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Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa

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Exterior
Exterior
View from property
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4650 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Mountain view

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa

Giamia Villa, built originally in 1885 by my great great grandfather (Cesidio) for one of his sons (Pasquale) who had six sons of his own (Raffaele, Giulio, Costa, Modesto, Damiano (my grandfather) and Armando). I was born in a very small part of this house in 1949. As time passed the house fell in disrepair and was abandoned for thirty years. In 2006, returning to Italy after 39 years and seeing it in the condition that it was in I decided to buy it. I had to pay a percentage of the value to 21 different owners. In the last three years we have completed the renovations and have now a premier tourist rental property.

From the extra large balconies (400 sq. ft.) we have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, lush green river valley below and well cultivated lands in the vicinity. Sounds of water rushing and birds singing is the norm throughout the day and at night you could see the milky way and all its stars due to the clear atmosphere that is delightful to breathe in.

Thanks for the assistance -The penthouse unit -is 650 sq. ft, ceramic flooring in the kitchen and dining room, parquet flooring in the bedroom, cathedral wood ceiling heavy exposed wood joists, wood trim throughout, extra large shower.

We have other apartments available, please contact us for details.

Keywords: Apartment

Property manager

Michael Giammarco

Languages

English, Italian

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 650 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 12:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Sulmona -abruzzo- Prezza -rural Central Italy Villa Bugnara
Sulmona -abruzzo- Prezza -rural Central Italy Villa Apartment

About the area

Map
Prezza -Campo di Fano, Sulmona, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Central Italy

What's nearby

  • Sulmona Introdacqua Station - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Piazza Garibaldi - 9 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Palazzo dell'Annunziata - 9 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone - 14 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Lago di Scanno - 21 min drive - 22.4 km

Getting around

  • Anversa Station - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Schiazza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Antica Pizzeria Napoletana - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Confetti Pelino - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bella 'Mbriana - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Baracca Geki - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa located?

Situated in the mountains, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of Complesso dell'Annunziata, Piazza Garibaldi, and Palazzo dell'Annunziata. Museo dell'Arte Confettiera and Sulmona Introdacqua Station are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Sulmona -Abruzzo- Prezza -Rural Central Italy Villa Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

Reviews

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patricia M.

A different side of Italy
After walking down Italy from the Swiss border to Rome, staying in towns large and small, Sulmona offers yet another aspect of Italian life. WIFI marginal but Michael was a very kind and attentive host who worked to ensure we had a great break in his apartment. We found it easy and interesting walking around the area, a trip by train to Pescara on the Adriatic Sea, catching the bus into town. We did feel we were able to sense the rhythm of the place and certainly enjoyed afternoons on the expansive and scenic deck.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Breakfast on the Mountain
The place is amazing. Just wake up the wiew of the MouNtain with is green colour, in front of our eyes, was extremely nice. The life is slowly and you can seriously relax yourself. Very good choise
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Guido P.

Nice holiday flat with huge balcony in central Abruzzo
Walking in the mountains of the national parcs in Abruzzo is wonderful. This holiday flat is situated near 2 national parcs and one regional nature parc. It takes no more than one hour by car to go to all the interesting places. There is a huge balcony with a wonderful view of the mountains. It is very quiet and within 10 minutes you can go by car to Sulmona (nice typical italien town)
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Scott & Gail M.

A relaxing Italian getaway!
Large comfortable suite with a full kitchen. Huge balcony with a panoramic view of the mountains. A garden like no other; flowers, fruit trees, vegetables of all sorts. Fountains & ponds..... A perfect place for an Italian getaway!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm D.

