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CalabriaReviews of Casa Costantina
Vacation rental in Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
David H.
Kingsbridge
United Kingdom
Good
May 2014 - We enjoyed it.
Brin D.
High Wycombe
United Kingdom
Fantastic
May 2014 - Casa Costantina is absolutely superb and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
The apartment is more spacious than the photos suggested, very high-ceilings. It is clean and well-equipped. The view from the very large terrace is stunning, we had not realized that there would be such a good view of the south-of-Salerno coastline and mountains.
Only downsides are: no easily-accessible beach; you are in shadow after about 5pm (but get the best sun most of the rest of the day) and you will not get down-to-horizon sunsets. A 10-15 minute walk uphill, including approximately 80 steep steps, from the main road (though there is a small shop very nearby). The bedroom is dark indoors, and possibly a little damp, but you can easily dry everything off outdoors if the sun shines!
These are minor points and Casa Costantina is a fantastic base for a couple.
The owner is extremely helpful and speaks good English.
Travel tips
- Praiano is a good base if you like relative peace and quiet, and is well-connected by the local buses if you do not bring your own car.
- Public transport is good, cheap and plentiful, but was already getting crowded even in mid-May.
- The small local bus to Positano is helpful but does not run that often, and even the SITA buses have a long gap in their timetable in the morning.
- The public ferry between Positano and Amalfi is a great ride for a modest price.
- You need to be fit enough to cope with a lot of steps, both for the apartment and anywhere around the village.
- Everyone in the tourist trade speaks some English.
- Trattoria San Gennaro by the main church is good, friendly and modestly-priced.
- We regretted not trying the Pizzeria Il Rifugio on the way up to the apartment as it gets great reviews, and looked very friendly.
- Beware of the Walk of Gradillo that Summer In Italy mention in their literature. It's actually called the "Sentiero dell'agave in fiore" at the other end, is very strenuous, and has one section that is highly risky where the tiny path cuts across a steep slope with only grass tufts to hold on to. It would be lethal in places if it was wet underfoot.
- Ravello is well worth a bus trip.
- The Emerald Grotto is a rather limited attraction - try to go there only on a sunny day for best effect.
Margaret B.
Sackville
Canada
Excellent
May 2013 - My husband and I enjoyed a peaceful relaxing week at Casa Costantina. We found the location to be a nice compromise between being in a completely tourist-free town and being in an overly busy atmosphere. Casa Costantina is up on the hillside with an amazing view of the sea but it is only a short walk down to the town of Praiano. To return is also not a long walk, or there is a local bus which comes close to the door. The town of Praiano itself is much less touristy than nearby Positano but has all the basics -- restaurants, grocery stores, a bank machine, etc.
The property itself was perfect for us (mature couple) -- very clean and had everything we needed. The highlight was the enormous terrace where we spent most of our time since the weather was wonderful. As well our hosts have a large garden and invited us to browse there -- a rare treat in April/May for Canadians who only plant their own gardens in late May or even June.
From Casa Costantina we were able to visit Positano more than once, go to the beach, travel to Amalfi and Ravello, take a day trip to Capri, hike the Path of the Gods and do a lot of relaxing as well. A perfect holiday.
Your service was very good and especially the advice you provided before our arrival. You responded promptly to questions and we appreciated that. When we were looking to book, you suggested several properties and we appreciated the suggestions.
Travel tips
- We had read that the tourist office in Praiano was excellent at providing maps of hiking trails, bus schedules, etc but we found that they do not open until the first week of May. So we suggest equipping yourself with as much of this information as you can before arrival if you come early in the season. Casa Costantina also has some information there provided by the owners or left by other guests. The bus schedule is especially important for both the local buses and the SITA bus.
Bjørn R.
Fredensborg
Denmark
Very good
September 2012 - We enjoyed Costantina. Good view. Fine terrace. Nice to have access to the kitchen garden.
Travel tips
- Many stairs, not suited for children.
Jennifer S.
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Excellent
June 2012 - The apartment was lovely - the decor exceeded our expectations and the view was amazing.
It's a bit of a climb from the "town centre" but there is a bus at the bottom of the last lot of steps and the climb isn't too steep - a breeze in the cooler evenings!
Received a wonderful, friendly service from Summer in Italy.
Travel tips
- Dinner at M'ama restaurant at Hotel Margerita was amazing - wonderful 4 course "chefs menu" at around 30 euros with a fantastic view and much closer than the the main part of town.
Mika P.
Helsinki
Finland
Excellent
July 2011 - Enjoyed very much! The terrace was almost too good.... Didn't want to leave - and at the end of two weeks stay I preferred my "own" terrace.
Casa Costantina is (I guess) not the recommended place for families with small children or disabilities (uphill, uphill and stairs), but climbing up to the house was worth it every time once you got there :) But that's what Praiano and Amalfi coast is all about.
Just beautiful. I'll be back in Praiano (fourth time) next year.
Dr. Reiter S.
Berlin
Germany
Excellent
September 2010 - We enjoyed our stay very much and liked the peaceful and quiet location including a nice cat.
