Reviews of Villa Trofimena

Self catering villa in Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Jeffrey K.

Hagerstown, MD

United States

VERIFIED

Almost like a week spent in heaven

April 2017 - This place is all about the VIEW!!! In fact, the main reason I rented Villa Trofimena was because of the view shown in the pics on this web site. Oh my god, I could hardly stop admiring it the entire week I spent here. The view is gorgeous when you wake up in the morning, when you go to bed at night (the church clock-tower is lit up beautifully after dark), and every moment in between. The house itself is also very cute and was spotlessly clean. The furnishings are rather basic, but comfy enough. Overall, this was almost like a week spent in heaven. I definitely hope to return someday.

As for Minori, it's a lovely little town. There were more tourists there than I thought there would be, but not nearly as many as what you find in Positano, Amalfi, etc.

I had been aware of Summer In Italy for several years, and people on various travel forums always said great things about you. I was very happy with your service - very friendly yet professional. I will use it again someday. I only wish I could afford to visit the Amalfi Coast more often!

Travel tips

  • Minori is served by the Travelmar ferries. So it's very easy to get to/from the Salerno train station from here. Their web site is not always accurate though - it stated their service for Minori does not begin until June, but when I arrived (in April) it was already running, so go figure.

Iain S.

Grangemouth

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2015 - We loved Villa Trofimena and Minori. This was our second visit to Minori and the villa.

Villa Trofimena is comfortable and well equipped. It is well maintained and clean. The terraces and views are amazing.

Minori is a friendly village with lovely restaurants and well stocked shops.

On arriving in Minori Gabriella [the owner] was waiting to help us. She welcomed us warmly and helped with our bags up to the villa. Her mum Teresa had made lemonade for us which was so refreshing after the stairs. Teresa and Gariella are wonderful hosts. Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home. You were so lovely and generous to our family.

Thank you Luca for your web site because without your advice we wouldn't have discovered Minori. We've had another wonderful holiday in Italy.

Travel tips

  • Minori is an ideal base to explore the Amalfi Coast. There are lovely restaurants in Minori but the villa's kitchen is well equipped you can make lovely meals in. The shops have plentiful fresh supplies.
  • The pastry shop in Minori is a must do visit. Lots of beautiful looking and tasting cakes!
  • Maiori is a short walk away and a lovely town.
  • Amalfi, Positano and Capri were easily accessible by ferry from Minori.
  • We visited Ravello by taking the ferry to Amalfi and then the bus up to Ravello. We returned to Minori by walking down the stairs.

Linda T.

Singapore

Singapore

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2014 - Absolutely loved Villa Trofimena and its location.

It was perfect for us.

Travel tips

  • Pack light. 160 steps up to a heavenly view.

Claudette F.

Boisbriand

Canada

VERIFIED

Fantastic

June 2014 - Villa Trofimena is a beautiful place, the view is amazing. The steps are something every day!

Travel tips

  • Go to the Crystal Bar to have Internet and a good beer! This place is perfect to relax.
  • I loved going to Bar Antares early morning, the owners are great.

Sharon B.

Perth

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2014 - Beautiful view in a beautiful town.

Plenty of space for a family, lots of outdoor space to enjoy.

Stairs were only a problem upon arrival when had to carry luggage up the stairs.

Travel tips

  • Stay as long as you can. A great location to venture to all the towns and trails along the coast.

Anders W.

Härkmeri

Finland

VERIFIED

Fantastic

April 2014 - We enjoyed our stay in Villa Trofimena. Everything was perfect with the exception of the weather so we couldn't enjoy the terraces.

The garden was excellent and we will highly recommend Villa Trofimena to others.

Excellent service from Summer in Italy. We will recommend your service to other friends here in Finland. Thanks a LOT for good service and kindness. Good luck to all of you and we will come back to Italy and Minori.

Nicola M.

