminding us of things to do, helped with transportation needs etc. Claudio and his transportation company offered the best rates and excellent service.

Cecilia A.

Stockholm

Sweden

VERIFIED

It was fantastic

June 2018 - Villa Saracena was fantastic, and we are grateful for all your help.

Travel tips

  • The easiest way to get around is to take the bus by stopping it on the road just below the villa.

Alastair R.

London

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

A huge terrace

September 2017 - The terrace is huge, the scale doesn't quite come across in the pictures. There are several different levels to the terrace, each with stunning views, which meant that we were spoilt for choice when sitting down with an espresso in the mornings.

The villa itself is full of character and has a quirky layout.

Travel tips

  • Can be a bit tricky to access via public transport, a hire car was very handy... and the villa has ample parking which makes this easier.

Tracey R.

Birmingham

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Our private resort

September 2017 - This villa was amazing, the views were incredible from every terrace, watching the sunset over the mountains was a sight to behold . It felt like our own private resort!

The villa is beautiful and plenty of space. Pina and Alfonso were the perfect hosts, friendly and couldn't do enough for us, driving us down into the town, cooking for us (which was unbelievable!)

We were a party of 11 with 3 children who thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the pool.

We will definitely return, highly recommend.

I had searched the internet for quite a while but was cautious because of scammers, went to TripAdvisor and your company was recommended. It was very easy to book and the staff were amazing and answered any questions we asked.

Travel tips

  • Perfection location to visit major attractions, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano.
  • The local town of Maiori is really pleasant, shops, restaurants are very reasonable. The harbour is perfect for picking up a boat to go to Amalfi with some breathtaking views of the coast.

Jeffrey D.

Stowmarket

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Very good

Travel tips

  • Alfonso [the caretaker] was very willing to take us to the local shops in Maiori to do grocery shopping as we did not rent cars. I would suggest anyone coming to stay to think twice about renting a car as the coastal road is very busy and potentially dangerous and we got transfers from the airport and back no problem and we also used Claudio car service to go to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius for the day with a lovey stop for lunch at a winery on the slopes to taste the wines made there in Cantina Del Vesuvio.
  • We enjoyed the Restaurant Capo d'Orso which is only 1 km from the villa and the friendly owner Pio provided transport for us both ways so this worked very well and the views at the Capo are brilliant.
  • We asked Mrs Pina the housekeeper to cook for us 3 days out of the 7 we were there and the food was authentically local very tasty and great value for money. On top of the Mrs Pina cooked extra goodies for us from her garden such as Figs a Cherry Tart and Aubergines in Olive oil and home made Biscotti. She really spoiled us and looked after our group so well so I would recommend that anyone staying has at least one of her meals in the villa, it is well worth experiencing this.

Samina S.

West Kensington

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

This place is enormous

August 2016 - Villa Saracena exceeded expectations. It is an enormous villa within an incredibly beautiful landscape.

I would most certainly return if the opportunity arose.

Excellent service. I felt I was well supported whilst organizing this trip.

Sheldan B.

Peachland

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2015 - We stayed as a family of 12, the week starting August 29/15. There was LOTS of room for all of us! It was a perfect property! The young adults could have their music and play cards on the pool deck and Mom and Dad could relax in the deck loungers on the adjacent deck and sip wine and not have to listen to the shenanigans!

We cooked breakfast and most dinners, although Mrs Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] were more than happy to cook a special dinner us. But cooking is our hobby!

The beds were all comfortable, plenty of hot water for showers. It was perfectly located for getting to town and the views were spectacular!!

We have nothing but wonderful things to say about the property and Summer in Italy! Everything went seamlessly and all the information provided by Summer In Italy was a huge help! Our ages: Mom and Dad mid fifties, kids 19-26.