The owner was very helpful, we could use the garden and the tomatoes and herbs.
The view was fantastic.
Your agency was very helpful and provided a lot of information.
Travel tips
- It is helpful to know the schedule of the local bus as the casa is situated in the upper part of Praiano and the ways to this quarter are very steep.
- A visit to Ravello and a walk of the sentiero degli dei are a must.
- We highly recommend the Hosteria Il Pino in Praiano and Restaurant La Tagliata in Montepertuso.
David K.
Givatayim
Israel
Excellent
August 2010 - Great view, very quiet, in a nice village. Excellent escape from the city and the high-tech life to the country.
The terrace is very nice to relax in the sun or to eat outdoors.
Travel tips
- There is a cat that feels at home - you will have to work hard to keep him out of the house if you don't want him in.
Niclas C.
Stockholm
Sweden
Excellent
July 2009 - We loved our stay at Casa Costantina. It was a great view over the village and the sea.
We picked a lot of fresh tomatoes in the garden and mad almost all meals at home.
Praiano's location is very good, and it is easy to take the buses to Positano and Amalfi.
We are very pleased with everything.
Travel tips
- Take a flashlight with you, it gets really dark in the evenings.
Tatiana L.
Kista
Sweden
Excellent
May 2009 - We did enjoy our stay in Casa Costantina and we would definitely like to come back again. The owners are very kind, friendly and helpful.
Peace and quiet, location and view as well as the garden and the terrace are incredible.
Thank you for your assistance and hope to come back soon!
I have enjoyed my staying with Summer in Italy, very safe traveling and great service from the very beginning when we showed our interest about Casa Costantina and had some questions, up to the end now when I'm writing the feedback. Great job, thank you!
Travel tips
- An excellent way to travel to Casa Costantina is to take a boat from Salerno to Positano! The tour is very beautiful and take only one hour. From Positano there is a local bus (from Piazza dei Mulini, departures every half an hour) and it takes around twenty minutes to Praiano, the bus stops a couple of minuets from the house.
Kylie M.
New York, NY
United States
Excellent
June 2008 - Casa Costantina is a lovely simple one bedroom villa from which to explore the Amalfi coast.
The owner is extremely gracious and helpful.
The villa is basic but very clean and well maintained. The terrace is the highlight and has a fabulous view of the sea.
My husband and our 2 children (2 and 4 years) really enjoyed staying in Praiano. It is a lovely relaxed village where the locals are very friendly. We actually felt we experienced life in an Italian village. There are lots of stairs to climb but the view is worth it.
We hired a car which was fabulous to explore the area. The owner showed us where to park which was only a 5 min walk away (but lots of stairs).
We really enjoyed our time at the Casa. The only problem we had was with the hot water in the shower, which the owner offered to send a plumber to rectify.
Praiano is really a beautiful part of the world.
Excellent service. Thank you.
Travel tips
- The casa is not in the heart of the village. There is a very small grocer very close by but otherwise we drove into Praiano to buy groceries. It is approximately a 10-15 min walk into the centre of the village (for eg, for dinner at a restaurant).
- The walk down to the beach is worth the stairs you have to climb back up.
- I would also recommend a day trip to Capri. A boat leaves from the restaurant at the beach in Praiano.
- If you have a baby or toddler, forget the stroller and use a baby backpack.
- Your legs will tone up nicely!
Stewart G.
Masonhill
United Kingdom
Excellent
October 2007 - This is a great base for a holiday with a fabulous terrace for sunbathing and a small swimming pool.
There's a local bus from the bottom of the hill (5 minutes down) which takes you to Positano and plenty of space to walk down to the beach.
Summer In Italy offers an excellent and really friendly and reliable service which helps out with any queries.
Travel tips
- Don't miss the Walk of the Gods between Praiano and Positano. It's a bit of a hike but the view is fabulous.
Jean L.
Laval
Canada
Excellent
September 2007 - Casa Costantina was beyond our expectations. Of course, the description and picture on your website are very accurate, but the house, the terrace and everything were just perfect.
The owners where very kind and helpful.
We have really enjoyed Praiano. It is close to everything we wanted to see and visit while being very quiet.
The kitchen was very well appointed and we cooked ourselves excellent meals that we enjoyed on the outside table while looking at the sea.
We spent two wonderful weeks!
Since making this reservation I have rarely experienced such a good service from a "rental agency". Please do not change, you are very good at what you do. I will definitely recommend you to my friends!
Travel tips
- The butcher shop downstairs is wonderful as well as the pastry shop near Chiesa di San Gennaro.
- Of course there are lots of steps involved but it's part of the charm!
- Renting a car is not a good idea with these winding and narrow roads. Bus, trains and boats are very reliable.
Elisa E.
Pierrefonds
Canada
Excellent
August 2007 - I totally enjoyed my week at the Casa Costantina and the owner Raffaele was very accommodating and kind.
I would definitely go back there one day.
It was great doing business with you. Very easy. Thanks again.