Chelmsford

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

April 2014 - We loved Villa Trofimena. We had a lovely week there,enjoying everything we did and the fabulous food.

The steps to the villa [160, as indicated on the description page of the property] were a challenge at first, but that is why I booked the villa: I wanted something different, something to be part of Minori, not a typical tourist house.

The views were amazing, day and night, and everything was as described, we felt true to the locality and country.

Summer in Italy made an excellent service in every way, would use you again.

Travel tips

  • Explore Minori, go into all the small food shops and visit the tourist information centre.

Dee L.

Harpenden

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Fantastic

October 2013 - It was worth climbing the steps to Villa Trofimena, it was wonderful, views to the sea over the town across the valley to Ravello. A terrace for every time of day and every situation.

The Villa is spacious clean and well kept, the owner a lovely lady, is on hand to deal with any questions or problems.

We heard for free the wonderful concerts coming across the valley from Ravello and enjoyed the fireworks.

Summer in Italy provided excellent service and advice We would definitely book with you again. Thank you.

Travel tips

  • Travel light or you have to carry your suitcase up all the 167 steps.
  • The best restaurant in Minori, Trattoria A Ricetta: it is run by a lovely couple and it is Minori's answer to Heston Blumenthal. Wonderful inventive food, lovely local ingredients.
  • Restaurant La Botte is also excellent.
  • Taxis are ridiculously expensive 30/40 Euros minimum for even a short journey.
  • Buses are a nightmare as they all have to go through Amalfi and you have to get off and change buses, so wasting at least an 1 hour each way.
  • Ravello is beautiful and a visit to the two gardens, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone is a must.

Mandie S.

Clifton Campville

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Fantastic

September 2013 - A beautiful property however would not recommend a car due to the lack of private parking and cost of public parking (18 Euros day).

The 161 steps to the property are a challenge with luggage and would not recommend for anyone who is not fit and healthy.

That said the views are sublime and the generous outdoor space is wonderful.

Any problems are quickly sorted by the owners who are charming and helpful.

Overall a wonderful experience and would stay there again.

Would definately use you again! Thank you for a great holiday!!

Travel tips

  • If the many steep steps are a problem do not book this property.
  • Minori is charming with lots of excellent family restaurants and wonderful bakeries and deli's for shopping.
  • Ravello is well worth a trip a truly beautiful place.

Shelagh N.

Greenwood

Australia

VERIFIED

Very good

June 2013 - Villa Trofimena had a real warmth and the views were amazing. Really enjoyed this villa and the location.

Travel tips

  • Many steps but not too steep.
  • Ants and mozzie's around so take repellant.
  • We walked to Maiori and had a lovely homemade pasta at a beachside cafe. Very basic to look at but the food was yummie!
  • Trip to Ravello is a must and go to Villa Santa Maria for a meal the views are to die for.

Oskar G.

Stockholm

Sweden

VERIFIED

Fantastic

July 2012 - Villa Trofimena was a great place to stay at and we really enjoyed it! There are some steps up to the house but it wasn't much of a problem.

The view was fantastic and Minori is a great little village. There was some noise from all the church bells ringing during the days and nights but it was also charming in a way.

I really like Summer in Italy. Especially the personal service we got and the excellent descriptions of the houses.

Travel tips

  • Walking up to Ravello wasn't as hard as we thought, just make sure to go in the morning when the weather isn't as hot. It's really worth it as the view is breathtaking.
  • There are some really nice small shops where you can buy fish, meat, fresh handmade pasta, fruits and vegetables.
  • It's very easy to go to Capri and the other towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Iain S.

Grangemouth

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2012 - The Scott family all loved Villa Trofimena!! The view from the terraces were amazing. The garden was lovely and so well kept. The villa was spacious and very comfortable.

Thank you for recommending Villa Trofimena and Minori. Minori was quiet but lovely to return to after enjoying bustling Amalfi and Ravello!