Travel tips

  • We pinned the property on our cell phone, so we could give the bus drivers notice to stop and let us off, especially helpful at night!
  • We charted a boat through the Tourist office in Maiori at #43 Corso Reginna. The lady was very helpful, the price was much better than any price we had seen on the Internet. Alfonso was our captain, in the 7 hours of rental we toured the coast to Positano, saw some grottoes, swam in coves, went to Capri for lunch and shopping and then cruised the afternoon. It was fabulous!
  • Don't be afraid to rent scooters, we had some for the entire week . It was so convenient and so much fun!
  • There are 2 grocery stores in town, between the two you will find everything you need. The first grocery store is where the bus drops you off. It is family owned and has a great local flavored selection and of course wine! There is a supermercato a few blocks away. Good for staples as well! The small, produce vendors were also fabulous for produce/fruit and there are 2 fresh fish shops, yummy!!
  • Tony's bar makes fantastic White Russians (had to throw that in) and next door Restaurant La Vela, Maiori, was a fabulous restaurant, great fresh pasta and seafood, good prices, nice atmosphere, sea view.
  • We rented a 16 passenger bus from Rome to the villa through LG limo service in Positano, they have a website. We have used them on other trips to Italy, and they are reliable, affordable and very professional! It was less expensive for us to have the private Mercedes bus than to take the train and so much less hassle! On the way back to Rome we had a 2hr stop at Pompeii! They also have sedans with drivers available and even that is an affordable option to the train from Roma.
  • We spent one day at the beach, we rented a cabana, so worth it to have nice lounge chairs! Also very reasonably priced.

Yali S.

Hod Hasharon

Israel

VERIFIED

Fantastic

May 2015 - We enjoyed our stay very much. The villa has great location and magnificent views but the villa itself has too many floors and steps and the annex is quite poor.

Summer in Italy were very professional and responsive. As we travel a lot in Italy I'm sure we will contact them again

Travel tips

  • Ask Pina, the housekeeper, to make at least one of your dinners.

Jean L.

Englewood, CO

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2014 - Housekeepers, Pina and Alfonso were excellent and went out of their way to help. Cooked for us one night. It was really special.

We will recommend and use again. Staff was very helpful!!

Travel tips

  • Leave time to enjoy the villa and the view.

Gian Antonio D.

Aurora

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2014 - What a spectacular place! Our stay was for ten days and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the time spent at the Villa. It exceeded our expectations.

Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] are two amazing individuals that contributed so much to our visit. They were always more than helpful and prepared some of the best meals we have ever had.

The view was breathtaking, especially from the many terraces that are at the villa.

The location of the villa provides total privacy. It was also very convenient that it was only a short drive into Maiori.

If you are looking for a great place to stay on the Amalfi Coast, this is it! Comfortable, spacious, private, relaxing and a view to die for!

Travel tips

  • Be sure to take advantage of all the amenities that the villa provides - the pool, the hot tub and the great lemons!
  • Be sure to take advantage of the proximity to places like Pompeii, Vesuvius, Ravello and Positano. Maiori also has some great deals if you want to reserve a boat for cruising the nearby coast.

Pierre D.

Longueuil

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2014 - We would go back without hesitation, we have provided the details to our friends. The local staff was great and friendly.

The villa was as described, no surprises, we will use your services again.

Travel tips

  • Highly recommend renting a boat for a day to see the coast.

Leslie S.

Morristown, New Jersey

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2013 - We loved Villa Saracena! Our housekeepers were lovely, very helpful, wonderful cooks and made a great cup of coffee every morning!

Mattresses were a problem, but that's Italy from what I hear! Living room was not in a convenient location, but it never rained so we enjoyed the outdoor patios all week.

I'm glad we had a car as getting groceries etc. would have been a problem without.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Villa Saracena to family and friends.

Ciao!

Travel tips

  • Have a rental car, good parking on premises makes it easy!
  • Highly recommend Restaurant Capo d'Orso... nearby first class restaurant with a wine cellar that is amazing! Great value for the service, food and wine! Maitre'd gave us a tour of all the restaurant terraces and wine cellar.
  • Be sure to have the housekeepers cook an Italian meal for you!

Denis F.

Stellenbosch

South Africa

VERIFIED

Fantastic

August 2013 - Fabulous villa, wonderful location, we and our family really enjoyed our week at Saracena. Only one thing - the villa needs paint and other minor renovation soon.

Thank you, very satisfied.

Travel tips

  • Amalfi roads really are an experience, something of a "chicken run" sometimes. Use the bus... bus stop outside the villa.
  • Most groceries/wines available in the towns of Maiori and Amalfi.
  • Take only "Amalfi Boat Excursions" to Capri, extra cost worthwhile.

Lina D.

Toronto

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2013 - Staying at Villa Saracena was like being in paradise! What a wonderful villa, the pictures on your website did not even do it justice.

We loved Mrs. Pina and Signore Alfonso [the caretakers], they were amazing and very helpful, they were like our family.

