From the moment we arrived at 12 Passi dal Mare, it felt like we were coming home. Everything about our stay was extraordinary — worth every single moment. Francesco wasn’t just welcoming; he was genuinely one of the kindest, most caring people we’ve ever met. He made sure we felt comfortable, safe, and happy every step of the way. Even though breakfast wasn’t included, Francesco brought us fresh pastries every morning! 😊 He always had the best tips on where to eat, where to wander, and how to experience the heart of the place. The rooms were warm, spotless, and full of that lived-in charm that makes you instantly relax. The garden had a magical, whimsical feel — the kind you don’t forget. And yes… we were truly just 12 steps from the sea, where the sound of the waves became part of our days. It was a holiday that fed the soul, and we’re already dreaming of the day we return — for much longer next time. Looking forward to next time! Maria & Alex

Stayed in July 2025

We really appreciated the breeze in the room, the yard and also the owner who is a really great host.Grazie, Franceso!

Stayed in July 2025

Only that we had to leave so soon.

We loved absolutely everything- especially the location and the amazing host, Francesco!!

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing to dislike apart from the fact that we only stayed one night 😉

Francesco is the most friendly and best host ever!We very much enjoyed our stay, as Francesco immediately makes you feel at home! Excellent and quiet location to visit Bari and also close to Bari airport.

Stayed in July 2025

It’s not the fault of the property, just be aware that all local beaches are all rocks. The property has a stool and an umbrella to use. If you want a sandy beach, you can go to Lido San Francesco, which is only 2 train stops and some walk away.

Wonderful stay in a local village. The host, Francesco, is so warm, friendly and so helpful. He picked me up at night at the airport and drove me back on his scooter. The room was super nice and clean. Loved everything.

Stayed in July 2025

N/a

Where to begin? We loved everything. In terms of accommodation we had all the necessary ammenities and the room was very clean. The location could not have been better, and we enjoyed relaxing in the yard so much over aperitivo and aperol spritz that we could barely leave to visit Puglia. But the crown jewel is Francesco, who is an extraordinary man and the definition of hospitality. He made us feel like home. Every day he brought us fresh croissants and each interaction with him was an absolute pleasure. When he found out that my fiancee and I got engaged his reaction was genuine, as if we were family - which is exactly what we actually felt like during our 1 week stay. He went into town and got us a gift - a good luck totem - which we'll forever treasure. One thing is for sure: we're looking forward to the day when we'll get back to Bari and enjoy another vacation at 12 Passi dal mare.

Stayed in July 2025

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We definitely recommend this place - beautiful, quiet, without tourists, where you can relax and also have fun or long walks. Delicious food, a store nearby, great and friendly people. The accommodation itself is absolutely of a very high standard with an excellent, friendly and sympatic host Francesco, who added indescribable added value to the whole vacation in the form of croissants for breakfast at the door, beach items (umbrella, chairs, towels), tips for good trips and restaurants. The whole vacation left us with wonderful feelings. Thank you and we will definitely come back to this place.

Stayed in July 2025

It can be noisy in the morning.

Cleanliness, hospitality, service, view from the window, croissants in the morning, overall impression))

Stayed in June 2025

Francesco was an excellent host and always available to help us out. The croissants in the morning were very nice.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

How do I say this. I was going with the wife and she had picked this place out. From the time we got there to the time we left it could not have been better. The owner Francesco is there and will attend to every need you have and more. You walk across the street and you are at the Adriatic Sea and while the that area of Italy has rocky beaches, the water was just great to be in. It isn't a tourist town like Rome, Venice, Milan and the likes of that. The people are friendly and smile and make you feel at home. The harbour area is an 8 minute walk along the coast where all the locals come to relax and have fun. The room where you will sleep is really, really great. A big shower that 2 can fit into quite nicely as well as a firm queen size bed, great air conditioning and sitting outside for breakfast every morning and relaxing was perfect. The refrigerator isn't one of those small hotel refrigerators but big enough to put all you food in that you will eat while your there. While there isn't a kitchen or a micro wave, you have your coffee maker, hot water heater for tea, and all the food you don't need to cook can be bought locally a put in the refrigerator. The TV is big and you have a lot off option on it from Netflix to local programs. Parking can be done 2 ways. On the street in front of the house or on the property next to the house, like your driveway. Lastly, Francesco, well he is the best, full stop. He brings and sets out fresh croissants for you every morning. He is a joy to talk to. You need something just ask. Once your there a couple of days, well, you feel like you are home. We are already looking at dates for when we can head back there. It was that enjoyable of a stay in a very, very nice place.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing

Loved the clean bright spacious room with a well thought out theme for the room. The owner was lovely, very helpful and gave us a great recommendation for dinner only literally a minutes walk. Directly opposite the sea. Just gorgeous

Stayed in June 2025

The owner Francesco could not have been more helpful. He bent over backwards to welcome us. the location was awesome-Right across from the water, but near the airport for our early flight home. The rooms were decorated very nicely, beds comfy with large bathrooms. Also great outdoor seating.