Travel tips

  • The walk to Maiori from Villa Trofimena is lovely and the views are breathtaking.
  • The walk to Ravello, 1300 steps, is worth the effort.
  • The pastry shop on the main road had amazing pastries and when you've climbed the 160 steps a few times you really have earned a treat.
  • Pompeii is a must do trip and also Capri especially the chair lift at Anacapri.
  • Ravello and Amalfi are lovely towns to visit.
  • For lunch and dinner we loved Cafe Europa not just for the food but the lovely welcome from the staff.

James B.

Glendora, CA

United States

VERIFIED

Very good

June 2012 - Very nice house, incredible view.

Travel tips

  • Over 160 steps to get to the house, if you can't carry your luggage don't rent here.
  • Produce store, bakery, butcher in town were very helpful.
  • Minimal stock in kitchen, if you want to cook meals bring everything with you.

Christopher W.

Saint Paul, MN

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

March 2012 - Villa Trofimena was wonderful.

I enjoyed the multiple patios outside and the views from all were amazing.

The house itself was lovely as well.

Travel tips

  • Find the nearby grocery stores and buy simple meat and cheeses to enjoy so you don't always have to walk down the stairs to get a meal.

Sheri G.

St Catharines

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2011 - We loved Villa Trofimena and can't stop remembering how great it was! We were so pleased with this property and it's position in the middle of the mountain amongst the locals! Each day I would look down at the kids going to school and at the extracurricular activities after school. It seemed that each evening everything went quiet in the neighbourhood below at the same time and that's how we knew when everyone was enjoying dinner.

Being amongst the ripe lemon orchard(our long walkway) was incredible and we didn't know how we would leave and go home because this felt like home.

Since we visited I have watched famous Toronto Chef David Rocco cooking with a family who must have resided above Villa Trofimena on T.V. And that experience made me homesick for our special Villa in the mountain. We hung our clothes out on the line each day, cooked fresh local produce, spagetti and meatballs and many great meals... along with enjoying every single gelato flavour each day down by the beach at Crystal Gelateria and Internet cafe.

Daytrips by bus or car down the Amalfi Coast to Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, Sorrento, Capri and more were easy and beautiful.

Thank you to the owners for the homemade lemonade when we arrived and the pleasant, no pressure goodbye upon leaving.

.

Travel tips

  • Go ahead and rent a small car! You will enjoy the drive down the Amalfi coast!
  • Be sure to visit each Amalfi coast small town and it's restaurants... take a walk through Minori at night and read the walls! So much history here! You will understand a lot more about the Italians and their culture.
  • Remember, you cannot do Rome in a day so plan a stay seperate from your Amalfi stay in Rome. The Basilica takes the whole day.

Paul L.

Preston

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2011 - Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Villa Trofimena. It took a day or two to get accustomed to the 160+ steps that had to be climbed to get to the villa from street level and that first climb, with 20 kg of luggage each, was a killer.

Minori is a quaint little place with a number of pleasant restaurants and cafes but being on the very poular Amalfi coast, tends to be a bit expensive. It is ideally placed for visiting Ravello, Amalfi and Maiori and if you want a longer day out, you can get to Capri by boat from Maiori.

Travel tips

  • If you arrive in Amalfi with the intention of travelling to Minori, do not take a taxi. We were charged 40 Euros. Take a bus from the bus station on the sea front. Tickets are available from a number of shops, (usually tobacconists) and the fare is 2.5 Euros.
  • Trofimena is not like a villa in say Spain. There is no toaster in the kitchen so we used a frying pan to toast bread (good with a little olive oil). There is no kettle, so water for tea or instant coffee, has to be heated in a pan.
  • There are no basic grocery essentials when you arrive, so you will have to do some shopping. And remember the steps up which you have to carry everything [if shopping at small local stores, ask whether home delivery is available]. It's also worth knowing that the shops close in the afternoon, so do your shopping early in the morning or in the evening. Shops are open from about 8 am until about 1 pm, then there is a riposo (Italian siesta) and they re-open at about 5 pm until about 9 pm.