Even washing the clothes and hanging them outside in that beautiful view was fun!

I booked with Summer in Italy because I felt you were a professional organization and you did not disappoint. Thank you for everything.

Travel tips

  • Definitely engage Mrs. Pina to cook for you, it's worth it and was one of the best things about our trip.
  • We rented a private boat and driver who took us around the coast and it was also well worth the cost.

Kaaren D.

Inglewood

Canada

VERIFIED

Fantastic

September 2012 - We stayed at the Villa Saracena in mid August 2012. The views are outstanding from every terrace. We really enjoyed our stay.

The caretakers were excellent, they are attentive and helpful in every way. They even took us in to town on our first day to stock up with groceries!!!

The best shower in the villa was the solar one beside the pool area. The other showers had a poor water supply which was difficult to regulate regarding hot and cold water.

Keep up the good work, we had a smashing time.

Paul R.

Murrysville, Pennsylvania

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2012 - We really enjoyed Villa Saracena. Mr. Alfonso and Mrs. Pina [the caretakers] were there everyday which was a pleasant surprise. they cooked special meals for us twice at our request which were wonderful.

Working with Summer in Italy was a pleasant experience. I would recommend them and would definietly use them again.

Travel tips

  • We took the boat from Maiori to Capri, which was much better than trying to drive most of the way.
  • Wish we had spent more time in Positano.

Walt H.

Madison, NJ

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2011 - It was a fabulous house. The views breath-taking. The caretakers were wonderful and cooked us some wonderful dinners. House accommodated all of our needs. Great living spaces, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Would come back in a heart beat.

Travel tips

  • It was a great location to take day trips to the local towns and even some towns farther away such as Pompeii, Sorrento and Paestum.
  • We did two walking tours: one from Ravello to Amalfi and one from Maiori to Amalfi. Great views.

Maureen K.

Wilmette, Illinois

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2011 - We were 5 older couples and we absolutely enjoyed every moment at the villa. It was much more than we expected in size and accommodations. Somehow the website does not capture its beauty.

We loved the caretakers Pina and Alfonso. They were an added bonus that we did not even know about. I think you should advertise this couple and I recommend that you let visitors know that this wonderful couple will be there to help them in any way possible. We asked Pina to cook for us a couple of times and she was absolutely outstanding and very fair and very reasonable in cost. She also made sure our laundry was hung up to dry when were were not there to take it out of the machine and helped us with all mechanical issues related to the house. We have rented villas together several times and we have never had anyone like them. She and her husband are very modest and very good people. They were a very unexpected bonus.

Two persons just enjoyed staying and relaxing at the villa because it was so beautiful and comfortable while the rest of us took off on bus trips.

Travel tips

  • Don't hesitate to rent this villa. This beautiful place was much more than I expected in every way. The photographs on line do not do it justice.
  • There are two outstanding caretakers, friendly honest and very helpful.
  • Three of the bedrooms were outstanding. Two bedrooms were quite a bit smaller. All bathrooms were good. Keep this in mind when you are planning for the number of people at the villa. We would rent this villa again in a heartbeat.
  • The buses were an adventure but not totally reliable. Sometimes they were full and passed us up, especially in early October. Buses stopped for us right outside the villa. On return trips, we had a difficult time telling the driver where to let us off. It was hard to recognize the area of the villa.
  • One restaurant in Maiori, Mammato, picked us up and brought us back to the villa at no extra cost. Other restaurants do this also including the famous Restaurant Capo D'Orso. You really don't need a car.

Mohan T.

Oakville

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2011 - Villa Saracena is a wonderful place to stay with views that are unsurpassed from all decks, and there are 4 of them.

Our meals on the deck were fabulous and Mrs. Pina and Alfonso (the caretakers) are very eager to please. They were fantastic. Mrs. Pina is a wonderful cook and the meal she made us was incredible and lasted us two nights. The restaurants in the area are terrific but the dinner on the deck was unbeatable.

Travel tips

  • Definitely engage Mrs. Pina to cook for you one of the evenings - it was one of the highlights of our trip.
  • If you choose not to drive (and we did not drive), ask Mrs. Pina to hook you up with reliable and reasonable transportation (car or van and driver) or use Aldo - I have given his number below. She also got us a very reasonable boat and captain for our group of 10 to go to Capri for a day.
  • The public bus is easy as well but if you are travelling together most places (as our group of 10 did), it is easier to get a van and driver.
  • A day trip to Capri and another day trip to Ravello are well worth it as well as a day ferry to Positano (from Amalfi).
  • Aldo helped us arrange transportation - his cell number is 339-8871795 and the rates were very reasonable.

