Hotel Piccolo Mondo is a hidden gem in South Puglia! As a frequent luxury traveler, I was impressed by the exceptional customer service and value for money. The hotel offers top-notch amenities, including a stunning pool, tennis courts, and a private creek. Our included breakfast was a delight, and early check-in and check-out made our stay seamless. Plus, it's conveniently close to iconic beaches on both the Ionian and Adriatic seas. The attentive staff truly goes above and beyond, remembering every detail to make your stay unforgettable.

After much travelling we wanted just to chill out for a few days and this was a great place to do just that.It’s a huge sprawling cliff top property with the most amazing views and a lovely pool area. There’s an outdoor cinema area, a tennis court, a bocce area, a little stone chapel and hundreds of steps down to the sea. The staff were very friendly too. A special shout out to Alessandra!

The property was a little rundown but if it was updated it would probably be 6 star and totally unaffordable! The furniture in the rooms are bit basic but it was clean and everything worked, so no complaints. Just be aware that there are hundreds of stone stairs on the property and, in fact, all over Castro and not many handrails anywhere, so not suited to the less mobile.

What to say. The hotel is called "Piccolo Mondo (i.e. Little world)" but it should more correctly be called "Little Paradise" because it is indeed in a spectacular place. Let's start from the reception where at every hour you can find super nice people available to solve any problem all under the direction of the very kind Mrs. Alessandra. In particular Gemma was super kind to let us anticipate breakfast the last day of our stay to allow us to leave early to catch a plane from Brindisi, as was very kind the man who was there at night whose name I don't remember. The room was beautiful although not very modern in style, but with a view of the sea that was magnificent. The hotel is in the green and so you can breathe nature (including hearing the sound of cicadas), but then a few meters away is the magnificent pool and the stairway to the sea as the hotel is on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. During my stay I was only in the pool because it's filled with seawater, which makes it nice because you float like in the sea and it's nice and deep so you can take nice dives. And then by the pool you have the bar/restaurant with the guys who work there who are very nice. Finally there is breakfast which is served on a terrace with a sea view which is breathtaking and the breakfast is very good. The parking lot is very large. All in all the hotel for me is a 10 because it is a hotel that is worth a future visit!

Absolutely nothing. I totally relaxed!

We loved the pool , there were always sun loungers available. The view is absolutely incredible. The staff are lovely , it felt very homely and sweet. The common areas were always clean and understatedly chic. It’s an old property that has a few cracks and imperfections but it has truly kept it’s 70s Italian charm which is hard to come by.

It’s on an incline , and no lifts , so it’s not good to a family with a pram For example. Our daughter was is 6 and it was all manageable.

Lots of highlights staying at Hotel Piccolo Mondo. The views from the property were breathtaking, the breakfast was wonderful and the staff was accommodating. The pool is also very cute! We went to Piscina Zinzulusa (a recommendation from a friend) and ended up returning to the hotel pool early because it's more special. The hotel's private beach is also a true gem.

The pool was magic. The terrace we ate on for breakfast had views of the ocean. Overall feel was relaxing and clean with real vacation vibes.

It is very spread out and steep, you need to be able to walk comfortably. The lunch at the pool was delicious but it could be a long wait for food.

Location staff and amenities excellent

Room basic hard bed and needed painting and maintenance on plumbing

The location and the view on the sea is unique and fantastic. At breakfast, at the restaurant, around the swimming pool, in front of each room/suites your eyes will be delighted and you will be breathless. The best private access on the sea in Castro, allowing you to visit the “Azzurra” cave complete this paradise corner.

The rooms are quite old style and the humidity could be high.

Wonderful location perched on a cliff with stunning views of the local coastline. Lovely gardens and relaxed atmosphere, beautiful pool with sea water. Great rocky coves for swimming nearby and easy walk to the historic centre of Castro for local restaurants. The rooms are simple and have comfortable beds. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Piccolo Mondo is a truly SPECIAL hotel. There are few like it that we have stayed at. When we found it on booking, we knew it would be a place that resonated with us. The pool is incredible, and we especially loved that it was a natural saltwater pool, filled straight from the ocean water below. One of the hight lights was that you could access a natural grotto directly by going down a flight of stairs and jumping right in from the hotel grounds. The staff is incredibly helpful, and super cool. They provided excellent recommendations on where to eat and explore that really spoke to what we were looking for.

The only reason that I wouldn't give it 100% of the 'highest' ratings is that the rooms are pretty dated, and the window treatments could use way better light filtering, but that does add to the charm of it all!