… There was plenty to investigate, but we left and headed for the Village Vignacastrisi.

There is nothing amazing about the village – it is a typical rural community, except that here history is being reserved. In recent times in communities such as this, the more wealthy have headed off to the main cities to make their fortune grow, but have left behind some marvellous old buildings, which frankly, have fallen into a very poor state of repair.

In the middle of the Village of Vignacastrisi, Andrea’s business partner Sergio has bought the Palazzo Guglielmo opposite the town’s main church.
In the process of renovation, it will transform into something of its former glory. It will be a very high class bed and breakfast, and also be used for a wide range of speciality themed breaks and courses, ranging from Italian cookery classes to cultural appreciation. What a place to experience that? If you can’t cope…one could just spend time, reading and wandering around the orangery out the back!

Moving on to a jewel in the coastline, we visited the little port of Castro Marina and above it, Castro Alta.
Many visit and enjoy Castro Marina, because, of course it is beautiful, but they would be missing so much if they ignored Castro Alta. Towering above the marina, it dominates the headland, but you have to go there. In its centre there are two squares that you have to see. The fist provides the most spectacular panoramic views along the coast to the north. On the far side is a great bar where they can offer something to help you soak it all up.

On the opposite side of the square the men congregate at certain times of the day to meet and talk about everything important to them.