Travel tips
- Learn you bus schedule well, however don't be afraid to walk down to the main street as there is a few wonderful restaurants in the area.
- When you reach the main road, next to the Bellavista Hotel, there is a church called San Gennaro, if you take the stairs at the opposite end of the church it will take you to a wonderful secluded beach. You can also get there from Marina di Praia. Make sure you go.
Michael S.
Skanderborg
Denmark
Excellent
July 2007 - When you arrive you are meet with the most fantastic view of the sea. And you just can't get tired of looking.
You have a huge terrace above 100 m2, with an large outdoor table in the shadow overlooking the sea.
The house is above average standard with everything you need.
The Pool is small, but it is quite sufficient to the needs of a family with 2 adults and 2 children.
There is a local beach only 703 steps down (counted by our daughter). You can also take the local bus every hour.
It is very recommended by Sejersen, Denmark!
Travel tips
- Visit the local tourist attractions, such as Amalfi, Positano and Ravello.
- Remember that parking places are very rare on the Amalfi Coast and that driving is very slow.
- Take the bus to Positano.
- Use your car to Amalfi and Ravello.
- Don't use your car in Praiano.
Diana G.
Toorak,
Australia
Excellent
April 2007 - We loved Casa Costantina. The owners were gracious and responsive. It is a beautiful position.
We were helped up and down the steps with our luggage and this was extremely necessary and we were grateful.
Rose D.
Nutley, New Jersey
United States
Excellent
July 2006 - The Casa is an excellent place to stay if you're interested in exploring the Amalfi Coast from a less touristy locale, such as the beautiful village of Praiano.
However, be aware that the many steps to get up to the apartment were considerable and if one is not physically fit, this would be an impossible place to stay.
John C.
Wahroonga
Australia
Excellent
July 2006 - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa Costantina.
The owner picked us up at the Sita bus stop and helped us with our bags from the square to the Casa. Again on the last day he drove us to the bus stop.
Descriptions on the internet are very accurate.
The local people are very friendly and on our walks through the paths nearby we were given apricots and basil.
The world cup was on during our stay and we were welcomed at St Lucas church hall to watch Australia v Italy and then invited to a pasta night afterwards.
We walked several times from the Sita bus stop but also used the local bus to Positano several times and also to return home after having dinner out
The house suited our needs very much. Arrangements worked very smoothly. Photographs and reviews were spot on. If we come to Italy again we would certainly us the services of Summer in Italy
Mark T.
Swindon
United Kingdom
Excellent
June 2006 - We hed a fantastic week at Casa Costantina. The property was nicer than I thought it would be. The standard of the accommodation is very good. The terrace was the best part and the steps are not so bad. Going for bread in the morning kept me fit.
Sitting out on the terrace at mid night with a glass of wine was the highlight.
The owners were helpful when we arrived and departed. They met us walking up the hill from the bus stop when we arrived and delivered us to the bus stop when we departed.
The locals are very friendly.
Thank you for a very good experience.
James Y.
Chesterfield
United Kingdom
Excellent
May 2006 - We had a very good holiday and felt refreshed and we would happily recommend Casa Costantina to friends and family.
The owners were welcoming and helpful.
Nathan R.
Chicago, Illinois
United States
Excellent
September 2005 - The terrace of Casa Costantina is incredible. It is huge and overlooks the bay and the views are stunning. When you walk in through the door the terrace stretches out in front of you to the bay. Wonderful first sight and during the stay it is great to return to each day. Several nights there we made dinner and ate outside under the stars looking over the bay and it was fantastic.
It is very close to transportation - yellow bus is at the bottom of the steps with frequent runs to Positano and the Praiano beach. A little further down the hill (5 minute walk) is the blue SITA bus to Amalfi and other points. The schedules are posted at the stops so it makes it easy to plan your trips. The SITA tickets need to be bought in advance at a store basically at the stop, but the yellow bus tickets can be bought on the bus.
The interior of the unit is well laid out - galley kitchen off the living room and it is very quiet at night for sleeping. The bathroom is big with a stand up shower and it is more than big enough.
There is a small grocery store very close by that has what you'll need. In terms of restaurants and the like there are some down the hill. The walk down to the restaurants is about 10 minutes down the hill.
We would definitely want to stay here again if we are lucky enough to make it back to the Amafli Coast.
John P.
Peregian Springs
Australia
Excellent
July 2005 - Spectacular views from a 50 square metre tiled balcony - we even had a party for 20 people there. 100 steps up from the bus stop, but it didn't feel that bad with a long path in the middle.
Owner/Manager picked us up and took us to our bus on leaving and even helped carry luggage!
We were able to use next door's tiny above ground pool. Also picked fresh basil and were left a basket of lemons and peaches.
A handy bus service for 1 Euro - round trip Praiano to Positano (orange) and the blue bus service to Sorrento/Amalfi was also 1 Euro.
Alimentari (grocery and butcher) a short walk.
I would go back to this villa - it lends itself to eating/drinking/relaxing and taking in the stupendous scenery.
Unfortunately, Casa Costantina can not be booked at this time.
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