Residence San leo, seaside apartments in Briatico
Residence San leo is a residence of independent apartments in Briatico, on the Costa degli Dei in Calabria, with a garden, barbecue and parking. It works for families and groups with a car who want a fair price and the sea nearby. Anyone who wants to walk to the beach or expects hotel comfort would do better elsewhere.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Residence San leo.
Where Residence San leo is in Briatico
Residence San leo is on Via Manzoni, in Briatico, on the Costa degli Dei in Calabria. It sits in the hamlet of San Leo, a few kilometres from the sea at Briatico and about ten minutes' drive from Tropea, according to guests.
The key point to understand straight away is that you need a car here. Those who liked the residence say so clearly, and those who did not say so even more clearly. One person talks about roughly a kilometre to the nearest beach, and two others mention that for a bar, a supermarket or the sea you travel by car. The private car park, luckily, is convenient.
Briatico's railway station is nearby, but to explore the coast and reach Pizzo, Capo Vaticano and Tropea, the car remains the most practical choice.
What the Residence San leo apartments are like
The apartments are independent, with a private bathroom, a fitted kitchenette and a fridge. Some have air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available in the shared areas, and outside there is a garden with a barbecue area and a children's play area. The description also mentions an airport shuttle.
Guests who stayed describe clean, tidy apartments, with very new furniture and everything needed for a week's stay. One review describes online check-in with automatic door opening, and another recommends, if possible, choosing rooms with a sea view.
Not all the apartments are the same, and that is the key to this property. The photos seem to show units on the first and second floors, while one critical review talks about mini apartments on the lower floor, with windows at street level.
What guests say about Residence San leo
On Google the residence has a rating of 3.9 out of 5, with 114 reviews. It is a divided rating, and that shows when you read the comments.
- The welcome. The manager and the owners are described by many as kind and available for any request.
- The cleanliness. Among the positive comments, almost all talk about apartments that are clean, comfortable and well kept.
- The price. Several people talk about excellent value for money and competitive prices.
- The location. It is appreciated as a base for Calabria, with the sea and Tropea easy to reach by car.
What to know before booking
The negative reviews are not many, but they are harsh and precise. It is worth reading them before you book, because they touch exactly the weak points.
| What you will like | What to know |
|---|---|
| Clean apartments with new furniture | Some units on the lower floor are described as dark, damp and poorly ventilated |
| Competitive prices | Kitchen poorly stocked for some, with not even coffee cups |
| Helpful managers | One guest complains of little control over noise and rest hours |
| Private car park | You need a car for the sea, bars and supermarket |
Another critical review describes an old and very small bathroom. For that reason, before booking, I would ask which floor the apartment is on, whether it has a washing machine and what view it has. With a clear answer you avoid almost all the nasty surprises.
Who I recommend it for
I would choose Residence San leo for a holiday in Calabria by car, as a family or with friends, intending to spend little time indoors and plenty of time out among beaches and villages. It works if price matters and if a quiet place, far from evening life, does not bother you.
I would not recommend it to anyone who wants a beach within walking distance, hotel-style comfort or a well-stocked kitchen without bringing anything from home.
If you are still comparing accommodation in Calabria, also look at the B&B Villa Mariotta in Amantea, the Albergo delle Rose in Bagnara Calabra or Tetto Verde in Carolei.
What to do in Briatico and on the Costa degli Dei
The sea at Briatico is the main reason to come, and guests describe it as exceptional. From here you can reach Tropea, Pizzo Calabro and Capo Vaticano, three famous names on the coast.
These are my own ideas, not services of the property. One tip from those who have been is not to settle for a short holiday, because there is a lot to see along the coast.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