Jeffrey C.

FPO, AE

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

Travel tips

  • The housekeeper - Pina - had an excellent recommendation for a chartered boat tour of the Amalfi Coast. She does not speak English, so you may want to use a translator to get the info.

Eleonore B.

Vienna

Austria

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2011 - We enjoyed our stay in absolutely beautiful surroundings. The internet photos simply do not do it justice. The views from every terrace and the landscaping on the property are magnificent.

Travel tips

  • If you only have one week, I would stay at the villa and enjoy relaxing there. If you are staying longer, as we did you may enjoy visiting Capri by boat. The housekeeper can recommend a good driver.
  • We enjoyed Ravello, Positano, the beach in Maiori.
  • The cook makes delicious meals with many fresh ingredients from her own garden.

Mark R.

Beeston

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2011 - It was absolutely fantastic. Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] were exceptionally friendly and helpful.

The accomodation, views and facilities were excellent and helped us to have a brilliant holiday.

Bernadette S.

Teddington

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

Travel tips

  • Ensure that you have a car to do the shopping and that you have anti-mosquito cream for the evenings.

Alessandra B.

London

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

Travel tips

  • The roads around Amalfi are really tight I would not advise arriving in big 4x4's as we did which were impossible to handle on those roads. If you had no time constraints, the bus service was at the bottom of the drive so you could get anywhere along the coast using the public service.

Don B.

Toronto

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2009 - We had a marvellous time. All, including the caretakers were top notch.

Plenty of hot water and decks and views of the bay and Amalfi across the water.

Well situated. Fairly close to Positano, Salerno, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri. We even went to Pompeii for a day trip.

It's a great villa. A winner.

Travel tips

  • You will love it. We did.
  • Don't pass a bus from the opposite direction on a curve, you will loose.
  • The roads, that add to the charm of the place, are narrow and windy.

Stephanie E.

Roebuck, South Carolina

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2009 - Villa Saracena is a very large and spacious villa, with breathtaking views. We used the villa as our home base and trekked all over the Amalfi coast during our stay.

While the driving can make your hair stand on end at times, for the most part, we found it easy to travel the coast from the villa.

Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] were very nice, and Pina even cooked an outstanding meal for our group one night. We never felt crowded.

Travel tips

  • The closest markets in Maiori were not difficult to get to, it is just tricky the first day, trying to find them (as they are not on the main strip) and parking, but not bad once you figure it out.
  • Just for your information, the TV only has two English speaking channels, so bring DVDs!

Anne A.

Wayland, MA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2009 - From the moment we arrived at Villa Saracena and were greeted by the most lovely caretakers, we had an absolutely wonderful experience. Mrs. Pina and her husband showed us everything we needed to know about the villa (despite the language barrier); and, in fact, drove us to the nearby market on move-in day in order to buy some set-up groceries. They were in the house every day following (except Sunday) and kept the place immaculate. We accepted Mrs. Pina's offer to cook for us one night and it was exceptional!!

The villa itself was perfect and the pictures we saw beforehand didn't do it justice. Our group (of 12) enjoyed a trip of a lifetime!

SII was terrific. In fact, Andrea was my "go-person", answering everything from questions about euros and local ATM's to how to pre-arrange activities.

Travel tips

  • Ask as many questions as you want beforehand of Summer In Italy. The responses were immediate and extremely helpful. Through SITI personnel and newsletters, we prebooked discounted activities (a day-long boat excursion with Alfonso and Mamma Agata cooking classes) as well as made arrangements with a van service (Claudio Lucibello) which we used all week. Claudio and his drivers were like personal tour guides, offering much needed advice about the Coast and culture.
  • I would strongly recommend against renting a car. We were able to get everywhere we wanted either by the van service, bus (which stopped right at our doorstep), or ferry.
  • Must-sees are Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Capri.

Judith B.

Bedford Hills, New York

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2009 - This was our second marvelous stay at Villa Saracena. The first time was in Oct. 2004 with our family (11 adults, 1 child, 1 infant), and now in early June 2009 with a group of 8 friends. Since on each occasion we had an infirm/elderly member, the two bedrooms on ground level were perfect!