Catheryn G.

New Barnet

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2011 - We went to Villa Trofimena with our grown up children (22 and 24). It was our first family holiday for 6 years. We had a wonderful time. We all enjoy walking, of which there was plenty straight from the villa, we all enjoy good food of which there was an abundance, and we all enjoyed the local wine and beer.

Minori is a great town. It's sandwiched between two main tourist towns - Maiori and Amalfi - and has retained its original character. It still makes its living from growing lemons and fishing, with some tourism.

Travel tips

  • There is a very good butcher along the alley which connects the very big church and the main shopping street.
  • Its much cheaper to buy bus tickets from the general store located in the last square before leaving town heading towards Amalfi.
  • When arriving, buy some food on your way up - its a lot of steps to run up and down. There is a lovely walk around the top of the town which takes about an hour and leads you through the beautiful houses on the hillside. When leaving the villa, head in the direction of the town then turn right at the end of the first steps. Follow the path around to the left.

Gareth S.

Sydney

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2011 - Villa Trofimena is a great location with an excellent view and outdoor areas. The owner and their representatives are very helpful. In addition Minori is a wonderful place to stay, not as polished as Positano or Amalfi but all the better for it. It is full of locals rather than visitors and the atmosphere is extremaly friendly.

Two disappointing aspects of the Villa were the poorly equipped kitchen and the lack of decent towels for the bathrooms. Neither issue detracted from an amazing stay but should be improved for future guests.

You guys were excellent! Thanks for all your help

Travel tips

  • The walk to Ravello is strenuous but well worth it!

Nea W.

Cremorne

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2011 - We (two adults, one 14-year-old boy) had a terrific holiday at Villa Trofimena.

The villa had stupendous views from every room, from the terrace and the garden. There is ample room for all guests, and the terrace was a favorite venue for all meals. The hammock under the lemon grove was delightful.

We were there for the Santa Trofimena religious festival and the free entertainment provided by the municipio outside the basilica was noisy but tremendous. This included fireworks, ballet and music recitals, street processions and markets.

The town is well equipped with quality greengrocers, butchers and supermarkets. With virtually no tourists, unlike Amalfi or Positano, Minori is quaint yet very appealing.

Lastly, the 160 steps are tough, but the walk thru the lemon grove to the villa makes the effort worthwhile.

I had to contact Luca during the stay to contact the owner due to a power failure and Luca did a splendid job. Thank you Luca. We would definitely book thru Summer in Italy again.

Travel tips

  • Ask for the air conditioning control unit for the top bedroom.
  • Ask where all the electricity switches are located in case of power overload.

Dirk V.

Overland Park, Kansas

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2011 - Great value, and comfortable. Exceptional view!

Travel tips

  • Be prepared to have a workout every time you come back to it. Those stairs is something you will remember for quite some time. But it is still worth it. Between my wife and I, we dropped an average of 3% of our body-weight each, and we were already below our ideal weight to start with.

David R.

Heathfield

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2011 - Villa Trofimena was brilliant, as was the garden and the many patios! The views were amazing, quite stunning.

There are many steps up to the villa but it's very worthwhile and you soon get used to them.

We would love to go back to Villa Trofimena, sooner the better!

Summer in Italy have been brilliant, very helpful with any requests for information, minor problems sorted out very quickly. The website is full of very useful information and we have already recommended them to several of our friends and work colleagues.

Travel tips

  • Walk to Ravello is brilliant - lots of steps.
  • Try the lemon cake at the Pasticceria De Riso on Piazza Cantilena.
  • Pizzas at Alta Marea are excellent.
  • Don't go to the Emerald Grotto!
  • Shop - supermarket - on the way to the sea front from the villa is very good - don't know its name.
  • Day trip to Capri is good. Great views from the sea.
  • Sita buses are an experience in themselves, adds to the entertainment factor!