GiaMia Villa September 2015
My wife and I had the good fortune to choose G V for our stay in Abruzzo. By the time we arrived we had had enough of the touristy places, being jostled about and finding ourselves in crowded places. As advertised, it is quiet and peaceful and while it feels almost remote when you are there, it is only a few minutes’ drive to Sulmona where there are enough activities, restaurants and nightlife to fill anyone’s calendar. The Adriatic beaches are less than an hour away, kids were back in school so not crowded and the “Indian Summer” weather meant we could spend more time at the beach than we had originally planned. The pace here was more relaxed and we had a huge terrace for morning coffee and even dining al fresco when we didn’t feel like going to a restaurant. With a fully equipped kitchen in the apartment it was a lot more fun to shop at the open markets and make a meal. Mike, the owner, had us picking fresh veggies and fruits from the abundant gardens. He has transformed the property by adding small lakes and ponds with waterfalls and a large deck that looks perfect for a wedding or party. A river runs along the edge of the property down at the bottom of the hill and a dozen cows are in the nearby pasture. The best part, for me anyway, was the HUGE shower with plenty of hot water and good water pressure. Every place else we stayed had a tiny box that you could barely turn around in, much less reach down to pick up a dropped bar of soap!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Villa and host
GiaMia Villas is located near Sulmona, 1 ½ hour from Rome and 45 min from the beach at Pescara. Mike was an amazing host. He responded to our emails and questions quickly. He greeted us with a bottle of wine and fresh figs, and was very knowledgeable about the area. He loves to talk about the history of each village and the area. Sulmona has a market, grocery store, and restaurants and it is the confetti candy capital (those “wedding” candy covered almonds). A car is recommended to explore the area, but Sulmona has good connections by bus and train so it is not essential. The property is in a beautiful setting, on a hill overlooking countryside and surrounding villages. It is really pretty at night, with all the villages lit up. The property has many fruit trees and we were welcome to pick any for ourselves. The apartment was very spacious and a good value and the property would be great for large extended family groups as there are many individual and connected units. The shower was huge and a welcome change from the typically tiny ones found in hotels. Mike, thank you for making our time at GiaMia so relaxing and special.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Immersion in the Abruzzo Experience
We stayed at Gaimia Villas for 6 nights and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mike was a great host and always answered emails promptly and was very helpful prior to arrival. Arnie welcomed us and helped settle us in, providing beautiful white cherries from the garden and a welcoming bottle of wine. He even accompanied us to the supermarket in Sulmona. A very thoughtful man. The unit was spacious, well appointed, very clean and the massive balcony set it off beautifully, providing a magnificent outdoor space to admire the natural beauty of Abruzzo. The grounds surrounding the units were lovely to walk in and a credit to the work of Mike and Arnie. We had a car and were able to travel to many villages, including nearby Sulmona which was so rich in history. Mike and Arnie were able to help us with many suggestions of places to visit. Mike also included us in several culturally rich local experiences and these made our stay in Abruzzo particularly special. Thank you for opening our eyes to this stunning region of Italy and for providing such excellent, well priced and appointed units.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

True Italian Cultural Experience
My two weeks stay at Giamia Villas was very peaceful and I was surrounded by nature. I walked daily the many gardens on the property and picked artichokes, cherries and apricots that were in season. My hosts, Mike and Arniу were very helpful not only in providing information on the many beautiful locations to visit but also with their friendliness and companionship in the eveings and all their wonderful stories about the village of Campo Di Fano and the surrounding area. Sulmona the "City of Arts" is a one of kind experience to visit. Only two miles away and it dates back to the days of the Roman Empire, it is the hub for 65 neighboring cities, towns, and hamlets. It is a wonderful gem, with it's many shops, mercatos twice a week, it is the production capital of a sweet candy "confetti" that is shipped world wide and it's friendly people that are ready to make you feel welcomed for coming to this hidden paradise. The Villa, very homey, large kitchen and living room, very comfortale queen size bed, extra large shower, huge balcony that over looks the property and the green river valley that is surrounded by mountains. The decor well done with lots of wood and ceramic, very clean and relaxing to have lived in for my stay. I was surprised at the many local free festivals that are occuring on a weekly basis in n all the surrounding towns and hamlets, the "Cherry Festival" in the neighboring town of Raiano that I attended was a unique experience that will be engraved in my mind forever. It's colours, it's joyous people, the singing, the laughter, the food, the parade all a truly rural Italian cultural experience. Public transportation is available at the door steps of the Villas will take you on a scenic trip of the beautiful countryside, once in Sulmona I took the train for a 45 minute ride on a day trip to the city of Pescara on the Adriatic coast with it's beautiful white sandy beaches. Had lunch with a sea food selection that never ended. The next day took the bus into the mountains and visited a medievel town of Scanno. It's crystal clear blue water lake was a sight to behold, had a picnic lunch under a shady tree. Visited the town and it's many small shops and once again I was amazed on how the local population was so friendly and ready to assist me when ever I needed help. I would strongly recommend Giamia Villas and the Abruzzo region to all my relatives and friends and I am looking forward to returning in the near future.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Toni D., Vero Beach, Florida