If you want to try your hand at cooking Italian style in the spacious kitchen (or have Pina [the caretaker] do it for you), long tables in the dining room and outside on the numerous terraces can accommodate large group dining, while watching the sun set over the water and coastline. To our mind, there couldn't be a more spectacular place in Italy to call home for a week!

The friendliness of Pina and Alfonso and their invaluable help with EVERYTHING added immeasurably to our enjoyment and comfort.

The villa was beyond our expectations the first visit and even managed to surpass our memories this time.

As always, working with Summer in Italy was a pleasure. We are completely satisfied customers... witness the fact that we have used you twice and have recommended you to numerous friends. Thank you

Travel tips

  • The Despar supermarket in Maiori has everything, although a visit to the green grocers and the bakery on the town's mall are real treats.
  • For a special occasion, a lovely restaurant about 1 km away is Restaurant Capo d'Orso. Otherwise, we only ventured forth from our paradise villa when absolutely necessary... i.e., for grocery shopping and sightseeing.

Andrew S.

Diessenhofen

Switzerland

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2009 - We thoroughly enjoyed the villa and in particular the many terraces, whirlpool and its proximity to the motorway enabling us to take full advantage of exploring the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Naples etc.

The villa being as pleasant as it was meant we were all very happy to spend a lot of time there. This made our days very relaxing.

Both caretakers we very pleasant and helpful. They look after the property as if it were their own.

David B.

Edgewood, WA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2009 - It was more than we anticipated and the entire family all 11 of us had a grand time. We were in Rome for four nights prior, then we drove to the Saracena, I wish you could see the pictures, my family told my wife and I on the return that they would never have believed it would be so amazing.

Thank you for your help I have already relayed my good times with several couples we know and two are going to book with you. Thanks again we will be coming back to you and Italy in the near future, within four years.

PS: The Italian people are so wonderful, full of life and honest it is hard to relay to our friends! You did just great, keep up the good work and we will see you soon!

Travel tips

  • Take lots of photo's and enjoy the peace and quiet of the setting. And be careful driving!

Eric N.

Highland, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2008 - We did love the villa and the staff! The outdoor space is just amazing and views you can't describe.

Also for a large group the size is perfect as everyone has their space!

You guys were amazing and very responsive and helpful!!!

Travel tips

  • We loved the villages of Minori and Maiori.
  • We took a day trip on chartered boat that was amazing!!

Boris R.

Moscow

Russia

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2008 - Wonderful, unforgettable vacation, enjoyed it very much.

Breathtaking view and amazing outdoor territory.

Green and pink bedrooms are worth to be staying in.

Everything is excellent!

Travel tips

  • Do not rent a big car, problems with parking [in the area, as at the villa itself there's plenty of parking space even for large vehicles].
  • Do not take any towels, there are a lot of them in villa.

Paul W.

Swords

Ireland

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2008 - Villa Saracena was absolutely fabulous.

Well worth every cent!

 

Travel tips

  • Get up early for the boat trips!
  • Bring a Sat Nav and be very careful on the roads. Italian drivers are completely nuts!!

Paul L.

New York, New York

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2008 - This was the best vacation ever. Villa Saracena is absolutely wonderful. Everything about it is better than the pictures.

Only two tiny little problems, the showers are a little low pressure and low temp and the buses are erratic. Luckily the bus stop is at the end of the driveway and the weather is so perfect, you don't need hot showers.

Be prepared that the caretakers speak very little English but they are wonderful, the best.

You guys are great - always got back to me promptly with all my questions. Luca and Andrea are great at their jobs!

Temperature of the water has been raised! The villa has a special water heating system that allows to mix the water at the desired temperature before it reaches the tap. We wish we had been notified before as we could have helped sorting out this little detail :-)

Travel tips

  • Explore all the towns, particularly Ravello.
  • Renting a boat for the day with your own captain is amazing!

Sanna S.

Skodsborg

Denmark

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2008 - The view from Villa Saracena is breathtaking -- than take this from a cool Scandinavian with both feet deeply in(to) the ground.

The terrace and pool area are just great.

The only negative is the sounds of cars and especially car horns later in the evening, especially on weekends.

We have been in Italy every year in last 10 years. this time we spend 1 week in Amalfi and another in our usual favorite place, Tuscany. On top we actually spend 2.5 days in Rome first. A great combination and definitely to recommend -- and not too much driving and not too much either.