Winkler I.

tzur yigal

Israel

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2011 - We enjoyed our stay at villa Trofimena very much. The view was spectacular the villa was well kept and clean.

The owners were very nice and helpful. Location is great in Minori, it's a lovely town.

Summer In Italy responded to all the questions we had helped us with all our needs. All representatives were very professional and nice.

Travel tips

  • I think the 161 steps leading up to the villa might be a problem for older people, but for us it was a good sport activity and leading up to the most beautiful view.
  • The town of Minori is great not to crowded with tourists with good shops cafes and restaurants. A great point to start touring the Amalfi coast.
  • Take your time, enjoy the view day or night with a bottle of wine on the terrace over looking the ocean.

Andrew F.

Trinity Gardens

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

January 2011 - Villa Trofimena was great, a bit cold in the winter time with heating only in living room.

Travel tips

  • Lots of steps to the villa, but worth the climb.

Katrina D.

Woodland, CA

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2010 - We had a lovely and relaxing time at Villa Trofimena. The view was incredible. We loved the patio and the garden was lush and inviting. The beds were comfy as well!

Thank you Summer In Italy! This was a very easy process from start to finish! I have recommended your service to many people already and if I ever plan a trip to Italy again I would book a place through you. All of the staff was attentive and easy to work with. We had fun!

Travel tips

  • Be advised that there are 165 steps to get to the villa! I got a workout lugging groceries and my husband did not enjoy carrying 2 huge pieces of luggage up to the top. The view is what you get in return for the workout. It is truly beautiful.
  • The town of Minori was quaint and quiet. We enjoyed stopping at the various stores to pick up tasty treats for breakfast and lunch.
  • We had some amazing meals as well! We had wonderful meals at Restaurant Il Giardiniello and Restaurant Libeccio.
  • The bus was easy to use and you can get to Capri from the dock in Minori.
  • The downstairs shower does not have a curtain so expect to get water everywhere!

Cristian T.

Targu Mures

Romania

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2010 - Me and my family enjoyed our time at Villa Trofimena! I highly appreciated the place, the view is astonishing and makes your morning perfect, especially from the bedroom. The garden is impressive, too bad that in the period when we were the lemons were just collected.

Very easy to arrive from Minori to all the other places in the Amalfi Coast. The people from the town very friendly (impressive for the Campania region :D).

Travel tips

  • Travel on the Amalfi Coast by boat, it's worth it!!! The trip to Capri will be one and half hour long and the Capri island is full full full of tourists like yourselves and will be overwhelming :D but the sights will compensate that. To Amalfi is 15 min, Positano 30 min.
  • The trips by bus are also nice to Ravello and other.
  • The sea food is good and the pizza in almost all places, the Campania region is the birthplace of pizza!

Patricia M.

Belfast

Ireland

VERIFIED

Excellent

August 2010 - A well maintained pretty villa with plenty of space and spectacular views. The steps leading to the villa are daunting at first but shortly become part of your holiday experience.

The owner/manager was very pleasant and helpful.

Very happy with Summer in Italy and have already recommended you to friends.

Travel tips

  • Travel light if possible, as getting your luggage up to the villa is a challenge.
  • The visitors book in the villa provides good recommendations regarding restaurants etc.
  • Whenever possible, travel by water taxi as it is the best way to see the magnificent Amalfi Coast.

Dorthe R.

Hedensted

Denmark

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2010 - It is a very nice place wich we can recommend to others.

You have a nice and informative home page.

You were helpful when we couldn't get in contact with the owner when we arrived. Just continue what you are doing :-)

Travel tips

  • It's cosy to vist the local shops especially the fresh pasta shop.

John L.

West Hampstead

United Kingdom

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2010 - My girlfriend and I had a fantastic time at Villa Trofimena.