Peaceful Tranquil Relaxing "Get-Away"
Gia-Mia is located in an ideal setting for a holiday vacation in the Italian Abruzzo region for not only enjoying "la Dolce Vita" (the sweet life) but also for exploring the beautiful surrounding villages and the town of Sulmona, the City of Art. Upon my arrival, I was taken by surprise of the most breath-taking view of the Appiennes Mountains from the deck of my suite. I exclaimed to Mike, the owner, that the photos I had previously viewed did not capture their true beauty. The grounds are well-maintained with fountains, ponds, roses, figs, walnut trees and vegetable gardens. The Saggitario River runs swiftly at the edge of the property. One could spend hours just on the grounds alone. There are also nearby hiking trails and country roads with horses and Abruzzo cows grazing in the scenery. The suites were clean with a fully equipped kitchen. The shower had great pressure with an abundance of hot water! Mike was very helpful as he is a wealth of information in the history of the region as well as the mode of operation in researching and finding ancestral relatives. I was amazed at how he helped me find relatives so easily. Arnie, an employee at Gia Mia, is also extremely helpful and ready to meet any needs that may arise. He sometimes has an uncanny sense of what you need before you even know you need or want it. He helped me with bus tickets and schedules, train information, best cappacino and gelato cafés, and just on and on. He brought me walnuts, tomatoes (best ever) peppers, fresh figs, grapes and even would share some of his secret Italian recipes with me. He is a very sweet special addition to the Gia Mia experience.. A real Gem. A favorite restaurant of Mike's is Il Caro, located nearby in Pratola and I would highly recommend this also....Excellent food at very reasonable prices. I did not have a vehicle and I managed to visit many villages in the area taking day trips via the bus and train transportation: Pacentro(Madonna the American celebrity's father born here), Scanno, a gorgeous village high in the mountains with a Lake so very beautiful, Celano, and it's Medieval Castle with a fully restored art museum, Collelongo, a really cool town where several of their buildings are artistically painted with scenes of wildlife. Pescara and Loreto Apprutino also are very lovely and a short drive from Campo Di Fano. I would love to come back to Gia Mia and I will recommend to others.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hidden Paradie Gem - Heaven on Earth
My wife and I had the pleasure to visit GiaMia Villas and meet Mike, our newest dearest friend. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat. The view from the balcony was truly remarkable and the villa grounds spectacular. Mike was so helpful and accommodating to our every need. We picked figs, grapes and nuts from the estate and enjoyed how life was meant to be....fresh air, good company and beautiful surroundings. We are already planning our next trip back.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dale M., Michigan, USA

Great reunion at the Villa
We had a wonderful family reunion at Gia Mia villas. Our extended Italian family from the US, GB and Australia all shared the villa - each with our own "apartment" These are not just hotel rooms, but more of individual apartments. We had group meals on the lower balcony. All the rooms had a balcony with beautiful views of the mountains. Mike was a fantastic host. Personally dropped off some of our members at the train station, and willingly ran an informal "shuttle service" as needed. Mike became one of the family and a friend.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful way to experience the "Real" Italy
I located this rental on VRBO and was impressed with the photos and reviews. We were looking for a place to spend a week and explore Abruzzo where my parents were from. This gem in Campo di Fano made the experience magical. The villa is very nicely restored with excellent amenities and fabulous mountain views off the large balconies. The property is well maintained and the owner, Mike, is a great resource. He offered tips on places to visit in the area and was a great help in answering questions. We had a family reunion and most of the family stayed in the villa. There was a common area where we all gathered and ate meals on the balcony. It was delightfully cool and pleasant in September when we visited. There are many small towns that are a short drive away, such as Pacentro and Scanno, which make great day trips. The grounds are beautiful with an abundance of fruit and vegetables growing as well as a lovely rose garden. You can take walks near the property and we found it a relaxing and lovely spot. We highly recommend this property if you want to get away from the tourist areas and see the authentic Italy.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

September Family Reunion
The experience at the villa was exceptional. Great facilities, the grounds filled with roses, fig trees and grape vines were wonderful. Mike took time to pick us up, chauffer us to the grocery store, show us around time and was all-in-all an amazing host. Location to other beautiful little towns is perfect and we definitely be back! Thanks to Mike and Arnie.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

