Villa Ulimare Family Residence · Vieste
Your questions
Our family’s answers, all in one place: 74 questions in 9 sections, to read before you travel.
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At a glance
- at most for your quote
- 3 hours
- check-in, check-out
- 15:00 · 9:00
- for a club card
- €0
- we live on site
- 24/7
Booking and paying
Is it better to book directly with you or through Booking?
The apartments are the same, but when you book directly with us you are guaranteed to save money. You also talk, from your very first message, to the people who will welcome you. And you can ask us which apartment best suits your family, agree on your arrival time and choose only the services you need.
What’s included in the price of the stay?
Water, electricity and gas, final cleaning, the pool with parasols and sun loungers, the children’s playground, the barbecue area, the laundry and a parking space in the fenced on-site car park are all included. There’s no surprise club card to pay on arrival. The only extras are the tourist tax and the services you choose, such as air conditioning, bed linen and towels.
How does the best price guarantee work?
When you book directly with us, you pay the lowest price. If, before booking, you find the same apartment elsewhere, with the same dates, the same guests and the same conditions, at a lower price, show us where: we’ll check and give you the same price. It applies to prices visible to everyone, without logging in or using discount codes.
How soon will I get my quote?
Within 3 hours at most, in every season. Fill in the quote request form or, if you’re in a hurry, message us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab).
Is it Saturday to Saturday?
Yes, stays run from Saturday to Saturday, except in low season: in that case, just tell us the dates you’d like in the form.
What’s the minimum stay?
In low season the minimum stay is 3 nights. At other times of the year, stays run from Saturday to Saturday.
How do I pay?
When you book, you pay a small deposit, shown in your quote. The balance and any extras are paid at the residence, in cash, by instant bank transfer or by card.
What happens if I have to cancel my booking?
The deposit you pay when you book is a confirmatory deposit. If you cancel up to 90 days before arrival, we keep the deposit; if you cancel within 90 days of arrival or don’t turn up, the full price of the stay is due, even if you arrive later or leave earlier. The 14-day right of withdrawal for distance contracts doesn’t apply to holiday accommodation. All the conditions are in the House Rules we send you with your quote.
How much is the tourist tax?
€2.50 per person per day, from age 14, for a maximum of 10 nights. It’s paid at the residence and isn’t included in your quote.
Is there a security deposit?
Sometimes, on arrival: €100. We’ll give it back when you leave if everything is in order. If you leave during the night, we’ll send it back to you by bank transfer.
Booking a last-minute offer?
Tap “Request this offer” under the last-minute offer you’re interested in and fill in the form, or message us on WhatsApp: the message with the apartment and dates is already written for you. We’ll confirm whether it’s still free and at what price.
Can I book a last-minute offer for fewer nights?
It depends on the offer: the number of nights is shown on each one. If you need different dates, just ask and we’ll look at it together.
How will I know when there’s a last-minute offer?
When there is one, the orange “Last-minute offers” banner scrolls across the top of every page of the website: tap it to go to the Last Minute page. We don’t ask for your email or phone number, just drop by the website.
Are bed linen and towels included?
No, and they’re not compulsory: you can rent them from us or bring your own and save. You’ll find the prices on our Rates page.
Check-in & out
Arrival and departure times?
Under our House Rules, check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 9:00. Sometimes, though, depending on availability and departure times, we can agree your arrival time together.
Can we arrive before 15:00?
It’s best to message or call us the day before to ask. Either way, if you do arrive early and your parking space is already free, you can leave the car and head to the beach, or relax by the pool. In the meantime we’ll get the apartment ready as soon as we can. Always call us 15 minutes before you arrive.
Can we arrive at night?
Yes, but it has to be arranged in advance: tell us your arrival time when you book and call us 15 minutes before you arrive, on the numbers you’ll find in Getting Here. At night we ask you to keep as quiet as possible: pack everything you need for the first night in a small bag and unload the rest in the morning.
What if we arrive late?
No problem, just let us know. If you haven’t arrived by midnight on your check-in day and haven’t phoned or written to us, by email or WhatsApp, to say you’re running late, the booking is treated as a no-show and the apartment may be given to other guests.
Can we leave the apartment after 9:00?
As a rule, no: the apartment must be free by 9:00. If you need more time, just ask us: we’ll see case by case.
Is parking included?
Yes, always: one parking space per apartment in our private, fenced car park, suitable for cars and SUVs. If you have a larger vehicle we can’t guarantee you a space: it’s best to let us know its type and size when you book.
Where is the Residence?
At Contrada Macchia di Mauro, 2, in Vieste, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. You can walk to Pizzomunno beach. You’ll find full directions on our How to reach us page.
Which is the nearest airport to Vieste?
The nearest is Foggia’s “Gino Lisa”, with flights from a few cities in northern Italy. Bari Airport is about 180 km away but has many more flights, international ones too, and from June to September a direct bus to Vieste.
Is there a train to Vieste?
Not directly: Vieste has no railway station. You take the train to Foggia and then the bus, all year round; in summer you can also take the train as far as Peschici Calenella and then the bus.
Can you get to Vieste by ferry?
