The hype
Guests are blown away by the view and location but consistently complain about the tiny bathroom and dangerous stairs.
Finisterre Casa di mare
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want the single most famous view in Puglia from your private balcony and don't care about steep stairs or a cramped bathroom.
Why People Love It
- The balcony hangs directly over Lama Monachile beach (the postcard shot)
- Located inside the historic center's pedestrian zone
- Split-level loft design feels like a local home, not a hotel
Quick Take: You are paying for the balcony and the Instagram shot; the apartment itself is a quirky, slightly uncomfortable historic cave with a toilet inside the shower.
Reviewed by @stephmylifetravel: I stayed at Finisterre Casa di mare and the view from my balcony was absolutely insane. Waking up to the sight of Lama Monachile and watching the sunset turn the town pink was the highlight of my trip. Worth it for the location alone.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'romantic' loft bedroom has a low ceiling (6ft+ guests can't stand up straight) and the AC unit is loud.
- Your primary goal is a private sunset aperitivo overlooking the famous cove
- You are a couple with light luggage and good knees
- You want to be steps away from the best restaurants and cliff diving spots
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally clean upon arrival, but no daily housekeeping service (it's an apartment).
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless but cramped; the 'wet room' design makes it hard to keep dry.
- Maintenance: Some complaints about 'superficial' renovations and peeling paint.
- Linens & towels: Fresh linens provided, but towels can be worn and no beach towels are included.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some winter guests noted a cold/damp feel.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Crowds at Lama Monachile beach directly below
- Loud air conditioning unit
- Street noise entering through wall vents
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is by appointment; communicate your arrival time clearly to the host.
- The kitchen has a coffee machine but no kettle for tea drinkers.
- Heating can be insufficient in winter months (January/February).
What to pack
- Earplugs for the street noise and AC hum
- Backpack instead of rolling suitcase (cobblestones + steep stairs)
- Beach towels (none provided)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Finisterre is a single standalone apartment unit, so there is no choice to make.
Rooms to avoid
- N/A - Single unit property.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi Vito, we are booking Finisterre specifically for the balcony view. Please confirm if the AC unit has been serviced recently to reduce noise, as we are light sleepers.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
No. You must use public parking like 'San Francesco' (paid, chaotic) or 'Pugliamare' (guarded, shuttle available) about 10-15 mins away.
Is the bathroom really that bad?
Yes. It is a 'pokey' space where the toilet is effectively inside the shower area. Functional but not luxurious.
How many stairs are there?
A steep flight to enter the apartment, plus an internal staircase to reach the loft bedroom.
Is it private?
Mostly, but the balcony overlooks a very public beach, so thousands of people can see you if you're out there.
Is there breakfast?
No, it is a self-catering apartment. However, there is a kitchenette with a fridge and coffee maker.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, the property is listed as pet-friendly, but confirm weight limits with the host first.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Pugliamare' parking lot in San Vito offers a shuttle to the center—much less stress than fighting for a blue line spot.
- ✨
The loft bedroom gets hot; crank the AC early in the evening.
- ✨
The balcony is small; it fits two people and a bottle of wine, but not much else.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'hole in the wall' for the AC installation is a major sound leak.
💡You can't stand up fully in the bedroom if you are tall.
💡The toilet gets wet when you shower.
💡There are no beach towels provided despite being named 'Casa di mare'.
💡The decor is described by some as 'cheap 1970s hotel' style, contrasting with the historic exterior.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Finisterre Casa di mare is located and what's nearby.