Stayed in May 2025

We needed to stay near the airport as we had an early flight in the morning. We happened upon this property in our search and could not have been more pleased. It was a fabulous location and we wished we had more time there. Francesco was very kind and helpful and his property was clean and comfortable. Such a lucky find.

Stayed in May 2025

12 Passi dal Mare is a great place to stay at Francesca's. The host is wonderful, helpful and kind - we had a great time talking. And the white villa is great - a green garden, spacious, tastefully decorated rooms, a coffee machine and fridge in the room and a huge TV with Netflix. We have had chance to park in the yard - great. In a cozy town nearby there are many great restaurants, bars and everything near the sea with a rocky shore. You need to go here and enjoy. Thanks Francesca for a good time!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Location was literally across the road from the Adriatic Sea and located just a few kilometres from Bari downtown and Vecchio in one direction and Giovinazzo in the other. Clean, well presented and well maintained. It was clear that a lot of thought and care had gone into its presentation. Our host, Francesco, told us the house was once his Grandfather’s home, and that love and respect are evident. The garden space is well maintained and presented, and has shade, seating and a hammock!! Parking is available both at the accommodation itself, and on the street immediately outside.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Great view, excellent location, very kind host

Stayed in May 2025

Great location, cosy room, very nice and helpful owner

Stayed in April 2025

Beautiful location and Francesco the host make you feel at home. We definitely coming back

Stayed in April 2025

Absolutely amazing stay! Francesco, our host, radiates positive energy and with the charming smile of a movie star he will help you with anything. Nice and clean room, sound of sea waves, quiet town with plenty of bars and restaurants close by, we could not wish for more. Simply joy and relax. Thank you Francesco!

Stayed in April 2025

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We had an amazing stay in this beautiful villa right by the sea in S. Spirito, Bari. The rooms were spacious, very clean, and well-equipped with a private bathroom, coffee machine, kettle, tea, coffee, and fridge — everything you need for a perfect holiday. What made our stay truly special was the host, Francesco. He welcomed us like old friends and went above and beyond every day. Even though breakfast wasn’t included, he brought us fresh croissants each morning. He also recommended great places to visit and eat. On our last day, he even arranged a free early-morning ride to the airport, borrowing a friend’s car to help us avoid expensive taxi fares. Such kindness is rare — we were truly touched. Highly recommended! We’d love to come back.

Stayed in April 2025

What a wonder man Francesco is, greeting us with a huge smile even though we arrived late in the evening. Francesco messaged us via WhatsApp which made it very easy to talk to him. The room was fantastic. Everything was very clean, the mattress and pillows were very comfortable. Extra plug sockets to charge our phones by the bed. Amazing surprise of fruit left in our room. We weren’t expecting to have breakfast but Francesco left us freshly baked croissants. Waking up in the morning to blue sky and the sea in front was truly magical. We have spent a week so far travelling around Sicily, now onto mainland Italy. This is most definitely the nicest place we have stayed in so far. Thank you so much Francesco.

Stayed in April 2025

The stay was perfect, we had everything we needed and felt amazing! The bed is very very comfortable, the place is very clean and smells so nice! There was a private parking spot, which was great! Also the location is so special, it is a real soul place, that makes you feel good immediatly :) Francesco is a very kind and open hearted host! We absolutely recommend this property and hope to book it again, too.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

Everything was great, the location, the host Francesco is very welcoming and knowledgeable about the area he grew up there. Gives you the best tips of what to do. In the room you have coffee, tea, and every morning he will leave us some fresh pastries. The place has a lot of room. And clean for being by the water no musky smell of mold. Excellent place so many things to list. For people who loves to collect rock this place is the best

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

Francesco is a very kind and generous host! Not only did he provide a beautiful room with a view of the sea (that photo is perfectly true), he went out of his way to ensure that we were comfortable and happy. He gave us great tips about his local area and where to find things. We will certainly recommend this property to all our family and friends.

Stayed in January 2025