No, you can’t reach Vieste by ferry. You get here by car, by plane to Bari or Foggia and then by bus, or by train to Foggia and then by bus.
The apartments
How many does the one-bedroom sleep?
Up to 4: two in the double bedroom and two on the armchair beds in the living room. In terms of space, it’s ideal for 2 adults + 1, at most 2, children or teenagers; or for up to 3 adults. If there are more of you, the two-bedroom sleeps up to 5.
How many does the two-bedroom sleep?
Up to 5: two in the double bedroom, two in the room with the single beds and one on the sofa bed in the living room, which is suitable for 1 adult at most. If there are 2 or 3 of you, have a look at the one-bedroom too.
One-bedroom or two-bedroom?
The one-bedroom is 30 m² with one bedroom, so it’s perfect for a couple or a small family. The two-bedroom is 60 m², with two separate bedrooms and a walk‑in shower: it’s more comfortable for families with older children or 4 adults. If you’re not sure, choose “Help me choose” in the quote request form and we’ll suggest the best option for you.
More than 5 of us?
You can book more than one apartment. Enter the number of people in the quote request form, with no limit on numbers, and we’ll suggest the best solution for you.
We’re a group: can we have apartments close together?
Yes, if they’re available, even more than two: just ask us when you request your quote.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, but it’s optional: we don’t include it in the quote only for you to end up not using it. The apartments have lots of windows and are bright and airy, so you can decide on the spot if you need it. You’ll find the price on our Rates page.
Is there a kettle and an iron?
Yes, on request. Every apartment already has a kitchenette with 4 burners, crockery, pans and cutlery, and a fridge with freezer.
What should we bring?
A coffee pot and a grater, which we don’t provide for hygiene reasons; laundry detergent and household cleaning products, such as washing-up liquid; a sponge and a tea towel; toiletries, toilet paper and anything else you think you’ll need. You can bring your own bed linen and towels or rent them from us; blankets are not provided. If you’re travelling with a pet, bring its bowls, bed and food too.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, and it’s free, but you’ll only find it outdoors, in the residence’s outdoor areas: there’s none inside the apartments.
Do you clean during the stay?
Final cleaning is always included. On request and subject to availability, we can also clean during the week, at €50 per apartment per clean: just ask us at least 4 days in advance.
How does recycling work?
Every apartment has 5 small bins: plastic and metal, food waste, general waste, paper and cardboard, glass. Please use only clear biodegradable bags, never black bin bags or ordinary carrier bags. Outside the residence you’ll find 5 large bins to empty them into, always kept separate.
Pool and facilities
When is the pool open?
It opens on 1 May and closes on 30 September. Parasols and sun loungers are included, in the shade of the centuries-old olive trees we kept by the water.
How does the laundry work?
It’s a shared area with a washing machine and a large sink, free for all guests. Detergent isn’t provided, so bring your own. And please don’t waste: only wash when you have a full load.
How often can we do a wash?
Once a day per apartment, for an hour at most.
Can we have a barbecue?
Yes: the barbecue area, among the olive trees, is available to all guests and included in the price of your stay.
Can we use wood in the barbecue?
No, only charcoal or briquettes.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes, so that everyone can rest: from midnight to 8:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30.
Is there someone on site if I need anything?
Always, 24/7: we’re a family and we live here on site, day and night. We welcome you when you arrive and recommend beaches, restaurants and excursions. Come and meet us on our About Us page.
With children
Do you have a cot and a high chair?
Yes: a high chair, a folding cot and a baby cot are available on request (subject to availability) and free of charge. Just mention it in the notes of your quote request.
Can children use the pool on their own?
No: under-18s may only use the pool with a parent or a responsible adult, who must keep an eye on them at all times.
Is Pizzomunno beach suitable for children?
Yes. It’s a beach of fine golden sand with very shallow water, awarded the Blue Flag of Vieste and also the Green Flag of the Italian paediatricians, once again this year. You can choose the free beach or one of our two partner beach clubs, where booking through us will allow you to pay less than the list price.
With your pet
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, pets are welcome on request. Tell us their size and breed in your quote request: we look at them together, for the safety of all our guests. Dogs, like any other animal, must be microchipped and in good health.
What does my dog cost?
Nothing. Only for pets with a very thick coat do we charge €50 per stay for extra cleaning. Either way, the apartment must be left clean and free of pet hair.
Which pets can we bring, and how many?
Up to 2 per apartment. We welcome dogs, cats and other animals, always within the limits of safety.
Can my dog go in the pool?
No: pets aren’t allowed in or around the pool. In the garden and common areas dogs stay on the lead; on the veranda, closed by its gate, they can be outdoors and safe.
Can my dog come to the beach?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on all the free beaches in Vieste, including the one next to our partner beach clubs, Oasi Beach and Il Belvedere, which also welcome pets: you agree the spot and conditions for your dog directly with the beach club.
Is there a vet in Vieste?
Yes, there are two practices in town: San Francesco, run by Dr Antonio Latino, in Via Eugenio Montale (0884 707162), and San Giorgio, run by Dr Domenico Tavaglione, in Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie (0884 355007).