Travel tips

  • You will only get this kind of view once in your life.
  • If you arrive by car, buy all food etc before you enter the Amalfi coast area where food prices definitely have a mega "tourist" costs. The food store in Maiori on the way to mountain is really good and good price.
  • Amalfi has great restaurants.
  • Absolutely, definitely take a day to visit Pompei!!

Cecilia A.

Malmö

Sweden

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2008 - Villa Saracena was more than we had imagined! The terraces, the view and the location were all excellent.

The bedrooms were also cool even though there are no air conditioning in the house. This was a bit of a concern for me before the trip as it was unusually hot in Italy during our stay (around 30-35 degrees C).

We stayed there for our wedding (in Amalfi) and it was a magical time for us. Villa Saracena really is a big part of our experience!

Patti L.

Hackettstown, New Jersey

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2008 - We absolutely loved Villa Saracena. We had 10 people in our party, and we were all very comfortable.

The views were amazing. We all felt that everything could not have been more perfect!

Mrs. Pina and her husband [the caretakers] were adorable, and so helpful.

Our stay at Villa Saracena was like a dream. Thank you.

PS... Our daughter got engaged while we were staying at the Villa. It was very romantic.

We saw your website, and found it very user friendly. The details and photos of Villa Saracena were perfect. We would use Summer in Italy again, and recommend it to our friends.

Travel tips

  • We rented a car, and felt that was important. Other members in our party did not, and thought that made it a little difficult to get around, however, the bus picks you up right outside the Villa, if you prefer public transportation.
  • We rented motor boats down in the town of Maiori, which was a lot of fun.
  • Capri was fun, but a bit touristy.
  • We LOVED Positano!
  • Pompeii is a must.

Justine H.

Cambridge

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2008 - We had a fantastic time at Villa Saracena.

The outdoor spaces are extensive and with the most amazing views which you can never tire of. The photos show it all.

The separate TV room was a great hit with the kids when they weren't in the pool or the hot tub. And Mrs Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

We will be back.

I can't fault Summer in Italy in any way. Your replies were always quick and polite, your website easy to use and overall you delivered a very efficient service. Also your Villa description was very accurate. Thank you

Nigel P.

Chipstead

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2007 - We greatly enjoyed our stay. The grounds of the villa are fantastic - masses of open and shaded space, incredible views, sun for long periods of the day - longer than much of the Amalfi coastline.

Alfonso keeps the grounds and gardens in wonderful condition and Pina is incredibly helpful in and around the house.

The house itself is a bit dated in a rather grand Italian way, but still very enjoyable. Our party of 7 found masses of personal space when we wanted it.

We'd recommend it highly!

The service was very good - quick responses, very helpful and straightforward. Thank you.

Travel tips

  • Try to arrive in daylight - it's much easier to find the villa then.
  • If flying to Naples and hiring a car, get a really good map of the area around Naples Capodichino airport in advance. The roadsigns locally are absolutely terrible, but once on the A3 it's easy. The tolls on the autostrada are just a few euros. It's easier going back to the airport than getting out, but still not at all well signed
  • There are two supermarkets in Maiori, which is a 10 minute drive from the villa (on narrow roads). One is a Despar and the other a Sisa. Both are on side streets just off the main road through Maiori, near a small beach side car park. Otherwise, there are butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers and mini markets spread throughout the side streets of Maiori. But shop early in the day if you are buying meat or fish.
  • There are ATMs in all the towns for cash withdrawal. They don't always have MasterCard/Maestro or Visa branding but they all seem to work.
  • Parking in Amalfi is very difficult. Get there very early (before 8 am) for a harbour side space and expect to pay 3 euros an hour or try the tourist office at the harbour because they will know a person who can take the car off to a garage for 20 euros for a full day. There is also a small garaging area just past the coach park on the harbour for 4 euros an hour, but again you need to be early. There's easier parking in most other places.
  • The boat trip from Amalfi to Capri is a must, but check that you're getting the faster open top boat. There's an enclosed boat that's used on some crossings and it's a bit like being stuck in a bus. The open top is great but try to get the starboard side out and port side back for the best views.
  • Ravello is well worth the trip, particularly if you are there at festival time. Fantastic fireworks display to close it out.
  • Pompeii is also a must but expect loads of tourists and a challenge finding it - bad signs again but helpful locals when you ask. Park just behind the cathedral in Pompeii - it's a short walk from there. We got a guide around the ruins at the entrance and he was terrific. Well worth it.
  • The roads around the Amalfi coast are all narrow and winding with mirrors at most corners to help drivers. Italian drivers are 'different', especially if they have a coach or a scooter (which they will think is a Ferrari)! The bit of road from the villa to Amalfi is the most challenging - it you drive beyond Amalfi it gets easier with amazing views, so persist.