S. S.

Wonderful!
This past month, we had the amazing experience of having a family reunion in this beautiful villa! Our cousins travelled from all over the world and this place easily accommodated 18 people. The views from the balcony were just breathtaking! In September we had our pick of grapes, figs, apples, spices for cooking, and more, on a daily basis. Arnie graciously picked full bowls of figs each morning and put them on the table for us in our "community area". All the suites have kitchens; each suite has its own unique flavor and décor. There are laundry facilities and all the conveniences of home. Mike, our host, picked us up at the train station and graciously took us grocery shopping so we could stock the kitchen. He brought us back to the station when we were going home. However, I would have liked the area a little close to our family town of Sulmona. If you had a car, it was no problem; less than 10-minute drive. Unfortunately, we rarely saw the bus that was supposed to be our transportation. Some of the cousins did have cars and that was our transportation. Sulmona is an amazing little city in the Abruzzo region that allows you to experience the "true" Italy. If you've seen the big cities of Rome, Venice, Florence, etc. try Campo di Fano and cities like Sulmona next time. You will have memories for a lifetime!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Valerian G.

Family reunion
Members of my family rented this villa for a week in September for our family reunion. It proved to be the perfect place for us. The location is lovely with magnificent views from the large balconies. Rooms were large, clean and well appointed. The bilingual owner helped make the stay even better with his warm personal touch. The villa is just 2 miles from the beautiful town of Sulmona, which offers fine restaurants, an historical town center, shopping and friendly people. Wi-Fi is available on the porch outside the manager's office. I recommend this villa for those wanting a relaxing stay in a magnificent setting in central Italy.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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Gia Mia Villa
The Villa was awesome, Flowers galore and fresh artichokes! Mike was great and English speaking. The room I had was like my own home. I didnt want to leave. And the view was spectacular! I would definitely return if I ever get a chance . Love it!! Sandy from Connecticut
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Long Island couple
We rented this apartment in the town of Campo de Fano during the last week of September and were delighted with the property and location, which surpassed our expectations. The apartment was in a newly renovated building with modern appointments, clean and well maintained, with a lovely terrace overlooking the valley and mountains beyond. The host, Mike, was an added bonus in that he is fluently bi-lingual in English and Italian, guided us to charming nearby mountain villages, wonderful and reasonable local restaurants, and introduced us to the cultural aspects of the region. This provided us with a rich, authentic holiday and it was as if we had our own personal travel guide in residence. We chose Abruzzo primarily because it was the region my family originated from, and Mike was instrumental in making our search for my roots a successful one. He accompanied us to the town hall of records, acted as interpreter, and even assisted us in finding a possible long lost relative. Without him this could not have been accomplished. The apartment is a mere two miles from Sulmona, an unspoiled, mid sized town convenient to shopping, restaurants and the evening stroll popular with locals and few tourists. Nearby mountain towns of Roccaraso, Scanno, and Pesto Costanzo are side trips not to be missed. Visits should be made in the morning before siesta begins; the towns are virtually deserted for three hours each afternoon. Campo de Fano, a lovely village of 300 people, is strictly a residential hamlet; we experienced its charm on its feast day honoring its patron saints, complete with brass band, Mass in the tiny church, and ending with fireworks late at night. Anyone looking for a true Italian experience without the crowds, at moderate prices, will not be disappointed in Abruzzo, in general, and especially Campo di Fano and Giamia Villas.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Long Island couple
We rented this apartment in the town of Campo de Fano during the last week of September and were delighted with the property and location, which surpassed our expectations. The apartment was in a newly renovated building with modern appointments, clean and well maintained, with a lovely terrace overlooking the valley and mountains beyond. The host, Mike, was an added bonus in that he is fluently bi-lingual in English and Italian, guided us to charming nearby mountain villages, wonderful and reasonable local restaurants, and introduced us to the cultural aspects of the region. This provided us with a rich, authentic holiday and it was as if we had our own personal travel guide in residence. We chose Abruzzo primarily because it was the region my family originated from, and Mike was instrumental in making our search for my roots a successful one. He accompanied us to the town hall of records, acted as interpreter, and even assisted us in finding a possible long lost relative. Without him this could not have been accomplished. The apartment is a mere two miles from Sulmona, an unspoiled, mid sized town convenient to shopping, restaurants and the evening stroll popular with locals and few tourists. Nearby mountain towns of Roccaraso, Scanno, and Pesto Costanzo are side trips not to be missed. Visits should be made in the morning before siesta begins; the towns are virtually deserted for three hours each afternoon. Campo de Fano, a lovely village of 300 people, is strictly a residential hamlet; we experienced its charm on its feast day honoring its patron saints, complete with brass band, Mass in the tiny church, and ending with fireworks late at night. Anyone looking for a true Italian experience without the crowds, at moderate prices, will not be disappointed in Abruzzo, in general, and especially Campo di Fano and Giamia Villas.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