Is there a dog groomer in Vieste?
Yes: Amici di Zampa, at Via Gioacchino Rossini 8, phone 345 845 6424.
The beach
Are the beaches in Vieste free or paid?
Both. On Pizzomunno beach you’ll find our partner beach clubs, Oasi Beach and Il Belvedere, where booking through us saves you 10 to 20% off the list price, and right next to them a wide free beach. Once again this year Vieste has the Blue Flag for San Lorenzo, Scialara (our Pizzomunno beach) and Marina Piccola. Dogs are allowed on the free beaches.
What if we don’t want a beach club?
No problem at all! On the same Pizzomunno beach, right next to our partner beach clubs, there’s a lovely, wide free beach. And if you love exploring, Vieste and the Gargano have countless bays, coves and little inlets open to everyone: you can discover a new one every day and enjoy the sea in complete freedom, with no obligations and no beach club fees.
Does the beach discount apply if I booked elsewhere?
Yes. The 10 to 20% discount off the list price at our partner beach clubs, Oasi Beach and Il Belvedere, applies to all our guests, when you book the beach club through us. We’ll explain how when you arrive.
Can we park at the beach?
Only at Oasi Beach. From us, though, you can walk to Pizzomunno beach without taking the car.
Any bars and pizzerias near the beach?
Yes: Oasi Beach itself is a bar, restaurant and pizzeria. Otherwise there are lots more, on both sides of the seafront.
Where can we buy groceries?
For the little things there’s the mini market opposite the beach clubs. For a big shop, in town you’ll find supermarkets such as Eurospin, MD, Despar and Conad.
Around Vieste
How far is the centre of Vieste from you?
The centre of Vieste is 1.5 km away: a short stroll along the famous Pizzomunno seafront, where you’ll also find our partner beach clubs, easy and quick to reach on foot. Roads, transport and parking are all on our Getting Here page.
Do you need a car to explore around Vieste?
Not for Vieste itself: from our Family Residence you can walk to Pizzomunno beach, and the centre, 1.5 km away, is a pleasant stroll along the seafront. For the sea caves and the Tremiti Islands you set off by boat from Vieste harbour. For the Foresta Umbra, Vignanotica, Peschici and Monte Sant’Angelo, unless you’re a keen cyclist, a car is the most convenient option: you choose the times and the stops. A parking space is always included with us.
How many days do you need for Vieste and the area?
One to two weeks is ideal. In a week you can alternate beach days with boat trips to the sea caves and the Tremiti Islands, and outings to the Foresta Umbra and villages such as Peschici and Monte Sant’Angelo, though perhaps in a bit of a rush. With two weeks you can see everything at a gentler pace, and enjoy some well-earned rest too.
When is the best time to come to Vieste?
June to September for the sea: on average the water is around 23 °C in June, 26 °C in July, 27 °C in August and 25 °C in September. June and September are quieter than July and August, with the sea still warm. And from May to the end of September our pool is waiting for you too.
What to do in Vieste on a rainy or windy day?
Take an umbrella and wander at leisure through the old town, between the Cathedral and the Swabian Castle, visit Vieste’s Museo Malacologico, with shells from all over the world, or head up to Monte Sant’Angelo, where the sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in a cave.
Will you tell us what to see?
Yes, and it’s what we love doing most. We’ve lived on site for more than twenty years: we’ll suggest beaches, caves, excursions and restaurants, but also what’s really worth seeing and what you can happily skip. Because every tip is tailored to you, to your tastes and to the kind of holiday you’re after.
How do we book an excursion?
It couldn’t be easier! Ask us when you request your quote or once you arrive: we’ll put you in touch with trusted professionals for the best experiences in Gargano, from boat trips to bike hire and much more. Excursions and outside services are optional and not included in the price of your stay, as shown on our Rates page.
About us and reviews
Who runs Villa Ulimare?
Our family: Lea and Michele, who founded it, their son Raffaele, who runs it today, and Roxana, who organises the apartments and, with her natural kindness, takes care of welcoming every guest. No agencies and no call centres.
Do you really live on site?
Yes, for more than twenty years: our homes are here, close to the apartments. That’s why you’ll find us day and night.
How long have you worked in tourism?
For over 35 years. And Michele’s experience in hospitality goes back even further.
How old are the olive trees?
At least 150 years old. They were here before our grandparents: and it’s precisely because they’re so precious that we built the pool around them.
Do you speak English?
Yes, and Italian, German and Romanian too.
How do you choose which reviews to show?
We only show a few, written in the last two years and shown in full, with the name, rating and month as they appear on the platform. You can read all the others on Google, Tripadvisor and Booking.com.
How often do you update the scores?
Every time we get 3 or 4 new reviews: the average rating and the number of reviews are the ones you’ll find on the three platforms.
Why are the reviews translated?
So you can read them all in English. Many of our guests come from abroad and write in their own language: we translate each review faithfully and note the language it was written in. And when you get here, we speak Italian, English, German and Romanian.
Can I leave a review after my stay?
Yes, on Google or Tripadvisor. It helps us enormously, but we don’t offer discounts or perks in return: your opinion should be freely given.
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