Accommodations in Monterosso Calabro
Orologio Bed & Breakfast
The only place in the historic center of town for overnight guests is in the Palazzetto dell’ Orologio B&B, recently renovated and restored by Ercole and Rosana Massara. It is located across the main piazza from Monterosso’s main church, Santa Maria del Soccorso.
The B&B has three very large rooms, each occupying its own floor. Rates are between 35 and 72 Euros per night based on singles or doubles and high and low seasons, and includes a continental breakfast.
As part of this establishment, but located up the street in a separately restored building next door to the Massara family home, is a guest house with kitchen and separate bedroom. This is also available, especially for long-term stays.
Both locations are owned and operated by Rosana and Ercole Massara (as is Sant ‘Elia – see below). They both speak English. Call 347.7546509 or email info@palazzettodellorologio.com
Just outside Monterosso are two agro-turismo B&Bs:
Villa Velia Bed and Breakfast
Villa Velia, owned by Antonio and Velia Parisi, on Mount Coppari about 10 minutes drive above town, was built to resemble an ancient Roman villa. Two small buildings at the entrance gate are guest houses with kitchens.
In the back of the main house, directly overlooking Monterosso and the Angitola Valley is the stone-built Parisi olive oil press and tasting rooms, a beautiful dining room,
several guest rooms which overlook a spectacular view of Monterosso, and, on very clear days, the Mt. Aetna volcano on Sicily and the Stromboli volcano in the Mediterranean. The villa also includes a lookout tower for even better views and stargazing; bocce ball courts; and ecological walking trails. Each fall, visitors can watch the olive oil making operation and enjoy tastings. Cooking lessons are available, as are the services of Antonio Parisi for historical and cultural tours of the town and region for single persons or for large groups.
Antonio speaks English and several other languages. Contact Antonio at Villa Velia at villavelia20@yahoo.it or call 39.0963.32.60.24 or 39.347.62.33.680.
Sant ‘Elia B&B
To the south in the hills between Monterosso and Capistrano is Sant ‘Elia B&B, also owned and operated by the Massara family, who rent several rooms as singles or to families. Sant ‘Elia was once the 19th century country hunting lodge of the Massara family, whose palazzo in the Capana region in the historical center of Monterosso has been there since the 16th century.
Typical Calabrese dinners are available in two lovely dining rooms. Views from Sant’ Elia are also spectacular. Walks and games are available.
The owners – Ercole and Rosanna Massara – both speak English. Call 39.0963.325040 (cell is 39.347.7546509) or email info@agriturismosantelia.com
Farther afield
The hotels and B&Bs in Pizzo are very close to Monterosso, while those in Tropea are a bit farther afield. Many of these are along the beach. For more information on these, go to Pizzo bed and breakfasts.