stu r., pennsylvania

Beautiful setting and super-helpful owner
We arrived late in Sulmona and Mike, the owner, met us and helped us shop for groceries to get us through the night and breakfast the next morning. As other reviewers have stated, he is extremely helpful and made so much difference in the degree of our enjoyment of the week. When we arrived at the property (we had one of the two apartments on the top floor) we were astounded at the spectacular view of the mountains. Even though we had read that there was a mountain view, sitting out there for breakfast or having a drink in the moonlight is unforgettable and beyond our expectations. The property itself is comfortable for two people, although rather sparsely furnished for the price in terms of creature comforrts (otherwise would have had the top rating), quiet, pretty, and while psychologically away from everything is just a few miles from the charming town of Sulmona. We were lucky enough to meet another couple staying there in which the husband is in the same line of work as I am, and also another woman who had been traveling through southern Italy, so we all had a great time. Mike had us all go to a terrific outdoor restaurant in a winery vineyard where we were introduced to some delicious Italian cooking. We were also invited to take part in a ceremony honoring the 2 saints at a church just up the road, which included a parade, fireworks, and the chance to attend Sunday services. Mike also introduced us to another restaurant just a few miles away in an adjoining little town - don't miss it! The name is Il Carro - the food is delicious and the prices were astoundingly reasonable. The 1st of 2 nights we were there we got there at 7 and it was empty but by 9 it was packed - typical for Italy. Mike was also helpful with directions and showing us around Italy including the marketplace on Saturday. Campo Di Fano, the location of the apartment, is a town of 300 and Mike knows everyone. Don't miss going to Scanno and other places in the Appenines, although be prepared for endless hairpin turns and aggressive Italian drivers. The scenery is breathtaking! You are also only 40" from the Adriatic. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience in Abruzzo with a great, wordly and English-speaking host, stay here!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Little Italy
We spent 3 wonderful weeks at Giamia in Campo di Fano. We had the entire top floor, one villa for myself and my husband and the other for my sister and brother-in-law, The villas are just as they appear in pictures, beautifully furnished with everything we needed and gorgeous views of lush green mountains. We were there during an unusually hot spell and having a washer & dryer available was an added plus. We cooked the majority of our meals there and even experimented with new recipes using world famous ‘red garlic’ which is only grown in the Sulmona area. But the best part of our trip was meeting Mike, his lovely wife Olga and their granddaughter, Ciara. They immediately made you feel like part of their family, very friendly, helpful and interesting to talk to. Mike even invited us to an “Immigrant Dinner” in Campo di Fano and we really saw the true Italy hospitality. Everyone was so gracious and friendly and even though we didn’t speak Italian, it didn’t matter, they made you feel welcome. We also attended church service with Mike and his family in a beautiful little church right in the middle of the village. During our stay, we ventured north to L’Aquila; south to Naples and Pompeii; east to Pescara and the beautiful Adriatic Sea; and, west to Rome, Tuscany and Florence. But, once again, the best part of our stay was Mike. What a wonderful person, he’s so nice and accommodating, always available to answer any questions or give recommendations (to delicious restaurants) and at the same time, always very respectful of our privacy. He made us feel like family and that is such a reassuring blessing when you are traveling. We feel honored to call him and his lovely family “our friends” and we’ll definitely be coming back to our ‘Italy home’. Thanks again Mike, we had a fantastic vacation.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"Breath of Fresh Air"
August 2012 After arriving back home we (my wife, daughter and I) realize how much we love and now miss Italy, especially the Abruzzo. Just driving out of Rome to Abruzzo was breataking and arriving in Campo di Fano which is just outside of Sulmona was simple and emotionally gratifying. Yes this little comune or "paese" is where my maternal family is from but it wouldn't of mattered anyway it's just beautiful. Upon arrival at the Gia Mia Villas we were instantly greeted by Mike & Olga and given the royal tour of our accomodation. There is nothing to complain about, alot of work went into these villas and it shows. The best part was the view from our balcony which overlooked the Abruzzi mountains from which we could see other comunees ie Introdacqua, Bugnara & Sulmona. In the evening it was equally beautiful with lights illuminating the mountains. The suite itself was comfortable and had all the anemities, spacious, clean and safe ! One big advantage about these villas is it's location, your only 5 minutes from Sulmona which is such a pretty little medievil city to walk around and has all the anemities that one may need. This area is practically in the middle of Italy and taking day trips was made easier. You will be drawn to this area by it's beauty, fresh air, water and of course the cuisine. Staying at the Gia Mia Villas adds to the Abruzzi ezperience. We hope to go back one day and bring the whole family this time Thank you Mike, Olga & Chiara ! Fabio & Mary and of course Evelyn
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"breath of Fresh AIr"
"Breath of Fresh Air" August 2012 After arriving back home we (my wife, daughter and I) realize how much we love and now miss Italy, especially the Abruzzo. Just driving out of Rome to Abruzzo was breataking and arriving in Campo di Fano which is just outside of Sulmona was simple and emotionally gratifying. Yes this little comune or "paese" is where my maternal family is from but it wouldn't of mattered anyway it's just beautiful. Upon arrival at the Gia Mia Villas we were instantly greeted by Mike & Olga and given the royal tour of our accomodation. There is nothing to complain about, alot of work went into these villas and it shows. The best part was the view from our balcony which overlooked the Abruzzi mountains from which we could see other comunees ie Introdacqua, Bugnara & Sulmona. In the evening it was equally beautiful with lights illuminating the mountains. The suite itself was comfortable and had all the anemities, spacious, clean and safe ! One big advantage about these villas is it's location, your only 5 minutes from Sulmona which is such a pretty little medievil city to walk around and has all the anemities that one may need. This area is practically in the middle of Italy and taking day trips was made easier. You will be drawn to this area by it's beauty, fresh air, water and of course the cuisine. Staying at the Gia Mia Villas adds to the Abruzzi ezperience. We hope to go back one day and bring the whole family this time Thank you Mike, Olga & Chiara ! Fabio & Mary and of course Evelyn
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Roger B., Sarasota