Joseph C.

Windsor

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

Travel tips

  • Enjoy all the little towns but if you want more for your money, shop in Maiori and go to Cava, it's worth the trip.

Alan James D.

Otaki

New Zealand

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2006 - Swimming pool, outdoor areas, Pina [the caretaker], views and location outstanding. Kitchen adequate. Parking very good. Showers dated but hot water supply good. Would stay again and recommend to others.

 

Keshava D.

New York, NY

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2006 - Villa Saracena was wonderful - we couldn't have asked for more!

Pina and Alfonso [the caretakers] were great, despite the language barriers, and the house was more than we even hoped for!

One piece of advice though - it's a tough place to get around unless one of your group has a car.

Elizabeth P.

Amesbury, MA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2005 - We had an excellent time. While some aspects were a little outdated, the overall vacation was excellent.

The weather cooperated, which made the terraces and outside areas part of the living spaces. We rarely used the living room, if at all, gathering instead on the terrace near the kitchen, or on the roof top deck, always taking in the view.

The housekeeper, Pina and her husband Alfonso, were extremely helpful, giving directions, telling us where to shop or catch the bus.

Everyone I dealt with at Summer in Italy was prompt and informative with any questions or extra help that we needed. The pictures of the villa is what sold me on the selection of that property, combined with the location. After that was determined, the agency just kept fulfilling the tasks that were required. They did not disappoint!

Susan F.

Union, NJ

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2005 - The Villa was fabulous! My family and I really enjoyed our stay.

The accommodations were wonderful, everything and more, and the views breathtaking!

I would highly recommend to family and friends.

Pina (the housekeeper) and Alfonso (groundskeeper) were extremely pleasant and ensured our comfort.

Thank you for a very memorable vacation!

I was extremely satisfied with the correspondence and service from Summer in Italy and would, and have, recommended you to friends and family.

Mary B.

Apo, AE

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2005 - Our visit was outstanding! The villa was even more beautiful than your website pictured or our group expected. One of our party members was in a wheelchair and he had no problem enjoying his stay the house. The location was excellent with villages close by for supplies, restaurants, and just sightseeing in non-tourist setting.

I must make a special mention of our housekeeper, Mrs. Pina and gardner, Alfonso who were both wonderful. Both of them enhanced our visit and made sure that everything was clean, running smoothly and understanding our limited Italian. They were delightful.

We all had hard time leaving when the time came and wished that we had booked the second week. But next year we ae thinking of returning to Italy and staying in Tuscany and Summer in Italy will be the first place we looked to book another villa.

I think that your website is easy to use and your service is excellent and a very good value. I only wish that you had listing in France and the rest of Europe since my friends and I want to visit more of Europe after Italy. Thank you for a job well done!

Bruce R.

Washington, DC

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2004 - There were 12 of us who stayed at the Villa from July 10-17. A few of us had been to the Amalfi coast before so we knew what to expect but for the others, it was more than breathtaking. Our stay were glorious.

The villa was perfectly situated in Maiori just before the downtown and within easy drives to Amalfi, Positano, Ravello. That is if you wanted to leave. One could spend their whole time in the villa. The pool is nice and refreshing and the multitude of decks allowed for there to be privacy even with 12 people.

The weather were superb which always helps and the views of the coast from nearly every room is spectacular. We ate out several times and cooked several times. One day we took a cooking classs in the town of Ravello with Mamma Agata...do it!!!! and then came home and practiced on those who didn't take the class.

I would highly recommend Villa Saracena for a thoroughly relaxing and hastle free holiday which is just what the doctor ordered.

Usha D.

Islington

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2004 - We enjoyed the villa very much. It was very clean and tidy; the gardens were well tended; it was very relaxing there.

The housekeeper and gardener were very good and helpful. The view was beautiful.

I was very happy with the level of service provided and would book another villa through yourselves again.

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