Minori is a great base to explore the Amalfi Coast or just immerse yourself in the Italian way of life. At the end of a busy day sightseeing we always felt happy to arrive back in Minori and our beautifully located villa.

The views were amazing to wake up to every morning and made the 161 steps well worth it, which actually helped us keep fit and burn off all the wonderful food we enjoyed.

David M.

Polson, MT

United States

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2010 - Stunning view. I cannot say enough about the view. Great village with many helpful people. Food was out of this world.

The steps were less than an issue than I thought they would be. We could almost run up the steps by the last day.

We ran out of propane and the owner responded within an hour -- very impressive.

It was all better than I had expected. I want to go back and I will ASAP.

All I have is excellent feedback. I will look your way first, everytime we come back and I definitely plan to come back.

Travel tips

  • Driving the Amalfi Coast roads was an adrenaline rush every time. Don't expect to find any free parking. There is none in Minori or any of the small cities in close proximity and I was told that before I arrived. I would imagine parking would be near impossible to find in July/August.

Kylie B.

Mermaid Waters

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2010 - We had a great time at the villa. Had beautiful views from our two bedrooms and the villa was clean and modern.

The walk along the garden path under the lemon groves was beautiful as was the rest of the garden. The beds were comfortable and the rooms had plenty of space.

Great service. very happy :-)

Travel tips

  • The steps up to the villa were steep, but you got used to it after a while and it was worth the view.
  • You need to buy your own cleaning products, which was a bit of hassle (washing detergent, surface cleaner, etc).
  • Have dinner at a lovely family owned restaurant called Restaurant Libeccio, to the right of the cathedral. Home made food and friendly people :-)
  • Plenty of cafes and restaurants.
  • Bus was regular and easy to work out.

Kellee S.

Sydney

Australia

VERIFIED

Excellent

October 2009 - Lots of outdoor terraces from which to enjoy the fantastic views.

Very happy with Summer in Italy. Prompt replies to all emails, and the representative arrived to show us to the villa within 5 minutes of telephoning. The photos on the website were an accurate depiction of the villa, tips given on making the most of our stay were informative. Very professional and a pleasure to deal with.

Travel tips

  • The walk to Ravello up through the lemon groves is outstanding. It is quite strenuous so take your time.

Mikhail M.

Moscow

Russia

VERIFIED

Excellent

September 2009 - Was great, you feel like at home.

Thank you, I think our next trip to Italy will be booked with you. I will recommend you to my friends (already did actually). Good luck and thanks again for good service.

Travel tips

  • Things worth doing: day trip to Capri, day trip to Pompei and maybe to Napoli (there is direct bus connection several times a day), nice walks from Minori to Maiori and from Ravello to Minori (not the opposite direction!), and of course, the sea. If you like fish, go to Al Convento restaurant in Cetara.

Hege K.

Tårnåsen

Norway

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2009 - We enjoyed it very much. A beautiful view.

We liked Summer In Italy. It is easy to find houses, and very good following up.

Travel tips

  • Lots of local shops with good food, fresh pasta etc. Take a walk and you will find them.

Johanne D.

Gatineau

Canada

VERIFIED

Excellent

June 2009 - We loved it, it was everything we had hoped for, even the steps to get up there. :)

The view was spectacular.

You guys do a great job.

Natalia S.

Mosca

Russia

VERIFIED

Excellent

May 2009 - Villa Trofimena is beautiful, cosy, with amazing views.

Ole Norgaard J.

Vanlose

Denmark

VERIFIED

Excellent

July 2006 - Large and very nice apartment with an excellent view over Minori and the coast. Many terraces and large rooms.

Clean and everything in a good state/condition, and nice and helpfully caretakers.

We enjoyed our stay in Villa Trofimena.

Unfortunately, Villa Trofimena can not be booked at this time.

We would love to help you find a suitable alternative. Please be in touch for personal advice from our staff!