Wonderful place!
GiaMia Just outside Sulmona is a place where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the view of the beautiful mountains of Abruzzo.  Mike Giammarco is your host and he takes personal responsibility for your exploration and enjoyment of Abruzzo.   Our first night he took us to a local festival that was a wonderful introduction to the culture of the region.  His spacious and comfortable apartments make an ideal base for exploring this exciting and untouristed part of Italy.  The view from our patio was spectacular.   I was looking for family connections high up in the hills, Mike did all that he could including acting as translator to make sure I found what I was seeking.  I will return to GiaMia.  
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Springtime 2012 visit from S Ont
Excellant value. Mike is a proud owner of this old family property. He welcomed us heartily and introduced us to some of the locals. The rest of the week we were greeted as one of the family throughout the village. GiaMia is a clean, spacious well-planned, home away from home. Amazing views. Close driving distance to Sulmona's amenities and central to numerous historic villages within an hour's drive. Pescara's big sandy beach less than an hour away, Rome 1.5 hours to the west by amazing, scenic highway. Our room was laid out as a North American would feel comfortable. Large rooms with a great washroom including a big walk-in shower. Kitchen was just right size (full sized 'fridge) for us to prepare a couple of meals when we weren't drawn to Sulmona's fare. Forget Tuscany, come to Abruzzo! We look forward to our return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Trent W., Saskatoon Sask. Canada

Authentic Italy
We had a wonderful week at Giamia in October 2011. Six of us were travelling together to do some hiking in the area and we found our stay at Mike’s place ideal. He was an amazing host and resource for us. Shortly after we arrived he gave us a tour of Sulmona to get an overview of the town. It also included a stop at the local supermarket and supper at a restaurant serving the local lamb specialty. The restaurant became a dance floor after our meal and we couldn’t think of a better way to start our week at Campo di Fano. We thoroughly enjoyed cooking for ourselves and appreciated his offer for us to use the basil, parsley and garlic in the garden. He went over and above to customize our authentic Italian experience in a region that has not experienced a great deal of tourism. He made great recommendations of places for us to go where we would find some good hiking in the national parks. We happily accepted his offer to take us to a local farm in the village where we spent several hours with the farmer answering our questions as Mike translated. He also made arrangements for us to talk to a high school teacher to get a perspective of the education system and the situation for young people in the country. It was a real off the beaten track Italian experience that would suit a more adventurous tourist looking for an alternative touristic experience to the throngs that visit more popular northern Italian cities. It was very enlightening for us to be able to discuss the Italian immigration experience to Canada through his life experiences. A car would be essential for exploration in the area although it is only 5 km to the city. A bus stopped outside the door but we didn’t use it. As he said “you come as guests but leave as friends” was exactly our experience.